Thinking About a Career or Job Change?

For several years now career counselors have proclaimed the end of the notion of a job for life (or at least until retirement). This of course isn’t news. But what many aren’t so sure of is how and when they should start upgrading their skills and looking elsewhere for self employment or another competitive career position.

That’s really a question only you can answer after doing some research and inventory. Research your career and those positions that interest you and do some inventory on your skills and what you need to take that next fresh step in your career.

As urban/suburban women we tend to have a lot of choice in that regard which is yet another reason to appreciate and nurture the new urban lifestyle.

Local universities, colleges and private institutions often offer an array of continuing education options to help you brush up on those skills you want to improve or develop. Even if your community isn’t one with much in terms of local colleges, universities, etc., most of these kinds of schools offer long distance learning opportunities online. Spend some time at your local library to find out which higher learning institutions are close to you or offer some long distance learning opportunities that would suit your schedule.

Even if you’re quite satisfied in your career or job, it never hurts to see what competing firms are offering in terms of job flexibility and compensation. ALWAYS glance at the career section in your newspaper and let people know what are your career interests and strengths. Trust me…you never know who’s looking for someone with your abilities and experience.

If you’re feeling like now is the time to branch out on your own as an entrepreneur or an outside contractor for a firm, remember to visit your local chamber of commerce. Talk to them about upcoming networking opportunities and what is available for non-members. When you’re ready then you can look into joining.

Another great resource for career inspiration and job search leads are professional associations. Contact the professional association representing people in your field to find out more (for contact info trying searching for your groups using Google). There are all sorts of trade groups covering a wide range of professions. Here’ s a sampling of the kinds of professions with groups that provide continuing education, certification, job boards, networking, etc:

• Public Relations Managers
• Marketing Professionals
• Market Researchers
• Engineers
• Nurses
• Home builders
• Hospitality Professionals (caterers, hotel sales)
• Meeting Planners
• Apartment managers
• Insurance professionals
• Advertising Sales Representatives
• Real Estate Agents
• Internet Marketers
• Writers
• Film directors
• Film Industry Technicians
• Graphic Designers
• Administrative Assistants
• And hundreds more…

At the very minimum look at this research as a kind of career spring cleaning – throw out old mind sets about work and career and keep a fresh and open perspective about your job, who you’re working for and where you might like to work in the future.