Advice for those thinking of a career change

Patricia Frazer, Careers Manager for Banbridge, Lurgan and Lisburn in the Department for Employment and Learning’s Careers Service, offers some useful tips for those thinking about a change of direction in their working life, those trying to decide on a career for the first time and those facing unemployment or redundancy.

”Maybe you find you don’t enjoy work as much as you used to and wonder if you are on the right path. Perhaps you’ve gone as far as you can in your current career and feel the need for further challenges and development. It could be that you’re just fed up, asking yourself, “do I like where my job and my company are headed?” ; or wondering if you’re even in the right career.

”For others it could be that they’ve been made redundant and are unsure of what to do next and what help is available or it could even be that you’ve been unemployed for a while, feel stuck in a rut and need help with your job search.”

“In all these cases, the Careers Service is ready, willing and available to help.

“The most important thing is to think carefully – don’t leap before you look! Especially if considering changing career, take it slowly and make sure that you really want to change careers as the grass always appears greener on the other side – but may not be.

Remember that career change is a natural life progression. Most studies show that the average job-seeker will change careers, not jobs, several times over the course of his or her lifetime.

The Careers Service is there to help you make informed, appropriate and achievable career choices and offers free and impartial careers information, advice and guidance. Our Careers Advisers are ready to explore the options available to you and to support you in your career decision making. Go to www.nidirect.gov.uk/careers to locate your nearest Careers Office or phone 0300 200 7820.