With Summer holidays almost a distant memory, the beginning of the year is a time of career re-evaluation as many return to the ‘daily grind’.
There are many reasons for becoming disenchanted with one’s career. Stress, long hours, repetition, stagnation or lack of opportunity for growth are all cited as contributing factors.
There has been a shift over recent years in what constitutes job satisfaction. Salary is no longer the key driver when choosing a job or career. Employees are more likely to value flexibility and a degree of autonomy over a large pay packet.
A career change can be a daunting prospect but there is nothing to be afraid of if you do your research. Firstly, what do you want from your ideal job? Do you want greater responsibility? Do you want a complete change in a new field of work? Do you long for something more challenging? Do you crave more flexibility? What values must your new job meet?
Once you know why your current job isn’t cutting the mustard and what your ideal job looks like, it’s time to make an action plan. Firstly what transferable skills, strengths and experience can you bring to a new career? What study or training do you need to complete to bridge the gap to your new career? Research what qualifications and skills your new industry or employer values.
Don’t let your age be a barrier to finding the career you love. An older person has more transferable skill and experience to apply to a role. Then it’s just a matter of topping up that experience with the targeted role-specific study that’s needed. It may be comforting to learn that the average person changes career five to seven times in their lives!
According to Statistics New Zealand, the 55 – 64 year old age group saw the largest number of people leaving their jobs due to dissatisfaction in 2016. The average time spent in each job for permanent employees now is around three years.
Take a strategic approach to career change, and consider studying alongside your current work commitments. That way, you can transition to your new career seamlessly once you’ve got your qualification under your belt.
Online study offers the flexibility to learn at your pace at times that fit around your existing commitments. eCampus NZ has a range of courses that require a maximum study time of 10 hours a week. Qualifications are industry recognised and accepted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). It’s not too late to make a change. Visit https://www.ecampusnz.com/ today.