Career Direction After Marriage

Making   a career decision is seldom easy. Typically, when someone decides it’s time   for a change, middle age has already set in or is right around the corner.

  As much as a career change can be risky, they can be equally, and in many cases,  exceedingly, rewarding. If you’re considering a career change, it’s good to   consider or expect the following before or when making your move.

Decide what it is you want. Graduating college students say it all the time:  "I don’t really know what I want to do." Unlike college students looking   for their first job, however, you likely have the time and resources to give   this more thought without having to worry about paying your bills. Still, it’s   important to know exactly what you want out of a career. If you’re seriously   considering a career change, you probably know what it is you don’t want, but   might be unsure as to what you do want.

Take time to evaluate your skills and experience and try to discover a career   where you can put those to use in a way that will make you happy.

Be patient. If your current job has afforded you some financial security, be   patient when pursuing another career. Even if your finances aren’t wonderful,  rushing into a new career could land you in a similarly unhappy place professionally.

  After you’ve decided on the career path you’d like to pursue, you might also   want to consider taking things slowly. For instance, see if the job is what   you think it is. Either way, with a hurried decision you’re increasing the chances   of being unhappy in the long run.

Expect to earn less. If you’re already established in your current field, then   making a career change means you may not earn as much as you are now. If you’re   changing careers to gain greater personal satisfaction from your work, the pay   cut shouldn’t matter all that much.

Use your contacts. One of the benefits to having a successful career, even   one you’re not particularly fond of, is the chance to network with other successful   people. Considering career changes are not all that uncommon; you probably know   other successful people who have made a strong transition from one successful   career to another. Don’t be afraid to contact them for advice or help. Also,  try and speak to people in the field you’re considering entering. Professional   organizations can be a great way of meeting such people, who should be able   to shed light on any questions you have.

Know what you’re getting yourself into. Many people, after spending a few months   at a new job, say the job is not what they thought it would be. Though this   is relatively common, for people making a career change such ignorance can be   very costly. Doing your research with respect to your prospective new profession   is essential, as you don’t want to leave behind a good salary and strong track   record for a career that could be unfulfilling. Networking will help you in   researching, but you can also get a better idea from examining companies and   what their ideals and goals are. If you’re considering starting your own business,  beware of all potential pitfalls and think about talking to other small business   owners for advice.

Where to go first? “As you look ahead, think of your career like you   would your marriage, it’s a journey,” states Beth L. Vanda, Director   of Business Development at Adams & Garth Staffing Solutions. “That   journey has the potential to be an incredible adventure, so make sure you enjoy   the ride! Adams & Garth offers a wide-range of staffing solutions… solutions   to fit just about every hiring need.”

Since 1989, Adams & Garth Staffing Solutions has been in the business of   matching quality employees with Central Virginia’s premier employers.  Adams & Garth’s reputation is to provide the finest temporary and   full-time staffing, executive recruitment and HR consulting services with the   emphasis on “matching people and jobs” for the perfect fit!  So whether you’re looking for temporary employment to learn about the   varied companies in our area or permanent employment for a new career match,  they’d like to be your match-maker.

Adams & Garth Staffing Solutions
  Charlottesville
  T: (434) 974-7878
Staunton
  T: (540) 248-JOBS (5627)
Harrisonburg
  T: (540) 434-4037
  adamsandgarth.com