Making the leap into a new career

Making the leap into a new career Making The Leap Into A New CareerPosted October 13, 2011, by Josie ChunIf you find yourself dreading the sound of the alarm, dragging yourself into work and wishing your day (and life) away, it might be time to think about changing jobs and maybe even totally transforming your career. The thought of making a major career change is daunting. Changing careers requires time, money, commitment and temporary sacrifice and with your mortgage, comfortable lifestyle and possibly little mouths to feed, it can all seem too hard, too late, and not worth the risk and effort.But moving into what you really want to do may be the best thing you could do for your wellbeing (and sanity). It can make the difference between going into a job you hate every day and feeling energised, motivated and impassioned by your work and life and avoiding a mid-life crisis while youre at it.Why change careers?Todays job market is a fluid one, with people changing job paths an av erage of three to five times during their lives. There are many reasons for people to change careers to get a better worklife balance, spend more time with their family, follow their passion, be creative, get out of the rat-race, or make more money. Whatever the reason, there are many factors to weigh up you may have to accept a lower income at least temporarily, there is a certain amount of risk involved, and if it requires extra study you will have to pay for tuition and discipline yourself back into study mode. But these barriers are short-term and may be more about your own fears and assumptions than anything else. Many people contemplating a major career change fear that they may be too old and that no one will want to hire them but that is not necessarily the reality. Countless people have made successful career changes and fruchtwein say it was the best thing they ever did their only regret being that they didnt do it sooner. Paul, 43, has already had several career transformations. He has worked in lumber trading, equity research, owned restaurants and most recently worked in corporate finance as a senior bank representative. He recently ditched it all, however, to start up his own business organising active holiday trips for adults at resorts throughout the world.