Common Career Change Mistakes

Sometimes, the easiest way to  teach someone what to do is to  show them what NOT to do. The  goal of this newsletter will be  to get you to start thinking  about your job search in a  concrete way, and know the  mistakes to avoid before you even  get started.

1) Rushing into everything. This  pivotal time in your life will  come with many, many decisions,  but don't feel pressured to act  immediately on any idea you may  have. The great thing about  switching careers is that you're  finally affording yourself the  time and space to think about  what YOU really want.

2) Lacking a clear plan.  Organizing a job search will be a  true test of your abilities.  Without an idea of where you want  to look for jobs and what types  you want to apply for, your  search go on aimlessly for  months. It will also be hard to  keep track of interviews,  applications, and other timely  matters.

3) Leaving your last job on a  negative note. Always try to  leave a position gracefully,  because word gets around. Resist  the urge to tell your boss off,  mess with an annoying co-worker's  things, or do anything else  unscrupulous. You'll need to have  some good references to back you up in your next job.

4) Mistaking a crappy job for a  crappy industry. Just because  your last job as an accountant  was horrible doesn't mean that  you should leave the accounting  field altogether. Perhaps you just need to work a different  shift or spend some time in  another office.