Is Fear Holding You Back From Your Next Career Move?
The start of a new year brings with it the prospect of change, particularly when it comes to careers. After having a relaxing time off over the festive period and thinking about your future plans, you may have decided that actually your life isn’t heading in the direction you had planned, and you need to start following a new path.
Whether you are thinking about completely leaving the industry you have spent your entire professional life in, or are going to stay in the same industry and take on more responsibilities (like becoming an Assessor) it can be daunting. We have said it before and we will say it again, you are never too old to study and follow your dreams.
Initial Concerns
By now you have probably been through every possible scenario in your head about what could go wrong (because let’s face it, most of us are glass-half-empty kind of people). The most common concerns are:
- What if I make this leap of faith and I am not good at it?
- What if I am unable to support my family?
- Am I too far into my working life to make a career change?
- Will I have to start from the bottom and work my way up again?
Taking the time to answer these main questions should help to put your mind at ease slightly. This is a big decision to make, so carrying out research is key to helping you be more prepared. If you are moving industries, now is a good time to find out as much as possible about the new industry too. They may have completely different rules and regulations compared to the industry you currently work in, so you need to be aware of these from the start.
Talk To Others & Take Your Time
If you are stepping into the unknown, the best thing you can do is find others who have followed the same journey so that you can learn from their experiences. Connecting with those already in the profession is also a great way to start networking and build up new connections. You never know, they might even be able to help you get into the field you want to work in.
Remember not to rush this big decision, just because you are getting older (aren’t we all?!) it doesn’t mean that you have to decide your future quickly. The longer you take to make the decision, the more informed your final choice will be. Writing down a pros and cons list is always a good place to start, as this will help you to stop going round and round in circles in your own head. Consider what aspects of your current job that you like, dislike, and things that you wish were different.
Identifying Your Skills
No matter how old you are, it is likely that you have picked up a whole host of skills that are transferable to any sector. Start by grabbing a pen and some paper so you can start listing out these skills – they will form the basis of your CV too so it really is a worthwhile exercise.
You may well have to undertake additional training or qualifications in order to gain more knowledge about your new sector, but don’t let this put you off. Particularly if you are making the move to become an Assessor, you may be surprised to learn that all of our qualifications are delivered virtually which means you can study at a time and pace that suits you.
You Have Got This!
Change is always a difficult thing but if you always stay inside your comfort zone then you will never grow as a person. Switching to a completely new industry is a brave move, but remember to be gentle with yourself. Over time you will adapt to the change, so embrace it and the personal growth that will follow. If you would like any advice on starting a career as an Assessor then please give us a call on 01205 805155 and we will be happy to help you.