Quitting Your Job – the ultimate guide to changing your career
Andrew Stuckey • May 15, 2020
'What do you want to be when you're older?' It's a question we've all been asked at some point in our lives – but how many of us currently do the job we once dreamed of doing when we were young?
The short answer is: not very many. For some people, this could be down to the fact that their dream job was a fairly unattainable one in the first place (full-time space cowboy, anyone?), but for others, the reason their perfect career never materialised feels a little unclear.
One of the main reasons is that people accidently 'fall' into a certain career, and it's not uncommon for those people to stay in their jobs as financial responsibilities – such as rent, mortgages and bills – increase over time. Before they know it, they've been there ten years and the 'dream job' seems like nothing more than a distant memory. Until now, that is.
Here at 118 118 Money, we don’t want to see anyone working in a job that makes them unhappy, so if you're looking to reignite your dreams and pursue a career that's a little more suited to you, then this blog is the one for you.
Shifting sideways
Sometimes, the thing you've always wanted is right under your nose - so before you go writing your resignation letter, just consider what options are available to you within your current place of work.
For example, if you're working in a supermarket and want to try something a little more challenging than stacking shelves, why not ask your line manager for a 1-2-1 and see what's on offer within the company. From logistics to management, security and driving, there could be tons of jobs available – and you stand a much better chance of landing a certain job if you've already proven yourself in your current role.
This narrative is applicable to lots of different jobs, not just supermarkets, but it's worth mentioning that if you're looking to try your hand at a different role within the company, you may have to start at a lower level than you're already at – which may mean taking a pay cut. However, if it gets you to where you want to be in the long-run, it's well worth considering.
Take your time
Finding your dream job isn't something you can do overnight and it's a huge decision for anyone to make – so don't worry if it takes you six weeks, six months a year or longer to figure out exactly what it is you want to do.
One of the first things you should do is talk to your close friends or family about your current situation. Not only will this enable you to hear what other people think you'd be good at, it also helps you understand yourself better – both your strengths and your weaknesses - provided they're being honest with you!
Process of elimination
Once you've identified your strengths and your weaknesses, try making a shortlist of jobs that require your particular skill set, using online job profiles if you're unsure of the skills needed. After doing this, make a separate list of things you like or dislike doing – then compare the two.
Doing this will help you eliminate any jobs that aren’t suited to you, leaving you with the ones that are, plus, you'll get an idea of favoured skills that could be put against a new role. All that's left to do is pick the right career looking up at you, or keep on searching.
Education, education, education
Once you think you've found the career you'd like to pursue, it's time to hit the web and do a little research. Whether you're 23 or 53, you can't expect to just swan into a brand new job willy-nilly, you have to be prepared to work for it.
With a population of over 64 million people, competition for work here in the UK has never been greater, but when it comes to getting ahead, there are plenty of options open to you.
Whatever job you're thinking of going into, a decent education can really help you to get where you want to be. From basic GCSEs through to postgraduate degrees, committing yourself to a course shows prospective employers that you're willing to go the extra mile, while the things you'll pick up along the way will almost certainly be invaluable when you eventually start work – a real win-win.
If you don't ask, you'll never know
Once you've equipped yourself with a bag full of knowledge on what it is you want to do, it might be time to test the water. Sending out a series of cover letters and CVs is a great way to gauge interest - you might even get an interview out of it.
Once you've sent out some letters, follow it up by ringing a few companies directly. Once you're through to the right person, ask them if they've received your letter and if they'd be kind enough to offer some feedback. Take what you're told seriously and listen to any advice that's on offer - and most importantly, never feel discouraged if they don't offer you a job.
Look in all the right places
While websites such as Indeed and Monster may look like they have more jobs than anyone else, they may not be the best when it comes to tapping into a particularly niche market.
For example, if you're thinking of getting into teaching, websites such as TES.com may be much better than the likes of Guardian Jobs or Jobsite. On a similar note, websites such as Prolific North and The Drum provide an extensive list of jobs for marketers and advertisers looking for work, and it's a similar story throughout other industries too.
Knowing where to look can really help you find what it is you're looking for in a faster, more efficient way – so be sure to do a heap of online research whenever you're on the hunt for work.
If you can't find anything, try making a list of companies you'd like to work for before checking each company's website directly. The majority of companies – both big and small –have a 'careers' section on their respective sites, and these pages are great when it comes to finding a whole host of hidden gems.
Whether you're looking at changing your career or simply want to save a few quid while doing your current job, our blog is jam-packed with handy hints and money saving tips, so be sure to check it out!