Markets are wavering, gas prices are soaring, thousands are losing their homes and global food shortages are plaguing the planet. On top of all that, you’re suffocating from the impending doom of misery - swallowing you in the form of a 50-60 hour workweek.

      Not to worry, help is on the way. Change can be challenging but rewarding, especially when your happiness is at stake. So why not take a chance to improve your life? Look no further because tips to make a smooth career transition are paragraphs away.

     Fourteen years ago Sharon Schmidt never imagined she would be passionate about her career. After 16 years as an office manager for a local optometrist, Sharon’s desire to become a midwife gradually became reality. Sharon was researching schools to become certified as a midwife when her boss announced he would no longer be working as an optometrist. He would be pursuing his dream as a missionary.

     “It was an inspiration for me,” Sharon said. “I knew it was time, it was supposed to happen.”

     Sharon, a mother of four, took her boss’s announcement as a sign and spent the next three years juggling work and attending classes in Orlando to become certified as a midwife.

     Nancy Collamer, career consultant and founder of the online Jobs and Moms Career Center, www.jobsandmoms.com, says it’s important to understand if you need a job change or a career change. She says the first two questions you should ask yourself are, “What’s driving the discontent of what I’m feeling?” and “What do I need to do to change this?”

     There are many factors that can make you feel unhappy at work. Often, you may simply need a job change, not a complete career change which usually requires learning a new set of skills and is the most difficult transition to make.

     The most important step is to understand why you’re unhappy at work, Nancy says. “If you’re working for a difficult boss, it translates to you disliking your job,” she says.

     Sometimes changing employers but staying in the same job field can remedy this situation. Also, consider transferring to a different division in the company, which can bring more opportunities and a different sense of satisfaction.

     A lengthy commute to work can also add to job stress. Other times, all that’s needed is a change of scenery. If you’re an accountant in the airline industry and unhappy; try using your skills as an accountant in the restaurant business, Nancy says.

     The 11-year career consultant emphasizes that a drastic move is not always necessary. But in either case she says, “Being happy at work is a priceless gift you can give to yourself.”

     Before attending school to become a midwife, Sharon worked as a doula - a labor support person - for 13 years while still working as an office manager. During her free time she helped support women and their families choosing to have natural births, without medicine. Sharon felt prepared for the transition to a new career.

     If you think you’re ready for a new direction in life, keep reading for career changing tips from Career Consultant Nancy Collamer.


decent exposure

      Before making a huge leap into a completely different career, gain exposure in the field you are interested. Nancy suggests volunteering to harness experience, contacts and knowledge of education requirements.

     Taking classes at a local community college can also help you gain insight into a career, she says. Interning and shadowing a professional in your desired career is also beneficial. “Do whatever you can do to get experience and have the opportunity to talk with people in that field,” Nancy says. Informational interviews are a good way to determine the type of education required, key people in the field and if current skills will transfer. These interviews will give you feedback about what people like and dislike about the job.


preparation is key

      Understand what is going to be involved in your new career. Nancy suggests taking the time to get the proper education you need in the new field. “If you’ve done your homework, it will be a rewarding change,” she says. “Sometimes people try to cut corners and that can backfire on them.”

     Career resources are easily accessed on the Internet. The U.S. Department of Labor Web site, bls.gov, publishes “The Occupational Outlook Handbook” - a career guide. The handbook lists information about training and education requirements for specific careers. It also describes earnings, job duties, job prospects and working conditions.

     It’s also a good idea to obtain the necessary tools for a new career. This means having the appropriate wardrobe, putting together a resume with transferable skills, creating business cards and knowing the type of licensing and accreditation that is required.

     She points out that people should also have realistic expectations. Often, when a career change is made, there is going to be a shift in the “ladder of the pecking order.” Understanding you may not have the same seniority you once had will help in the transition process, she says.


monitor your money

      Whenever you make a total career change, it’s important to have some money in the bank and to understand the financial shift that takes place. “For most people, you’re going to be considered at entry level which means a lower salary,” Nancy says.

     If you are going back to school, you are going to be spending more than you’re taking in. The career expert says to be prepared to take out loans in order to pay for your re-education.

     However, many people continue to work part-time while attending school. Sharon, now owner of Fruitful Vine Midwifery Service, continued working as an office manager during her three years of school and for the first year she established her practice. She was not able to garner the income she needed with her new practice, so she continued working at her old job.

     “It was difficult financially,” Sharon said. “It was a hard struggle. But I loved the challenge.”


no shame in support

      Stress often accompanies life transitions. Because your career is an important piece of your life, Nancy says it’s imperative to have people support you in tangible ways. This could mean having a spouse take on extra duties. If you have children, it’s important to take time to explain what kinds of changes to expect. Going back to school may mean you will have less time to prepare dinner. If your children understand this, Nancy says, they might be able to help, which will smooth the way.

     Nancy remembers her own experience of going back to school. She and her daughter worked on homework together. As a result, her daughter became involved in this new change. Often Nancy’s daughter was excited to find out what Mom made on her test. “It’s great to have your support group celebrate the victories along the way. Let the people who are supporting you know their help is appreciated”, Nancy says.

     Sharon is happy she changed careers. She doesn’t feel under appreciated and overworked like at her previous job, even though she is busier now.

     “I have no regrets,” Sharon said. “I’m not burnt out - I think that’s how people are, when they find their passion.”