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Pursuing your dreams takes a lot of courage and planning, and when you’ve been in the same career for a while, it can be hard to suddenly make a big switch. However, if you’ve recently suffered a career setback or feel you’re in a rut, it’s important to take steps toward something new — even if it’s scary. You may discover something that you’re really great at or a career that will allow you to help others. Making professional changes will help you find out what you really want in life and will prevent you from getting stuck in a job that you aren’t really happy in.
If you’re unsure of what type of career suits you best, think carefully about what your next move should be. Keep in mind that you don’t have to jump into anything right away; there are many side gigs out there that will allow you to try something temporarily to see if it’s for you. You can also take a class to learn more about the field you want to go into; these days, many courses are offered online, and you may be eligible for financial aid.
Read on for some tips from CareerPro Atlanta on finding your dream job.
Start your own business
If you’re unsure about which direction you want to go in, consider striking out on your own. Many individuals who want to move into a new career decide to start their own business, and while this is often a great move, make sure it’s what you want before making a commitment. Because once you’re in, you’re in it for the long haul!
Starting a business requires dedication and a lot of hard work, especially if you intend to hire people to help you run things. If you have employees, you’ll need to have an efficient payroll system in place. In addition to calculating wages and paying your workers, payroll for small business involves withholding and paying taxes and managing deductions. Making note of tax filing dates and maintaining accurate records will also need to be handled. Clearly, payroll can get complicated, so prepare yourself by learning as much as you can about the process. Alternatively, you can find payroll services that can make handling payroll a lot easier.
Does that sound like too much work? There are alternatives. An easy way to go about starting a small business is to set up a small shop on an e-commerce platform like Etsy, selling your products or services and figuring out the best ways to market and advertise. This way, you can get a feel for what the process will entail without making a permanent transition.
Network
Networking is a great way to meet new people in your chosen field and to make connections that will likely help you down the road, but many individuals aren’t sure how to get started. Putting yourself out there is a good start; head to conventions and other events related to your chosen profession, and make it a point to sit next to someone you don’t know. Strike up a conversation, because you never know who you’ll meet. Think about what you may be able to do for them; offering up your services, expertise, or assistance is a great way to get them to remember you later on.
Set realistic goals
When setting goals for yourself, keep in mind that you’ll want to keep them realistic. It’s great to keep stretch goals in mind, but when you’re just starting out, make it a point to think in terms of what you can pull off with limited resources. That way, when you do have help, you’ll be that much better off. This is true when it comes to finding funding, setting up a new business, going back to school, or retirement.
Pursuing your dream career is a big move, and it can be an intimidating one if you don’t have a good plan in mind. Think about how you can make the best decisions for your future without sacrificing the things you have now. With some careful planning, you can prepare for your next path without worry.
Are you working on making moves in your career? Let CareerPro Atlanta help you land your perfect new role. Our experts can help you with your resume, cover letter, professional reference sheet, and more so you’ll be sure to wow hiring managers. Call us at 404-252-8777 or contact us online to get started.