Changing careers is a big deal.

It is scary and risky, but it can also be a rewarding experience. A significant reason why many people hold back from making that leap is that they worry about how making such a change will affect their finances. A career change may entail some difficult compromises when it comes to your finances, and most often prefer to play it safe. Let's be real. There’s that rent or mortgage to think of. Not to forget the electric, water, cable bills, childcare... The list goes on and on. 

Yes, the spark is losing its shine when it comes to your current job but it pays the bills, right? It is stable and reliable, so even if you want to get out of it, you think “It’s that not bad. I’ll give it a few more months before looking elsewhere”  but for how long do the few more months really last?

There are proven ways to help you take that leap of faith with confidence and pursue a career that will provide you with the...

The prospect of re-entering a job market can be quite intimidating. There is the issue of the ever-changing job market that continuously makes it difficult for even the most skilled people to stay up-to-date on trends. There’s always something to learn and improve upon. And when you’ve been on a break from work, your resume can suffer in the process.

However, there are a few things that you can do to make the transition easier for yourself and ultimately increase your chances of being hired.

This is a topic that I have quite a bit of experience with because I've been laid off 3 times. Each time was emotionally difficult but I developed a system to help me get back in the saddle and I quickly found another job. 

After losing a job, you may find yourself experiencing a wide range of emotions from panic to frustration to the fear of an uncertain future.

Remember, that this is completely normal and part of the process. Give yourself time to acknowledge your emotions...

Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash

I read a lot about networking. A LOT. I'll admit that, as an introvert, the idea of networking leaves me cold. I know all the rules but honestly, the only way I get through any of those events is to not network. I don't focus on what the person can do for me (bad) or even how I can help them (better). I focus on simply getting to know that person. Starting that conversation is much easier if you know you have something in common with them, like the same alma mater.

As a former President of a local Wellesley alum club, I'll admit to being 100% biased in favor of alum associations and local alum clubs. That's because I've seen and been the recipient of support and advice from my fellow alums. Having a common background makes breaking the ice so much easier. Personally, I feel more invested in helping a fellow alum than I am with someone with whom I don't share a commonality.

Like with any networking opportunity, you expand your network...

I read a lot about networking. A LOT. I'll admit that, as an introvert, the idea of networking makes me a little anxious. I know all the rules but honestly, the only way I get through any of those events is to not network. 

Yeah, you read that correctly. I don't network at networking events. 

Here's what I mean: I don't focus on what the person can do for me (bad) or even how I can help them (better). I focus on simply getting to know that person. Starting that conversation is much easier if you know you have something in common with them, like the same alma mater. Think about it. How many times have you seen someone wearing a baseball cap or shirt with your school and you got excited and maybe even introduced yourself? That's a form of networking!!!! So, use that same energy when connecting with other alums from your school(s).

As a Director on the Wellesley College Alumnae Association Board of Directors, I'll admit to being 1000% biased in favor of alum...

You know you’re doing too much. You feel scatterbrained and like you’re always forgetting something. You’re exhausted but feel like you must keep going because if you don’t do it, who will? And quite honestly, you don’t feel appreciated for everything you do.

Does any of that sound true? Yeah, I bet it does. I know it's been true for me. Been there. Done that. Grabbed a bottle of wine on the way out. I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way. 

One of the most common obstacles people face when trying to make a career transition is finding the time to do it. Here’s a secret: It’s not a matter of time. It’s a matter of priorities. We make the time for the things that are most important to us. If your career transition is a top priority, you’ll find the time. If it isn’t, you’ll find an excuse. Either choice is fine. It’s fine if making a career change is a top priority and...

Let’s be real. Things are uncertain right now. There isn’t much you can do about the economy or the job market but you can start creating options for yourself and your career. 

Look, we all have to decide how we will spend our time. Why not choose to spend some of your building your own future? 

• Email a friend or work acquaintance to catch up. 
• Email someone whose career you admire and ask for an informational interview. 
• Read an article about a professional field that you’re interested in.
• Brainstorm and write down careers that you’d love to have. It doesn’t matter how far-fetched they may seem, write them down!

• Look at the “Careers” webpage for a company for which you'd like to work and see if there are any positions that you might be interested in. Print or save the positions that interest you.
• Review your resume or LinkedIn profile to see if it needs to be updated. 
• Update your LinkedIn...

A common worry that I hear a lot from clients is that they think they might be too old to change careers.

They've invested A LOT of time, energy, and often money on their current career and worry that they'd be throwing all that away if they move to a different career. I have yet to come across someone who was thinking about a career that they'd be barred from because of their age. Even if the career they were considering required going back to school, it's still not too late for that. 

If you're still not convinced, here are four women who are proof positive that changing careers midstream IS possible. Keep reading and be inspired! 

Vera Wang: Wang started her career as a fashion editor at Vogue and then became an accessories design director for Ralph Lauren. It wasn’t until she was 40 that she started seriously thinking about becoming a wedding dress designer. As you well know, she’s built an empire that extends beyond just wedding dresses, including a...

Confession: I didn’t start running until I was 35. Before I started running myself, I thought running for fun was crazy. I was one of those people who “jokingly” asked why you were running if nothing was chasing you. I heard about the famous “runner’s high” and rolled my eyes. I hated running during sports training and my attitude hadn’t changed… until it did. I’ll admit that I started running to lose weight and it worked… until it didn’t. So, I started training for a half marathon because it was a challenge. I started my coaching training around the same time I started running. One of the things that I noticed is that as I got more serious about running, I’ve also gotten more serious about coaching. The 2 things often collide because I usually think about my business while running. So, I’m sharing with you what I’ve learned on my many, many long runs. 

1. Every challenge starts with a...

For 2 decades (yes, over 20 whooooole years!), I’d been waiting for the right moment to turn my life around. I was convinced that things would be perfect when I lost weight, got a different job, or made more money. I felt that once those things fell into place, my life would really take off. I’d start working on those goals and then would sabotage myself. I’d start Weight Watchers in earnest, only to fall back into old habits within a month or two. I’d apply for jobs but didn’t really care if I got them. I completed a 2-year coaching program and started a coaching business but didn’t give it my all. Why? Because I was waiting for the perfect moment when everything would be right, the stars in alignment, my chakras perfectly doing whatever chakras are supposed to do. Of course, that meant that nothing in my life that meant a lot to me ever got off the ground.

Looking in from the outside, I didn’t seem like someone who waited for the perfect...

Photo by Christina on Unsplash

Today pivoting careers and job-hopping have become common. On average, employees stay with their companies only for about 4.2 years before they move on to a new job. While the idea of starting in a brand-new field may seem exciting, pivoting careers has its own challenges that you need to take into account.

With jobs becoming less linear and more flexible, changing them could mean having to deal with substantial pay cuts. You may very likely have to start from the bottom, and not everyone can afford to do that, especially with a great deal of financial uncertainty and emotional instability involved. However, there are a few ways you can change careers while making sure that you stay in a relatively “experienced” salary tier.

Use Your Existing Skills To Your Advantage

If you are thinking of changing your career, the expected demands and requirements at your new job may scare you at first. It may very well seem like a nightmare...