If you think that in 30 or 35 years it is already useless to change jobs and it remains only to be content with what is, then you are mistaken. There is always development, you just need to competently draw up a plan of action and compare the desired with reality.

At a certain point, each person begins a period when he thinks that he has already done his best and has achieved certain professional goals, above which he can’t jump anymore. Either at all he understands that he is engaged in something that is not the business to which the soul lies and that it is urgent to do something about it. How to act correctly in this situation, so as not to harm ourselves (and reputation) – we deal with our expert.

At each stage of its development, it is important for a person to see future prospects and to understand that nothing is impossible. It is only necessary to competently approach the solution of this issue.

Ekaterina Novopashina,

career counselor, psychologist, founder of a strategic career development project

At school, you study, then to enter a higher education institution. At the university, you get professional knowledge and, possibly, work in parallel. And this is the first money, independence and, of course, professional experience. After completing their studies, everyone makes plans for career and financial growth. A sort of standard scheme for the average successful person.

In 3-35 years, most people begin a period of rethinking. Someone realizes that he spent several years of his life on an unloved work. Someone reaches the career ceiling. The time of stagnation begins. There is work, family, status in society, but opportunities for further growth and development are not expected. Prospects, as they believe, are no longer for them. In this situation, many of them want to quit and start their career from scratch. Just do not get caught up in this quagmire of doubts and fears about the fact that their lives are wasted.

How to understand that you need to look for a new field of activity?

There are external and internal factors, based on which you can decide on a change of profession (field of activity).

External signs:

• income level;
• comfortable workplace;
• convenient work schedule;
• people with whom you interact in the process, you enjoy;
• the possibility of achieving even greater career heights.

Internal signs:

• emotional uplift at the thought of his case;
• the desire to seek and study information in their own direction;
• you are inspired by the end result of your work;
• be proud of your work;
• Consider this work important and useful.

For each attribute, rate from 0 to 10, as far as you are satisfied with the current activity. If you have a total of less than 80 points, then I recommend thinking about choosing another business. Especially if you score the least points on internal factors.

If you are among those who need to change jobs, then do not rush to make hasty decisions! The professions market is not constant: some appear, others disappear. Deciding where to go is not easy. And here it is very important not to succumb to emotions, but calmly weigh the pros and cons.

By changing the profession (work) must be approached in stages:

Step 1. Clearly define the case that you want to do (or that you have always dreamed of doing).

Step 2. Contact a career counselor who will help you correctly draw up a career plan, or write it yourself. The career plan should include training in a new profession and practice. They should competently fit into their current life with work and household chores.

Step 3. When you have completed the training and practice, begin to move smoothly into a new area.

The main lifehacks that will help you go through this process painlessly and productively:

Don’t quit right away!   The transition to a completely new profession lasts from six months to two years. Provided that you go out on a stable income, which is equal to or greater than it. And if you hurry, you can remain for some time without the usual sources of income and without support.

Burning eyes are more important than inscriptions in labor.   Show zeal to develop professionally. For many employers, the main thing is to see a high level of motivation among employees.

Forget about five years in high school!   Higher education often does not meet the requirements of the modern labor market. You will get much more relevant knowledge on quality courses, from books and videos, after free and paid consultations. For less money and in a short time.

Find a mentor who will help you master a new profession faster and more efficiently. Perhaps someone in your environment has already passed this path and is ready to share their experience and knowledge. Do not be afraid to be interested in all the details to avoid mistakes in the future.

And remember that there is nothing wrong with changing jobs (or business areas). And in 20, and in 30, and even in 55 years! This is normal all over the world. Make an effort now to learn a new profession and enjoy your success every day, be proud of yourself. And you do not just have to endure until retirement and regret the lost career opportunities for the rest of your life!