Learning & Life

How to Launch a New Career: The Art of Starting Over

By Joe Cooper
Learning & Life Columnist
June 6, 2006
Government statistics show that 1 out of every 5 people change jobs each year. If you're unhappy in your career - get a new one! Here's how.

Between the ages of 20 and 70, most of us will spend one third of our life at work. That's a whole lot of time to spend in frustration or unhappiness. If you're thinking of changing careers, keep these 5 things in mind as you do.
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  1. Find Your Passion and Plan Ahead
    Don't wait until you're desperate to quit your job because a new solution won't present itself overnight. You should consider what you're good at and what you enjoy doing. Then research degree programs and even online education to get yourself excited about (and ready for) your new career before you start it.
  2. Getting Financial Aid for Your Degree Program
    Earning a new degree can be time-consuming and costly, but it doesn't have to be. If you're considering an online education, be sure to research financial aid for your degree program even if its online education. State governments gave away almost $8 billion in aid two years ago.
  3. Choose Your New Job Wisely
    Step 1 comes into play again here; taking time to research the industry and get the right on-campus or online education will reward you in the end. Know the business before jumping in. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has a lot of information that can help you learn about how strong an industry is.
  4. Be Flexible
    Sure, an internship doesn't sound great, but could it get you a job? Lower-paying positions can be the ticket to long-term roles with growth potential if you show employers that you know your stuff in the first few months of a new job.
  5. Save, Save, Save
    The rate at which people are saving their money is declining. The amount that people spent exceeded what they earned last year, reaching over $128 billion. Saving what you can while you start your new career will ensure you're safe if it doesn't go exactly as expected.

Above all, find a job or career path that you love, and the rest of these steps should fall in line.

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About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.

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