Have you been looking for a more meaningful and fulfilling job? Or is it simply time for you to embark on a new path? Whether you’re 20, 40 or even 50 years old, changing careers can feel like you’re walking into the unknown and quickly turn into a stressful experience. No worries, though: we’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible.
Why a career change?
There are many reasons why you may want to change jobs: you’re no longer satisfied with your current position; you want to discover a new sector of activity; you’re ready to chase your passion; you want to improve your salary; you’re looking for a better work-life balance; or maybe you want to take on new challenges.
The important thing is that you understand WHY you want to change careers.
Don’t forget that something as simple as switching departments or working on new projects can be enough to avoid a radical career change. That’s why you need to explore these options before making a drastic move.
Reflect on your motivations
Before you start, you need to take a step back and ask yourself the right questions. We’ve put together some key points to think about before making a decision:
- Why do you want to change jobs?
- What do you no longer like about your current position?
- What are you looking for in your new career?
- What drives you professionally?
- Would it be worthwhile to change departments within your company?
- Are you willing to make sacrifices for this career change?
The answers to these questions will allow you to plan your next steps.
Career: How do you change?
Making a career move can be scary and stressful, as it involves a lot of change and sacrifice during the transition period.
We recommend making an appointment with a guidance counselor to discuss your plans. If you already have a career in mind, this can help confirm your decision. If you don’t, they’ll have you take a career test to find out which one is right for you. You can find guidance counselors on the Ordre des conseillers et conseillères d’orientation du Québec website (in French only).
You also have access to career quizzes to help you figure out which job is right for you.
Online and phone services are also available to help with the transition and guide you through the process. You could even get help from local career centres or reach out to adult education services.
Talk to your loved ones! Once you’re sure about changing careers, discussing the topic with family and friends can help you make the right choice. They’ll be able to advise you on which career suits you best and, above all, support you in your efforts.
Plan your career change
Now that you know what you want to do and have researched available training courses, it’s time to plan your career change. Dealing with budgetary constraints or having to go back to school can complicate the process: changing jobs requires major personal investment both in terms of time and money, especially if you have a family. Planning is therefore crucial.
You don’t necessarily have to go back to school to reorient your career. Continuing education courses, which only last a few months, or online evening courses may be enough to achieve your goals. If you need to enroll in a program, look into certificates or postgraduate degrees that complement your current academic qualifications (if any), as they can usually be completed within a year or so!
Make sure you know what skills are required for the job before starting the administrative process. Write down registration deadlines and any other info needed to enroll.
Don’t forget to consider all financial aspects. A carefully planned budget that takes into account lifestyle variables is essential to ensure a successful transition. Loans and bursaries from the Quebec government can help you during this crucial phase. Also, if you intend to enroll in full-time courses, think about finding part-time work to help pay for your everyday living expenses, which should be kept to a minimum until you start your new job.
Prepare for a job interview
Ok, so you’ve finished your training and you’re ready to re-enter the workforce. Now what? Well, you need to prepare yourself properly. First of all, you should update or rewrite your CV — check out our article, “Write a Perfect CV in 4 Points,” on our blog to help you build your resume. Depending on the position, you may also need to write emails and cover letters.
Download the BOM app!
The BOM app is the perfect tool to guide you through your career change! You’ll be able to find countless jobs in a variety of sectors. By the way, applying for a position or referring friends or business contacts to job offers available on the app could land you a monetary reward if the application is successful. It’s a great way to finance your career change!
So, go ahead and download the BOM app!