17th March - How to Change Career when you’ve reached an Executive Level
Changing direction is certainly increasingly difficult the further you progress with your career. Gone are the days when you can afford the salary drop of more junior position consider the lengthily process or gaining different qualifications, but it doesn’t have to be as tricky as it seems!

PCS Executive, the UK’s leading career management organisation, state that while the average working lifespan is constantly increasing, being stuck in a career that leaves you dreading Monday mornings, or an industry that is waning before your very eyes, should not be tolerated. Whatever your reasons for changing career – be it your work/life balance, a lack of progression or opportunity in the field, or the simple fact that you want to fulfil a different ambition – start your transition today!

The reasons for making that essential transformation may be apparent and the decision firm within your mind, but how exactly do you go about taking that leap? PCS executive explain the process you should go through when considering a career change:

1. Are you really that unhappy in your current career?

It may be that you are stuck in a rut, or you dislike the way that your current company operates. That shouldn’t mean that a complete change of career direction is the answer. A new office, colleagues and environment may actually fill that void you are striving to fill.

2. What are you trying to achieve?

If you do feel that changing career is the only way for you to fulfil your goals then the next step is to decide exactly where that could take you. An in-depth analysis of your aspirations and situation should follow. Factors such as re-location should be considered, along with your desired work-life balance and salary requirements.

3. Be realistic!

Your current circumstance will dictate whether you can look at taking a salary drop to a less senior position, or if a side step would be the only viable option to you. Many companies will see you as a higher risk if you have no experience in that field and this fact should not be taken lightly. Seek external advice, such as that of a career coach, to work out what careers would be a suitable (and realistic) choice given the current climate, your interests, aspirations and transferable skills. If your new burning ambition is to become a lion tamer with the Moscow State Circus, you probably won’t manage it, sorry.

4. Seek ways to gain experience (and don’t miss those stepping stones!)

A Career transition is not an overnight process. It will take time for you to gain the right contacts and learn the best way to position yourself in a new marketplace. If you are looking for anything you can do to expedite that process, gaining some extra experience or knowledge is the way forward. There may be a ‘half way’ role you can consider to get your foot in the door.

Finally, PCS conclude that changing career should not be taken lightly. There will be an array of obstacles to overcome so take off the rose tinted glasses! Seeking executive career coaching, such as the services offered by PCS, will give you an objective and realistic insight into your options which is driven by your career aspirations and ambitions - something a recruitment agency simply cannot offer.
Career advice can be found all over the web in a variety of different forms but finding the right advice for you and your situation can prove difficult. Sifting through all that information is a daunting task, especially when you are facing redundancy or wanting to take that next big step in your career.

Where should I go on the net for Careers Advice?

All of the main broadsheet newspapers have excellent blogs and articles providing guidance for job seekers and the forums are moderated by career experts making sure you get quality advice and answers to all of your career qualms.

A few sites to get you started are:
http://careers.guardian.co.uk/
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/career_and_jobs/
http://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/career-tools.aspx

A good Twitter list to keep you updated on careers news and advice:
http://twitter.com/#/list/TwitJobSearch/job-search-experts

There are also plenty of career blogs, both from the UK and across the pond, which are updated by professional career coaches who wish to share their knowledge with those searching for advice. These are excellent resources as the advice given is from people who are dedicated to helping those who need career support.

What if I want further Career Management support?

Whilst the advice given on these sites is comprehensive and valuable to any job searcher, being able to talk to someone personally can always be more beneficial. Talking to close friends or relatives can prove more of a hindrance than a help because of their intimacy to you but by meeting someone impartial they can provide objective support whilst understanding your personality. An understanding of your needs, dreams, fears and aspirations is integral if you are looking for career support with an objective viewpoint.

A poll issued by the Guardian Jobs revealed that 79% of people think that paying for a career coach is a waste of money but when stuck in a rut or facing a challenging job search a career coach can lift your spirits and confidence and put you on the right route to career success.

A recent PCS poll showed that 55% of job searchers believe it will take over 3 months to find their next position with 34% of these believing it will take over 6 months. By enlisting the help of a career coach you can cut your job search by half and land you a role which gives you real job satisfaction, which is something a recruiter can never guarantee.

PCS offer all candidates the chance to meet with one of the country’s leading career consultants who will review your CV and give a free evaluation of your career to date. If you are searching for careers advice on the net then why not arrange a meeting at your nearest PCS office.

Making the right decisions for your career is one of the most important factors in enhancing your job satisfaction, so making sure the advice you receive is specific to your individual situation will have a lasting effect on your career and in your personal life!

For a free career consultation from PCS Executive, the UK’s leading careers advice provider please visit www.pcsexecutive.com to submit your CV or call 0844 880 6690.








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