Are You In The Wrong Job Or Career? Here is What To Do

Meshack Muli*, a finance graduate is desperate to escape the world of Sales and Marketing. After graduating with honors in Accounting, Meshack was eager to start his career in the finance industry. After job hunting for over a year, his job search turned into a desperate mission. He was now looking for a job that would help him pay the bills for his upkeep.

“I was at a point where I was desperate for any job. I was on the verge of giving up then a friend of mine connected me to a sales-person position and because the pay was good, I had to take up the offer,” he says.

Two years down the line, Meshack is still working in the sales industry. “I dislike my job quite honestly; I feel stuck and everyday is a constant reminder of how I am wasting my skills in this job.”

Deeply unhappy with his current position, he is now ready for a new phase in his career.

Meshack’s situation is quite common, most people dive into jobs they have no interest in because they need to make a living.

As scary as it is, career change is possible if done early enough and through the right process. My advice for Meshack and anyone else going though the same is – Life is simply too short to work at a job that you don’t enjoy.

Here are a few pointers in which one can make a successful career change;

•Be Flexible. Remember that, in a sense, you are starting your career again from square one. Obtaining a part-time job or internship position in your new career field not only can solidify your decision, but give you much needed experience in your new career. This also applies to relocation and salary.

•Networking. One of the real keys to successfully changing careers will be your networking abilities. People in your network may be able to give you job leads, offer you advice and information about a particular company or industry, or even introduce you to others so that you can expand your network.

•Training and Education. You may find it necessary to update your skills and broaden your knowledge. Seek out short-term certificate programs and workshops offered during industry conferences, as well as those available locally. For instance in Meshack’s case, seeking training in various computerized applications is a key area that can assist make one be ahead of the game in the job search process.

•Revamp your CV. It is very important to portray your passion and skills through professional documents including CV, cover letter and LinkedIn profiles.

The chance to do the work you love can change your life in many ways, most importantly by giving you the job satisfaction and fulfillment that many workers never experience. Just be aware of the obstacles you might face e.g. low pay, and prepare for them in advance.

It is also important to set positive goals for yourself, and work towards achieving them.

Ms Jacqueline Kariuki works in the career advisory department. Contact Jacqueline for your CV writing, career advisory and job search questions.
Email: cvwriting@corporatestaffing.co.ke