How to Change Careers and Still Pay the Bills - 5 Key Steps

Studies show that more than 50% of people are unhappy in their jobs yet few will actually make a career change in 2005. Why? Most people let fear stop them yet successful career changers know that fear is simply a sign that you are headed in the right direction!

Follow the 5 key steps that successful career changers actually take to overcome their fears and make a sustainable change.

1. Plug the Leaks

While you may be focused on the fact that this is a career transition, you are made up of more than just your job. Identify and commit to eliminating those things that are draining you of energy. Deal with them now in order to have a surplus of energy to make your career change.

2. Know What You Want and Make the Decision to Have It

We spend a great deal of time focusing on what we don't like about our jobs and often let transitions happen to us. Being passive about a career transition makes for a painful passage. Stop and identify what you would like instead. Be proactive and make the decision, internally, that this is what you want and that you will not let anything stop you.

3. Believe in What You Want

Belief corresponds to how you feel about what you want. Examine what you are telling yourself about your desire for a new job. Make a decision to change your belief so that your career change is not a matter of "if" or "how" but only "when".

4. Make it a Transition, Not a Leap

Keep your day job and try out your calling on the side. Not being able to pay the bills is a stress you can choose to not put yourself through. Go through a process of repeated planning and testing, planning and testing. See what you learn and decide what your next steps should be. Remember, it's a transition. Slow and steady will get you to the finish line. Think marathon, not sprint.

5. Live As If

Your future career is created by being in the present and showing up each day as if what you want has already come to pass. Ask yourself, "If I was already working in my dream job, how would I act today?" Then make the shift and go act as if you've already made it!

Copyright 2005 Annemarie Segaric

Annemarie Segaric is a respected career change coach, motivational speaker, and the author of the pocket booklet, 107 Tips for Changing Your Career While Still Paying the Bills. Dread Monday mornings? Visit Annemarie's website and download your free career change toolkit today.

---

Finding Success In Todays Job Market

This year we are experiencing the most dynamic and rapidly... Read More

Day Trading ? The Ultimate Work-From-Home Job?

Ever dreamt of giving up the daily grind? Want to... Read More

Thank-You Notes: Your Thoughtfulness will be Rewarded

I get asked these questions over and over: "Should I... Read More

Fuzzy Headed Job Goals Lead to a Fuzzy Headed Life!

May I clarify in this article what I believe to... Read More

Book Summary: How to Work with Just About Anyone

This article is based on the following book:How... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Containing Anxiety

It hangs from the ceiling above your bed while you... Read More

Your Resume Format - What Is The First Thing You Need To Do?

The first thing you need to do before you write... Read More

Job Interviews & the Magic of Music

Can music help you with your next job interview? It... Read More

Change Your Life, Change Your Career And Get A New Job!

Careers dictate resume formatDifferent careers use different forms of resumes.... Read More

Build New Habits -- Payday Will Come --

Feeling that it never works is not a good excuse.... Read More

Surviving in Corporate Amercia: Part 1 - Email

There is a saying that goes, "The best offense is... Read More

Top 10 Skills for New World of Work

There are many changes coming in the world of work,... Read More

Image and Style Count

When I was a child, there was a pool nearby... Read More

How to Insure Job Security

The attorneys I coach have one common problem. They don't... Read More

Are You In A Groove Or A Rut?

Ruts: the routines in our work and lives that have... Read More

Career Strategy When Your Boss is a Bully

Q. Right after I accepted my new position, the manager... Read More

Career Killers to Avoid

Many professionals and managers are so involved in day-to-day crises... Read More

Is a Career Change on Your Horizon?

Making a career change is nothing new in today's job... Read More

Managing The Boss Is Essential To Career Success

Your boss is the gatekeeper of your career. Unless you... Read More

Intuition: The Secret To Your Career Success

For far too long, we moderns have relied on our... Read More

Cover Letter Magic: 4 Ways To ASK For The Job Interview - And Get It!

Just how important it is to ASK for the job... Read More

Invest in Your Career Change--Put Your Money Where Your Dream Is

You say you want a new career, you say you... Read More

The Executive Resume - Moving Beyond Accomplishments

There is a major difference between conventional resumes and executive... Read More

Career Job Satisfaction - Get Off the Treadmill - Exit Your Rat Race!

Get Off the Treadmill - Exit Your Rat Race!We can... Read More

How to Access Employers through Proposal Marketing

Use Proposal Marketing and you'll be your own hot spot,... Read More

Match, Meet, and Mesmerize at a Job Fair

Are you considering another trip through the career maze? Attending... Read More

Job Search Campaign Tip: An Activity Diary

Looking for a job involves a wide range of responsibilities:... Read More

For My Second Career, I Want to Do Nothing!

Q. For my second career, I'd like to know "What... Read More

10 Tips For Writing A Winning Resume

Your resume (or curriculum vitae), combined with the cover letter,... Read More

Why You Should Never Complain About Former Bosses

You're at a job interview. You're doing great, answering questions... Read More

Mastering The Lunch Interview

Interviews can be nerve-racking, brain-draining, headache-inducing experiences. These days, recruiters... Read More

Are Online Degrees Valid to Prospective Employers?

Online distance learning has gained rapid popularity with the advent... Read More

Reviving Your Resume

A resume may not be who you are, but to... Read More