How do you change your career path?
Isn't that the million-dollar question?
If you are not quite sure what it is that you really want to do in life, don’t worry, because you are definitely not alone. In fact, I was so rattled after realizing that my first career was not going to work out, that I created an entire company based on it.
The right career is out there for you…but it is going to take time. To help expedite the process for you, The YoPro Know is here with hundreds of interviews with YoPros just like you who have been there, done that. Take it from a few of these YoPros who share what to do to find that right career path…and how to move forward when you don’t find it right away.
1. Talk to as many people as you can.
Reach out to people in the industries you want to work in. Whether you are a student looking for your first job or already in the workforce, connect with people via friends, acquaintances, or LinkedIn, and just ask questions. Shannon Donohue, 25-year-old Sports & Entertainment Publicist in New York City, shares that even if you never talk to someone again after that first call, it is extremely invaluable because they can tell you what you don’t already know. Don't miss Shannon's YoPro interview here.
2. Focus on your knowledge, skills, and self-awareness.
Regardless of whether you like your role or not, you should constantly be growing yourself professionally. Sarah Henning, Career Coach and Founder of Shiftive, a career development and talent acquisition platform, in Nashville, Tennessee, shares that individuals who focus on these three areas are the ones that create long-term success for themselves. Focus on growing yourself and the right career path will come. And whatever you do, do not focus on others’ paths. Your journey is supposed to be yours and no one else’s, so remember to pay attention to your own. Check out more of Sarah's advice in this podcast and video interview.
3. It is never too late to change your career path.
If I told you how many YoPros I have interviewed that have told me this, you’d laugh. No, really, it is probably the #1 takeaway from every interview because it’s true. It is never too late. Take it from Daniel Duhart, a then-24-year-old Assurance Senior Accountant for Clifton Larson Allen, LLP in Atlanta, Georgia, who shares that it is completely okay to change your path. In fact, it is a huge challenge that not only Daniel but so many others, have as young professionals. You can find his story here.
Like Daniel, Dorothy Walton, 26-year-old Photo Prop Stylist in Birmingham, Alabama, notes that you don’t have to have everything figured out as a young professional. Again, it really is never too late to switch paths, and hearing that a couple of times will help you make better career decisions. Learn more about Dorothy's path in this article she wrote for The YoPro Know.
I was never told that it was okay to switch career paths. It just wasn’t the norm growing up or in school. However, I now know that I am still worthy of success even when my career path changes.
And you are too.
Remember that and acknowledge that it is never too late to change your path, and if you’re struggling to figure out what that next step is, we are here to help you.
