Some people seem to have found the perfect job straight out of high school, through college, or even beyond. In certain cases, they find their dream job straight away and it seems like they were meant to be in that job. However, there are a great many people who never quite find their ideal profession. Some people may have started out with good intentions but their lives took an unexpected turn; or they may have come across unsupportive bosses who made them give up on their ambitions.
What could have caused the situation? Could it be attributed to a lack of opportunity, or were there underlying decisions that had a negative impact? Could it be that luck was not on their side?
Whatever the case may be, it is irrelevant so long as you are prepared to put in the effort.
After over a decade of experience as an accountant, I started to feel like I was missing something. I began to become increasingly frustrated with the 9-5 workday and the toxic environment at many of the start-ups I had worked at, making it difficult to spend time with my family and friends. I was no longer interested in the tasks I was assigned such as creating financial reports, using spreadsheets, or pursuing chartered certification. Despite this, I was able to gain valuable knowledge from my managerial roles across different industries, giving me insight into the process of making a sale, running a successful project, or recording a profit. I wanted more out of life, and so I decided to take a chance and pursue my interests in IT. This turned out to be the right decision for me, and I now have more time, money, happiness, and purpose than ever before.
I am thrilled to tell you about my journey from the world of accounting to that of project management and product ownership.
To keep things manageable, these are the seven most important things you can do to ensure a successful transition in your career:
- Before making the decision to switch occupations, it is important to consider why it is necessary. Take a moment to reflect honestly on what you need in the current climate, and how your prior and present jobs have failed to meet those needs. Consider your work performance, and whether it is of a high standard or if you are simply following suit with what others are doing. Ask yourself how achieving your professional goal would change the rest of your life. Answering these questions will help you to make the right decision and start your journey in the right direction.
Assess your transferrable skills:
Transferable skills are those that are applicable across multiple vocations and industries. A balanced set of skills should include technical proficiency and interpersonal dexterity, such as the ability to communicate effectively, think critically, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work with numbers and lead others, solve problems and use computers. Other transferable skills may include accounting, administration and management, which are all established professional disciplines, as well as being teachable abilities. It is possible to transition into IT without coding skills, as understanding the fundamentals of technology and its many practical applications is essential for success in current and future roles.Participate in Instruction:
Investing in yourself by gaining the necessary qualifications and certifications for your desired profession is essential. To get started, take advantage of free resources available and start with an entry level role to develop your transferable skills. With the internet, you can find virtually any course for free to stay up to date with the industry. For example, when I wanted to shift into the IT sector, I began researching Scrum and Agile and took several courses on LinkedIn. After combining these with my existing skills, I landed an interview with a software business within six months. My experience at Google gave me an opportunity to get Product Management and Google Project Management Accreditations.Tools
It is important to ensure that you have the necessary tools to complete the job, in addition to receiving the appropriate training. Tools can help to make everyday tasks easier, as well as helping with our overall survival. Depending on the purpose, there are a range of different types of equipment available, from laptops to internet connections. Popular companies such as Adobe, Google and Microsoft all provide a range of tools. Additionally, methods, processes, formulae, ideas and technologies related to your specialism within the tech industry should also be considered.Tips:
When it comes to tips, they’re one-size fits all. Here are three pieces of advice that I found helpful throughout my transition:- Set modest objectives frequently
- Challenge yourself
- It is essential to continually develop your knowledge and understanding by reading widely. Curiosity and learning are key to making progress in any field, so make sure to stay up to date with the latest developments in your sector. Reading cannot be over-emphasized as a way to expand your knowledge base.
Examine your routines and see whether they need changing.
Habits are formed by repeating certain behaviours and patterns. Our routines can have a significant impact on our success, regardless of where we are in our journey. Whether we are just beginning, in the middle, or already at our destination, our habits will shape the outcomes we achieve. To reach our goals, we must consistently repeat the same behaviours.Engage in Enjoyable activities:
It is clear to see how hobbies can be beneficial to your life, but not all activities will be suitable for everyone. What is most important when choosing a pastime is that it is something you enjoy doing when you are not working. If you spend your days at a desk but crave movement, you may want to pick an activity that allows you to sit and move. This is why it is vital to do what brings you the most pleasure: reading, art, learning a new language or instrument, keeping a diary, gardening, and so on. With the rise of remote working, the boundaries between our professional and personal lives have become blurred. Having hobbies that you enjoy can help you maintain a healthy balance between your job and leisure time. Take a break from your job and the pressure it brings and explore the multitude of activities available to you until you find one you love.
Although it may take a lot of effort, switching occupations might pay off in the end when you find the perfect position for you.
