It's Never Too Late

Any significant change in career direction requires extensive soul-searching, research, support from friends and family, and usually a significant leap of faith. When you have spent a number of years building your career and establishing credibility, walking away from that security can be scary at best. Additionally, a mid-career change may occur at an inconvenient time for your family (e.g., when children are going off to college).

People usually decide to make career changes because they are unhappy or feel unfulfilled in their current position. Other people consider a career change when faced with significant personal or professional pressures. Keep in mind that you need as much support as possible from your family and friends, and indeed, even your boss. So think carefully about all the outside influences before you embark on this "treasure hunt." Sometimes lifestyle issues become a priority and trigger a desire for a career change. For instance, professionals who are happy working for consulting firms or vendors may find that young children, aging parents or other commitments may necessitate a career change to eliminate travel. Regardless of the reason, once you have reached a decision to change your career direction, a fair amount of work is usually involved in making the transition. Healthcare Opportunities It's a natural inclination to stay in your current field when you make a career shift. Many different opportunities within health care offer a wide range of choices. Try not to limit yourself to a job title; think about your skills and what you want to do before you narrow your search. Seek advice from those who know your skills best. Just as it often makes sense to stay within your industry, it is always easier to make a mid-career change within your own organization. Remember that your organization will want to fill an open position with a "known quantity," and if you have the skills to do the job (or could meet the challenge with proper mentoring), it should be a win-win situation for everyone. However, if the type of change you desire is not possible within your current organization, discuss your goal with your boss (if you have a good relationship with him/her) and other trusted colleagues. Research Required Read as much as you can about the area you want to pursue. Network and talk with people who currently work in the field to get their perspective and potential leads on opportunities. If you aspire to a position that requires specific certifications or degrees, start investigating programs, schools and associated costs. In some cases, your current organization may pay for the program, but in most cases the cost and time commitment will be your responsibility. Make sure you complete any necessary education before you start looking for that magic job. Also, bear in mind that your best source of information and critique is through networking. Don't be concerned about asking for help. The person you want to approach for help has probably been helped by others during his/her career and will be delighted to give you advice. If you are considering a career change that will require leaving your current organization, talk to recruiters who specialize in the field. They should be able to candidly discuss the kind of experience, skills and education that their clients demand for the type of positions that interest you. They can also give you a "reality check" related to opportunities and compensation levels. Recruiters can get your resume in front of a hiring party if they believe that you have the ability to fill a certain position even if on paper it is not obvious. It would be well worth your time to meet with a recruiter so he/she can get to know you well enough to present you with confidence to potential hiring managers. Overall, the easiest way to make a career change is to convince someone who knows, likes, trusts and respects you to give you a chance or to introduce you to his/her contacts. Finally, when contemplating a career change, realize that you may have to accept a pay cut in your first position, particularly if your previous experience does not directly apply. You should be able to demonstrate your value quickly, and rewards will follow. There's no doubt that making a career change can be daunting. Simply making the decision is usually the hardest part. Once you make a commitment and follow your game plan, the pieces will fall into place. Betsy S. Hersher is founder and president of Hersher Associates Ltd., a healthcare consulting and executive search firm located in Northbrook, IL. Linda B. Hodges is executive vice president of Hersher Associates Ltd.