Career Changes

How to know it's time for a career change Gone are the days where you leave university and sign on to one job for your whole life. Mixed careers are becoming the norm, but how do you make sure those inevitable job switches are worth your while?

Throughout our working lives, most of us will have a portfolio of careers made up of a series of roles and three to four different career paths. With the right skills, experience and support, you can work on your dream career regardless of where you’re at right now.

Maybe you’ve got the vision, but don’t quite know what to do next? Here are five steps to get you started.

1. Define why you want a career change Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Are you motivated by money or a passion? Understanding what your motivations are will help you decide what you want to pursue –whether that’s a complete 180-turn on your current career, or some extra training to help you upskill. Simon, for instance, didn’t let 17 years as a successful chef stop him from embarking on a new career in financial planning. His change of heart led him to enrol in RMIT’s Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) through Open Universities Australia (OUA), with the aim to eventually run his own financial planning business.

2. Get to know the real you Instead of taking the next job that comes along because you think you should, take some time out to explore your interests. That’s what Christelle did. When her first two university degrees didn’t lead to a career she loved, Christelle left her real estate job to travel. When she came home she transitioned into construction, and within a year had enrolled in a Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) with Curtin University, through OUA, so she could turn her job into a career.

3. Research what opportunities are out there Talk to professionals about your career aspirations and what industries are really like. Look for roles that match your skill-set, passions and values. And don’t be afraid to aim high. Just because you need to do further training or study doesn’t mean your perfect role is out of reach.

4. Identify your transferable skills We’ve all gained skills that we can take with us from job to job – sometimes without even realising. Some examples are interpersonal skills, time management, prioritisation, delegation, and analysis. It can even be as simple a skill as listening, or finding self-motivation, which are developed effortlessly in everyday life. You’re further ahead than you probably realise, so have a think about your strengths, and how you could use them to your advantage.

5. Get support to take the first step Overcoming your fear of the unknown is vital if you want to take the plunge. Don’t let questions that can be easily answered hold you back. Seek out qualified professionals who can help you discover your options and provide you with advice on what steps you need to take. Work-life happiness comes from doing things that are meaningful to you.

6. So when you’ve decided on your dream job, and you’re ready to plan for your career change, visit Open Universities Australia. At Open Universities Australia, we can help find the best fit for you from over 150 degrees and 1300 single subjects from a range of leading Australian unis. We’ve helped over 350,000 students study uni online, and we can do the same for you.

Find out more at open.edu.au.