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Are you dreading getting up in the mornings and going to work? Do you fear losing your job during this tough economic climate? Do you find yourself zoning out in front of the computer when you should be working? Whatever the reason for considering a change in career, it’s essential that you choose wisely. Heading in a new career direction could take training that’s both expensive and costly in terms of time, so it’s important to think very carefully before you take the leap.

Learn about yourself

You may know yourself better now than you did when you chose your university major, and you may have a better idea of your strengths and interests now than you did back then. Before making any rash decisions, it’s important to think long and hard about yourself and choose a career that matches your likes, avoids your dislikes, and suits your personality. There are a range of good websites that can help you make the right decision when it comes to a change in career. The Princeton Review Career Quiz is a five-minute career test that’s a great place to start – you’ll need to register (for free) to take it.

Research, research, and then research more

Once you’ve found a few career options that interest you, research them thoroughly. You’ll want to make an informed decision before deciding on a career change, particularly if you’ll need to study or train extensively before you can take on that dream job. For a start, look online. Take a look at over 700 job profiles on the CareersAdvice website, and when you’ve narrowed down your options, get in contact with people who actually do the job you’re interested in. Ask if you can have a chat with them, or even better, shadow them for a day. Finally, before you decide on that change in career, be sure that you have the time and money you may need to commit to earning a diploma or degree in the field you’re interested in.

Transfer your skills

It may be easier to find new ways to use skills you already have than to gain new ones. Many skills transfer well to other jobs. Communication skills, management skills and leadership skills are sought after in many jobs, so think about what you can do with the experience you already have.

If you’re at all uncertain about what your ideal career would be, see a qualified career counsellor for advice that could prove priceless in the long run.