By Sunny Simon
If you feel like a day at work is a daily grind, it’s time to think about a career transition. Leaving your day job to pursue your dream job need not be a journey down the long and winding road if you have the right attitude and plan correctly. Securing a new career may take some time, study and research. Meanwhile, before you make the leap avoid the urge to turn in your resignation, or lesson your contribution to your current employer. A successful transition begins with a step-by-step action plan.
If you don’t know what your dream job looks like, spend time researching various options. Consider what you like and what you do best. Tools such as the Myers Briggs Test or other personality assessments aid in the self discovery process. Understanding your personality type proves very useful in determining a career path that ignites your passions and plays on your strengths. Another factor to consider is your value system. Are you driven to earn the big bucks? If you seek a position with an uncapped annual salary, sales is a logical choice. Conversely, if you decide a fat paycheck is not as important as the satisfaction of improving the lives of others, think about social work or a career in the health care field.
Create a set of goals that bridges the gap between your current day job and your dream job. If you desire to further your education for the right opportunity and still need to pay the rent, enroll in school part-time while continuing to work in your present position. For example, you might envision a career involving international travel or working abroad. Which foreign language classes are necessary to make that dream a viable reality? Factor in time to become proficient in any necessary new skills. Gifted with the entrepreneurial spirit? Do your homework. Prepare a business and marketing plan. Study the industry and your potential competition. Bankroll some cash to get you through the startup period.
When the big day arrives and you are ready to move forward, do so gracefully. It is unwise to burn any bridges. Extend an appropriate notice to your employer and willingly pitch in to complete any project work and help train your replacement. Then set your sails for your dream job. You earned it!
