It doesn’t matter what age you are, at some point in our lives, we all look to make a change in our jobs.
I have friends who are currently in this position, and a relative who has even recently quit her day job without another job lined up, simply because she felt like she was wasting her life away doing something she didn’t enjoy.
And I’ve been there.
Almost three years ago I worked in the beauty industry. And whilst I loved it when I started, after a few years I realised that it was no longer challenging me.
So after five years dedicating my life to that company and doing everything I could to improve the business, I decided to change my career and take a step in a new direction.
This is my story and my guide on how you can and should do the same.
Put your heart into it
I’ve never known what I wanted to be.
At school I didn’t have a clear vision, I just always chose subjects that I enjoyed.
And that’s exactly how I also choose my jobs.
If I enjoy something, I do it.
So knowing that I really enjoyed writing and marketing, I thought I’d see if that was an avenue I could go down.
After all, if you enjoy something you can usually end-up being pretty good at it because you’re willing to learn more and dedicate your time to it.
My advice to you first and foremost would be to look at something you will enjoy.
Make a list of all the things you like doing, and those that you don’t, and work your way from there.
Learn more
I had zero qualifications in digital marketing and still don’t.
But I used other methods to learn about it.
We’re so lucky that we live in a world where all the information we need is online.
So I took the initiative to enrol myself on a free online course, as well as paid one through a well-known publication. This not only gave me a taste for what the industry would be like but also educated me on what a role in digital marketing would require of me.
If you’re looking at shifting careers then do your research into the courses and guides there are available, and dedicate some time each night to get an understanding.
After all, there’s nothing worse than changing careers and finding you’re not keen on that job either.
Get experience
Whilst I had a little bit of experience thanks to my previous job, I also took on a little bit of free work to see what people thought of my skills and if they could lead me to a full-time job.
This is becoming increasingly common, and we’ve even recently had a young girl offer herself to our company free of charge for a month, just so that she can get some experience of what the marketing industry is like.
There’s always a possibility of getting some form of experience in your desired role; you just have to look and ask for it.
Many companies are willing to share their expertise and offer out internships; as long as you show them that you are enthusiastic and eager to learn. And who knows, it may even result in a job at the end of it!
Don’t think about the money
I know it’s easier said than done, but when changing careers don’t make it about the money, because then you’ll never be happy.
Money was the last thing on my mind when I wanted to change my jobs. I just wanted a company I enjoyed working for, and a role that I could make my own.
Of course, finance will always be important because we all have bills to pay and mouths to feed, but if you’re dedicated to your career and prepared to improve yourself, the money you want will eventually come your way.
Changing jobs can be a scary time, and not everyone will be fully supportive of your actions. But I’m a stronger believer that life’s too short, and we have to find roles that make us happy and fulfilled.
About the Author
Lizzie Benton is content marketing manager at digital agency Datify, as well as an established writer.
Previously dabbling in the fashion and beauty industry, Lizzie is now a dedicated marketer.
