The 10 Worst Mistakes Career Changers Make
by Barbara Reinhold

Changing careers is never easy. Half the world thinks you've lost your mind, headhunters say you'll never work again and your mother-in-law steps up the old "I told you so" routine. But for many burned-out, bored or multitalented folks who are sitting on skills they're not getting a chance to use, changing fields is the only way to keep from losing their marbles.

Regardless of your career change strategy, never make these 10 mistakes:

1. Don't look for a job in another field without some intense introspection. Nothing is worse than leaping before you look. Make sure you're not escaping to a field that fits you just as poorly as your last.

2. Don't look for "hot" fields unless they're a good fit for you. You wouldn't try to squeeze into your skinny cousin's suit, so why try a field because it works for him? People who are trying to help you will come along and do the equivalent of whispering "plastics" in your ear. Instead of jumping at their suggestions, take time to consider your options. Decide what you really want to do. When you enter a field just because it's hot, burnout isn't far behind.


3. Don't go into a field because your friend is doing well in it. Get thorough information about the fields you're considering by networking, reading and doing online research. Having informational interviews with alumni from your college, colleagues, friends or family is a fun way to get the scoop on different fields.


4. Don't stick to possibilities you already know about. Stretch your perception of what might work for you. Explore career fields you learn about from self-assessment exercises.


5. Don't let money be the deciding factor. There's not enough money in the world to make you happy if your job doesn't suit you. Workplace dissatisfaction and stress is the number-one health problem for working adults. This is particularly true for career changers, who often earn less until they get their sea legs in a different field.


6. Don't keep your dissatisfaction to yourself or try to make the switch alone. This is the time to talk to people (probably not your boss just yet, nor some coworker who likes to tell tales). Friends, family and colleagues need to know what's going on so they can help you tap into those 90-plus percent of jobs that aren't advertised until somebody has them all sewn up.


7. Don't go back to school to get retreaded unless you've done some test drives in the new field. You're never too old for an internship, a volunteer experience or trying your hand at a contract assignment in a new field. There are lots of ways to get experience that won't cost you anything except your time. A new degree may or may not make the world sit up and take notice. Be very sure where you want to go before you put yourself through the pain and debt of another degree program.


8. Be careful when using placement agencies or search firms. Do some research to be sure to find a good match. Ask those who work in the field you’re trying to get into or other successful career changers for suggestions. Try to find a firm that knows how to be creative when placing career changers -- not one that solely focuses on moving people up the ladder in the same field.


9. Don't go to a career counselor or a career transitions agency expecting they can tell you which field to enter. Career advisors are facilitators, and they'll follow your lead. They can help ferret out your long-buried dreams and talents, but you'll have to do the research and the decision making by yourself. Anyone who promises to tell you what to do is dangerous.


10. Don't expect to switch overnight. A thorough career change usually will take a minimum of six months to pull off, and the time frequently stretches to a year or more.

Changing fields is one of the most invigorating things you can do. It's like experiencing youth all over again, except with the wisdom of whatever age you are now.

Excellent post...and can't stress enough how important volunteering in that field for a little while helps to see if it is a right fit....talk to people doing it....and see what they say....It might seem glamorous and wonderful...until you talk to someone that does it.....

Check out the job market in the field, as it is now.....

Make sure it's something you feel "passion" about....and the way to tell is -- if you'd do it for free.....

And don't just quit the "old" career....Best to transition.....

I am trying to come up with a better career right now... and that list is more discouraging than encouraging... *sigh*

Paul: Have I Got a Career For You......

Jerry Seinfeld is touring right now....the reason I know that is because he's coming to my area of Florida on November 15.....

GO SEE HIM!! Go see his comedy act....Go find out where and when he's coming to your area.....

And then sneak behind stage afterwards and see if you can get an interview with him....Ask him how he did what he did and got where he got......

OR join his fan club......and send him a letter, telling him about yourself....maybe he will write back and share how you TOO can become a famous comedian.....

I hope I haven't gone off topic here.....:(

Been there, thought of that. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Hmmm.....you don't sound very excited about having seen Jerry Seinfeld...or even the thought of it.....:(

P.S. Comment about Number 8 above: Placement agencies and search firms are out to make money.....They may not have your best interests at heart.....I would get referrals to these places from friends, people one knows, etc.

No, haven't seen him, I can't stand Jerry Seinfeld. Sorry... :(

Paul: Well you must have someone who is like a professional role model....Is there someone out there in the world who is doing what you would like to be doing and doing it the way you would like to be doing it? If so, perhaps find a way to meet him....

Which reminds me....I don't have a professional mentor in my life and in my field...and it would really help me if I did....

So I would like to add another career changing strategy: Find someone who is doing what you would like to be doing and talk to them a lot....and see if they will be your mentor.....This is different from a career advisor.....The career advisor is just a career advisor...The mentor is doing what you want to be doing.....and gives lots of guidance, ideas and suggestions.....

I need a change I have been feeling stuck in a rut for to long but hopefully something will come along soon.

RE; number 7, I've heard you can buy degrees from "officially accredited schools" if all you're after is having a B.A. or M.B.A. on your resume... saves a lot of time and $... just please don't be my brain surgeon, kay?

Dear Joan,
what you are writing about in the quoted passages below, is what career counsilors say you should be doing. It as common knowledge not to change careers until you have had several Informational Interviews. Those are interviews where you go to find out something about that persons job and career, just to evaluate if this career is right for you. A possible problem with this is that some careers are so individually personal that not much is transferable from person to person. However, most careers have plenty of co-workers or people who are following the same career path that you should be able to find someone who can be a representative of that career.
Just my 2 cents' worth,
Norbert

Originally posted by joanrdtobe
Paul: Well you must have someone who is like a professional role model....

So I would like to add another career changing strategy: Find someone who is doing what you would like to be doing and talk to them a lot....and see if they will be your mentor.....This is different from a career advisor.....The career advisor is just a career advisor...The mentor is doing what you want to be doing.....and gives lots of guidance, ideas and suggestions.....

Sadly, the "don't look before you leap" advice isn't always followable.

My previous career (computer programming) is, I believe, about as un-AD/HD friendly as possible. But I didn't even KNOW I had AD/HD until early last year, when the momentum to fire me (from poor performance reviews) was almost unstoppable. Fortunately I got that changed to a "medical disqualification" through heroic efforts of my doctor and I, pretty much at the last second. So, I'm unemployed, but at least I have a little bit of severence money to live on and the possibility of filing for disability.

The problem is, for me, none of the "traditional" jobs hold any interest. I have no interest in being rich. Aside from basic food, clothing and shelter -- plus (this is critical) my fairly expensive medical needs have to be covered -- I'm happy, as long as I enjoy my job. My ideal job would involve a lot of variety -- preferably travel -- and writing.

Hmm. *ponders journalism*

Hey atomx,
I do not know how long you were into programming, but I guess not as long as I was - 32 years. Only my very first programming job lasted more than 3 years. All others lasted less than 2. I found out close to 10 years ago that I am ADD and Bipolar 2, but it did not keep me from trying again and again. That is, until I worked for my last employer that is a subsidiary of a Japanese company. Apparently Japanese companies set up their offices in very large rooms without any dividers like cubicles, just desk after desk after desk. That is about the worst you can do to an ADDer - nothing BUT distractions!! Anyway, I lasted a year and a week.
After filing for unemployment benefits I started taking aptitude/interest tests. One through Employment Security, one through Vocational Rehabilitation, one on the internet that I paid for, and one as part of a training program through the Software Association of New Hampshire. Guess what - all of them came up with the same result: I am in the wrong profession. They all recommended to go into an arts field like painting or music or writing. I scored the highest in music where my score compared favorably with professional musicians. I suggest you do the same. Get tested. It may change your life. If you score high for the arts I have some additional suggestions.

A word of warning: I have taken tests like that--vocational interest/aptitude tests--and guess what? I can be or do anything I want to!! My next comment (to myself, of course) was, Thanks a lot, buddy--now what SHOULD I do??

If the tests steer you in a particular direction, then by all means go for it. But don't necessarily get your hopes up. YMMV.

(edited by waywardclam - duplicate post)

Every tme I see this topic, I go down it going, "check, check, check..." I have done all ten.

Originally posted by joanrdtobe
Paul: Have I Got a Career For You......

Jerry Seinfeld is touring right now....the reason I know that is because he's coming to my area of Florida on November 15.....

GO SEE HIM!! Go see his comedy act....Go find out where and when he's coming to your area.....

And then sneak behind stage afterwards and see if you can get an interview with him....Ask him how he did what he did and got where he got......

OR join his fan club......and send him a letter, telling him about yourself....maybe he will write back and share how you TOO can become a famous comedian.....

I hope I haven't gone off topic here.....:(

uhhh ... yes you have -- this is not an ad for a jerry seinfeld show ...:cool:

jb

Hey atomx,
I do not know how long you were into programming, but I guess not as long as I was - 32 years. Only my very first programming job lasted more than 3 years. All others lasted less than 2. I found out close to 10 years ago that I am ADD and Bipolar 2, but it did not keep me from trying again and again. That is, until I worked for my last employer that is a subsidiary of a Japanese company. Apparently Japanese companies set up their offices in very large rooms without any dividers like cubicles, just desk after desk after desk. That is about the worst you can do to an ADDer - nothing BUT distractions!! Anyway, I lasted a year and a week.
After filing for unemployment benefits I started taking aptitude/interest tests. One through Employment Security, one through Vocational Rehabilitation, one on the internet that I paid for, and one as part of a training program through the Software Association of New Hampshire. Guess what - all of them came up with the same result: I am in the wrong profession. They all recommended to go into an arts field like painting or music or writing. I scored the highest in music where my score compared favorably with professional musicians. I suggest you do the same. Get tested. It may change your life. If you score high for the arts I have some additional suggestions.
if you have some suggestions on jobs in the arts and how to start .....please help me out I have always been interested in art but never had anyone give me any input on the subject...please help me out..I think I have had over 100 jobs in my 27 years of life and never been fired..
thanx ,
Charley

atomx,

Perhaps you could freelance. Network with local resellers/VARs in your area and let them know you're available. They often have small projects that need completing. Many of these small resellers don't have a developer on staff but need custom coding from time to time.

.NET seems to be a very popular platform, lately.

You may not want to dump the computer programing industry, just see if you can make it fit your style.

Small projects that take several weeks to complete could be just the ticket.

I'm thinking about that too. By going back to consulting, I could work the hours that I need. Work a few hours, go for a bike ride, work a few more hours, mow the year,... until 20 hours of the day is spent being REALLY productive and even fun.
I did this for a while and loved it. I would go see a client, see how bad they messed things up again, go for a bike ride, come back and do some coding for another client until I need to get some exercise again to clear my head,... I made more money, got the time off that I needed and was allowed to work the crazy nights that I would work with. I found that I can always get more done at 4 am. No phone calls, no interuptions, just pure hyperfocus.

I'd add another one, namely that you shouldn't go into a field that there's no demand for, unless you enjoy being unemployed. But for the most part, a good list of valid points.

I've never trusted aptitude tests, every day I feel differant. I can do so many things well but just because you can do something doesn't mean it is your true passion.

Find true passion and you'll find where you truely live. How many of us can ride a bike really well. It doesn't mean we should join the marathon or a circus.

What about a career as a teacher of children? is it a good job for a person with add? :confused: Tell me please.

What about a career as a teacher of children? is it a good job for a person with add? :confused: Tell me please.Yes, it can be. You will have more empathy for the ADHD kids for sure. I work in the residential part of a school for hearing/visually impaired kids. I got this job because my own daughter went to school there (she's hearing impaired). And I know a lot about hearing impaired children and sign language.

I run into stress when I have to keep switching gears. Or when my co-workers lose it, or when I feel I am "red alert" because we have extra kids who have problems with stealing things from other kids or trying to blame other kids for things they did. And teaching the little boys the "dirty" signs for example, F**K Off!" etc."

I did teach at the college level for 4 years, and I loved that! "Foundations of Earth Science" which included geology, meteorology, and astronomy. My degrees and most of my career are in Earth Science/Geology. Originally, I worked in the oil industry for 12 years right out of grad school. Now if you want to work on drilling oil rigs, you can make mucho dinero. I did some mudlogging in the Williston basin last summer and made $3500 in 10 days.

I am currently studying to take the state exam to become a Registered Sanitarian. I did that (as a trainee) for a year and a half, two years ago. Good career for ADHD, you get to meet lots of people, run all over the county, and there are many deadlines (which forces me into hyperfocus, and making lists). It pays pretty well (relatively speaking) and it is a good fit with my background in soils, teaching, groundwater and public water supplies, general science and microbiology. And I am a people person. Plus you feel like you accomplish something every day, and can check things off a list. It was good for my self esteem. (Until my only co-worker, who was also my boss, revealed how psychotic he was, started stalking me and failed to turn in inspections to the state and I found out about it.) There is a shortage of sanitarians in my state, don't know about nation-wide.

But now that I've moved anyway, I'm going to go back to being a health inspector (not to be confused with Larry what's his name) "Git-er-Done!" :rolleyes: (But you do seem some really gross things. My advice, do not dine in bars in small towns. EVER!) :foot:

great tips I also suggest that you watch this video as just cause you may not be able to focus at a regular job, there is still many jobs you can do ;0).

Autistic Owned Businesses and Other Self Employed Autistics (http://youtube.com/watch?v=S2BqZkS7ubg)

his is but a very small sample of autistic owned businesses. Like neurotypical people, some autistic people have been successful operating their own businesses rather than working for someone else. Being self employed allows these autistic people the freedome to work and earn a living without having to act "neurotypical" or fear for their jobs because of their autism and how others in the office may react to them. Of course, not all autistic people are able or capable of what these people have accomplished. But, whenever you hear of a study that says that autistic people are a "financial" drain on society or the "costs of autism over a lifetime" nonsense, then keep this video in mind and realize that there are a number of autistic people both self employed and employed that work, pay taxes AND raise children.

Yea you are definatly right about not switching too soon. I made this mistake a couple of years ago and even though I went back to my old career, I'm still paying for my mistake financially. If I could have a do over I would have gotten my feet a little wet at first instead of diving in head first. What looks glammerous on the outside far too many times isn't so on the inside, or to quote....... "the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence."

Good post, I made a switch from accounting to computer programming. ADHD gives me grief so right now I am lost. I just have a difficult time studying and practising a new programming language, its has been killing me for months now. I have no focus, drive, memory nor the ability to stick to my studies. God help me!!! Sorry for the pity party but... ahh well, just sorry.

Hmmm.....you don't sound very excited about having seen Jerry Seinfeld...or even the thought of it.....:(

P.S. Comment about Number 8 above: Placement agencies and search firms are out to make money.....They may not have your best interests at heart.....I would get referrals to these places from friends, people one knows, etc.

I wonder about a new Medical Staffing agency that I contacted, hoping that they will get me a specific temp job relating to my chosen major Medical Office assistant)? Well, they called me last Friday. By the time I got the message, though (on my home phone ans. mach.), I had to wait until today to call them. They want me to come in for an interview. So, I'll be spending this week gathering up all related info, my resume, and other detailed education/work experience to have on hand to be ready to fill out forms, applications, etc. But, not until next Tuesday. Why? because I have a dr's appt on wednesday (going to have a growth on my tongue, removed) and an appt with our state vocational rehab commission (for people with ADD/ADHD, hearing and other impairments, etc. that have had a hard time getting and/or keeping a job), on Thursday. Anyway... I assume that if they are specializing in specific types of jobs, then I might be able to get a suitable job relating specifically to my major.

It's been my past experience... that there are good staffing agencies and there are NOT so good ones... depending on who's in charge. And believe me, the supervisors and workers of most of those "NOT so good" temp/staffing agencies have a large turnover rate. Hopefully, not this one... if I don't get a temp job (until classes start), then I cross that one off my list, too. I'll just take it as an experimental job search... and see what happens.

Before you make any decisions, READ "The Peter Principal" and consider what it says introspectively. Some times you need to move down a notch in order to be happy. A good teacher does not make a good principal by default. A good programmer does not make a good IT manager by default. Inventory your skills and your likes and dislikes, and ask yourself not only "Can I do ?this" but also "Will I like doing this?"

One problem with changing jobs often, is that you gotta remember a bunch more stuff for your job history (keep it written down, this has gotten me before)

I myself have gone back to cab driving. I was a cab driver for 13 years, the longest of anything.

The cool thing about cab driving is that it's a job that is ALWAYS different, every minute. So It's like I am always changing jobs.

I work as an executive recruiter in the technology field.

While I would never say never, I will say that this is a particularly difficult time to try to change careers. The US economy has lost millions of jobs in the last year and whatever career you think you want to get into, know that there are hundreds, possibly thousands of people with experience who are out of work and desperate to get back - even at a dramatically reduced salary.

If you have expertise in an area, even an area you really do not enjoy, you might consider sticking it out for another year or so until things pick up.

If you do want to make the change, most recruiters will not be able to help you. If you are looking to get into something that a general staffing firm handles and it does not require a lot of experience, education or training, you may be able to just walk into a job like that. These are jobs like telemarketer, light industrial worker, receptionist, warehouse worker, etc.

However, if you are a computer programmer and you want to get into supply chain management or otherwise move from one professional level career to another, a recruiter will be of no help. Recruiters work for fees from their clients and no client is going to pay a 5 figure fee to bring on someone with no track record and no experience.

Use your network, use your friends and family. Highlight the fact that there is little to no risk in giving you a chance. Offer to intern the position for a few weeks or work for a substantially lower salary as a trainee.

Get creative, it can be done.

I went from the high tech world to the recruiting world, but I did it on my own. It was difficult, but ultimately worth it.

Interesting Thread.

To pass on what one of my previous managers told me, when making a job or career change always make sure you are moving towards something, not running away from something.

Hello,

Great information i got here . Good points you discussed here about the mistake of changing career. Thanks for this useful post.


Regards,
Olivia

i'm trying to change careers and start up a "coaching" practice !
however, as i know times are rough out there, i will start working 4 days a week as a regular employee and then 1 day a week to build up my project...
Once i see things go well, i'll ad another day to my "self-employment" project and work 3 days as employee... etc... :-)

I am looking into changing careers too, I did programming and it gets annoying if not tedious, i like careers which have a change throughout the day but can't drive down to my epilepsy so im a bit stuck unless anyone has any ideas.

I have 6yrs of IT education, 3 of which are from college and 3 from university, i followed my heart when i went into my jobs, and have turned out to be fired, redundant, contract ended, and i left the last one down to personal issues.

Thanks for this post while I am in the mist of seeking employment it has only been two and a half months of seeking and just reading that others find it may take a bit longer is encouraging.:)