Make your career change a success with these tips

There was a time when professionals would spend the bulk, if not the entirety, of their careers with one company. Chances are, many of today's young professionals had grandparents who spent decades working with the same outfit.

Such instances, however, are now few and far between. Perhaps thanks to the increasingly global and mobile nature of society, today's professionals rarely even expect to spend the majority of their careers with the same firm. While some people might be nostalgic for the trends of yesteryear, for others the excitement of change is far more invigorating than working for the same company for the bulk of a career. Those considering a career change can increase their chances of making that change a success by employing a few tips.

n Remember, the grass isn't always greener. For those who are changing careers simply because they are dissatisfied with their current jobs and not because they have a strong desire to work in another field, the grass won't necessarily be greener in a different career. In fact, changing careers without researching the next step could prove disastrous.

n Don't be scared. While it can be scary, particularly for established professionals, to change careers, it's not exactly the road less traveled. Many people have and will continue to change careers and, if done after research and careful consideration, there's nothing to be afraid of.

n Ask those who have gone before you. As mentioned above, the career change path is one that's well traveled. That means there are plenty of people to speak with and seek advice from who can offer tips on how to make it work and which potential pitfalls to look out for.

n Be patient. Still-working professionals should be patient when making career changes. Research several different careers to see which might make the best fit. Don't rush into things. Relish the freedom your current employment provides by giving you an opportunity to carefully consider your next move without having to just make that move because there's no other option.

n Find something you love. Many people are unfulfilled with their careers because they have lost the passion or never had that passion to begin with. Obviously, someone who is considering a career change has lost passion for his or her current field. To avoid landing in a similar position down the road, find something you love to do and figure out a way to make money doing that.

n Test the waters. A career change does not have to mean quitting a job on Friday and beginning a new career the following Monday. Instead, test the waters with a career by volunteering within the field to determine if it's truly for you. This can provide valuable insight into the field and might even provide some reliable contacts.

Courtesy Metro Creative Connection