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How to change career paths?
Three years ago, I quit my job in accounts payable. My parents contracted Covid. Mom became bedridden, and Dad has dementia. I decided to be their caregiver. Now, three years later, I want to return to the workforce; however, I do not want to return to a finance career. I want a change in my career. I'm seeking a meaningful, exciting, hands-on, and fulfilling job. Additionally, I'm looking for a career that understands and accommodates my learning disability, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and comprehension deficits., and comprehension deficits.
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6 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Gricel,
Guide to Switching Careers: A Detailed, Actionable Plan
1. Evaluate Yourself and Reflect
Embarking on a career switch requires a comprehensive self-evaluation. Contemplate your passions, principles, abilities, and past experiences. Reflect on the parts of your previous role in accounts payable that you found satisfying and those that you didn't. As you're seeking a job that brings you joy and fulfillment, ponder on activities that stir your enthusiasm. These could involve interacting with others, participating in creative projects, or contributing to community service.
Also, keep in mind your learning disabilities—dyslexia, dysgraphia, and comprehension deficits. Identify workplaces where these challenges can be effectively accommodated. Roles that incorporate visual aids or hands-on learning could be advantageous, for instance.
2. Explore Potential Career Paths
With a better grasp of your interests and strengths, investigate various career paths that resonate with them. Some sectors to contemplate could include:
Healthcare: Positions like medical assistant or patient advocate can be rewarding and often involve practical work.
Education: Roles such as teaching assistant or special education aide allow you to assist students with diverse needs.
Nonprofit Sector: Employment in organizations that focus on societal causes can provide purposeful work that aligns with your personal values.
Creative Fields: If arts or design captivate you, look into positions in graphic design or community arts programs.
Use online tools like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to collect data about different careers, including job prospects and necessary qualifications.
3. Enhance Your Skills
Upon pinpointing potential career paths, determine if you require further training or education to qualify for these roles. Numerous community colleges provide certificate programs that are shorter than conventional degrees but still equip you with valuable skills for new careers.
Also, consider online courses through platforms like Coursera or Udemy that cater to diverse fields and often accommodate various learning styles.
4. Establish Connections
Building connections is crucial when switching careers. Connect with professionals in your chosen field through platforms like LinkedIn or local networking events. Informational interviews can offer insights into the daily realities of a job and help forge relationships that could lead to job openings.
Think about joining professional groups related to your new field of interest; many provide resources specifically designed for individuals transitioning careers.
5. Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter
When applying for jobs in a new field, adapt your resume and cover letter to emphasize transferable skills from your past experience as a caregiver and accounts payable professional. Highlight soft skills like empathy, communication, organization, and problem-solving, which are invaluable across many sectors.
In your cover letter, be transparent about your career transition; articulate why you’re enthusiastic about this new path and how your past experiences positively contribute to the role you’re applying for.
6. Get Ready for Interviews
Prepare extensively for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to both the industry you’re entering and behavioral questions that demonstrate how you’ve tackled challenges in the past—especially those related to caregiving.
Be prepared to discuss how your unique perspective due to dyslexia and dysgraphia can enhance your contributions within the workplace.
7. Utilize Support Services
Investigate organizations that focus on assisting individuals with learning disabilities in finding employment opportunities suited to their needs. These services often offer coaching on interview techniques, resume writing help, and even direct links with employers who prioritize inclusivity.
By systematically following these steps—self-evaluation, research, skill enhancement, networking, customizing application materials, interview preparation, and seeking support—you will be fully prepared to embark on a rewarding new career path that accommodates both your aspirations and learning needs.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS offers extensive data on various occupations including job prospects, helping individuals understand potential career paths based on current labor market trends.
National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) - NCLD provides resources specifically aimed at supporting individuals with learning disabilities in their educational pursuits and career transitions.
Coursera - An online platform offering courses from universities worldwide, allowing individuals seeking skill enhancement opportunities tailored to their new career interests while accommodating diverse learning styles.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Blessings,
JC.
Guide to Switching Careers: A Detailed, Actionable Plan
1. Evaluate Yourself and Reflect
Embarking on a career switch requires a comprehensive self-evaluation. Contemplate your passions, principles, abilities, and past experiences. Reflect on the parts of your previous role in accounts payable that you found satisfying and those that you didn't. As you're seeking a job that brings you joy and fulfillment, ponder on activities that stir your enthusiasm. These could involve interacting with others, participating in creative projects, or contributing to community service.
Also, keep in mind your learning disabilities—dyslexia, dysgraphia, and comprehension deficits. Identify workplaces where these challenges can be effectively accommodated. Roles that incorporate visual aids or hands-on learning could be advantageous, for instance.
2. Explore Potential Career Paths
With a better grasp of your interests and strengths, investigate various career paths that resonate with them. Some sectors to contemplate could include:
Healthcare: Positions like medical assistant or patient advocate can be rewarding and often involve practical work.
Education: Roles such as teaching assistant or special education aide allow you to assist students with diverse needs.
Nonprofit Sector: Employment in organizations that focus on societal causes can provide purposeful work that aligns with your personal values.
Creative Fields: If arts or design captivate you, look into positions in graphic design or community arts programs.
Use online tools like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to collect data about different careers, including job prospects and necessary qualifications.
3. Enhance Your Skills
Upon pinpointing potential career paths, determine if you require further training or education to qualify for these roles. Numerous community colleges provide certificate programs that are shorter than conventional degrees but still equip you with valuable skills for new careers.
Also, consider online courses through platforms like Coursera or Udemy that cater to diverse fields and often accommodate various learning styles.
4. Establish Connections
Building connections is crucial when switching careers. Connect with professionals in your chosen field through platforms like LinkedIn or local networking events. Informational interviews can offer insights into the daily realities of a job and help forge relationships that could lead to job openings.
Think about joining professional groups related to your new field of interest; many provide resources specifically designed for individuals transitioning careers.
5. Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter
When applying for jobs in a new field, adapt your resume and cover letter to emphasize transferable skills from your past experience as a caregiver and accounts payable professional. Highlight soft skills like empathy, communication, organization, and problem-solving, which are invaluable across many sectors.
In your cover letter, be transparent about your career transition; articulate why you’re enthusiastic about this new path and how your past experiences positively contribute to the role you’re applying for.
6. Get Ready for Interviews
Prepare extensively for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to both the industry you’re entering and behavioral questions that demonstrate how you’ve tackled challenges in the past—especially those related to caregiving.
Be prepared to discuss how your unique perspective due to dyslexia and dysgraphia can enhance your contributions within the workplace.
7. Utilize Support Services
Investigate organizations that focus on assisting individuals with learning disabilities in finding employment opportunities suited to their needs. These services often offer coaching on interview techniques, resume writing help, and even direct links with employers who prioritize inclusivity.
By systematically following these steps—self-evaluation, research, skill enhancement, networking, customizing application materials, interview preparation, and seeking support—you will be fully prepared to embark on a rewarding new career path that accommodates both your aspirations and learning needs.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS offers extensive data on various occupations including job prospects, helping individuals understand potential career paths based on current labor market trends.
National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) - NCLD provides resources specifically aimed at supporting individuals with learning disabilities in their educational pursuits and career transitions.
Coursera - An online platform offering courses from universities worldwide, allowing individuals seeking skill enhancement opportunities tailored to their new career interests while accommodating diverse learning styles.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Blessings,
JC.
Thank you; this is helpful and informative. You have given me a lot to think about and some useful tools. I can't wait to get started! Thank you!
Gricel
Thank You, this tells me I am doing my job OK!
James Constantine Frangos
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Gricel,
I find JC's reply to your question spot-on and very comprehensive and so don't have anything else to add, only to suggest you use it as your roadmap. I know it may feel like an overwhelming effort and that's natural but try to remember it's a journey not a sprint. Given my own experiences, I would advise you spend more time on the research/evaluation phase and incorporate your personality and preferences when looking at occupations to try to get a "best fit" at this point in your life and based on your circumstances and constraints. Like many others, I didn't spend enough time doing that and accepted positions based on mostly financially reasons and learned the hard way.
I find JC's reply to your question spot-on and very comprehensive and so don't have anything else to add, only to suggest you use it as your roadmap. I know it may feel like an overwhelming effort and that's natural but try to remember it's a journey not a sprint. Given my own experiences, I would advise you spend more time on the research/evaluation phase and incorporate your personality and preferences when looking at occupations to try to get a "best fit" at this point in your life and based on your circumstances and constraints. Like many others, I didn't spend enough time doing that and accepted positions based on mostly financially reasons and learned the hard way.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. I couldn't agree more about how we have all been there.
Gricel
Lots of resources out there to help you along with your own research. ONET is good government research to help you evaluate and identify other occupations based on your "transferrable" skills and your interests. Feel free to check in anytime if you have other questions along your journey.
Tony Roig
Updated
Chris’s Answer
I've worked in various career areas (chemist, contract management, customer success). I've found what works best is making sure you are always educating yourself and aligning education paths to areas that you are both passionate about as well as have broad applicability the world. A lot of the skill sets you will learn in any education/training setting can be applied to multiple career areas. Always remember that skills are transferrable and wherever you feel you have skill set gaps, always be educating yourself and/or asking your current employer for opportunities to apply your skills in various areas of your company.
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Since you're looking to change careers you need to look at your skills themselves. Your resume will likely need to show how those skills helped you be successful in those positions. In addition, how your skills continued to develop. Then you can target your new career search through those skills.
Updated
Patty’s Answer
Take a look at what resources are available to you (i.e. online, in person, job fairs). Be clear and honest about what your limitations and interests are. It will help narrow the focus. The department of labor may also be able to help with guiding you to a career path within your limitations or connecting you to resources with training or certifications.
Updated
Murali’s Answer
Self-Assessment: Begin by evaluating your current skills, interests, and values. Understand what you enjoy and what you're seeking in a new career.
I feel medical field has lots of opportunities.
I feel medical field has lots of opportunities.