1. Go back to school. The most expensive and longest route. Although getting an MBA may help you get a higher paid job, the tens of thousands of dollars it will cost you must be paid back before you start reaping the benefit from your new education.
2. Go back to school but get somebody else to pay. For example, some states or counties will pay you to re-train as a teacher. Other examples are joining the military, getting a scholarship or a foundation grant to study.
3. Work part time in your new chosen career while still working in your old job. One of my clients writes a blog in the evenings while he works as a copy editor in the daytime. Another client does motivational speaking on the weekends while he works as a project manager during the week.
4. Volunteer in your new career and get valuable free experience (and even training). If you can afford to do this, it can be a great way to transition into a new field. I know a development executive who was laid off, but has offered to work with a film company for three months “on spec.” If he makes any deals then he gets paid! It’s also great for meeting new people.
5. Use your old skills to get you the job in the desired new career. If you're an accounts clerk in a manufacturing company but you want to work in massage therapy, get an admin job in a wellness center, be well liked and opportunities may show up to switch.
David Couper is a career coach and writer who for the last twenty years has worked in Europe, Asia, and the USA with individuals. 100% of his clients have found either a new job or career which is fulfilling for both their heart and mind.
“After meeting with you, I can now say today, no matter what I do for work or how I earn money to live. I proudly can say that I am an Artist and an Educator. That is what I believe in and what makes my heart sing. I am feeling more grounded in who I truly am. So I am on this journey.”
Artist and Educator, Los Angeles, CA
He has successfully coached men and women wanting to change career or develop new opportunities at all levels - including CEOs of major companies wanting a creative challenge, frustrated souls longing to make their dream come true and front-line employees laid off and desperate to get a job.
"David Couper is an honest and sincere coach and an extra special team player. He's like the diamond player in reserve. When you call on him you can be sure that he is going to play full-out for your success and fully believe in you.”
Interactive Hypnotherapist and Fellow of Royal Society, London, UK
David has a degree in Communication, a postgraduate qualification in education, is certified in a number of training technologies, and has a Masters in Spiritual Psychology. He is a member of the American Society of Training and Development, Society of Human Resources Professional, Writers Guild and the British Academy of Film and Television.
“I love your inspiration. Thank you so much. I plan on sharing it with our sons.” -- Award-winning realtor, Los Angeles, CA
David has published seven books. His works on interpersonal skills, counseling in the workplace, and management issues (published by Connaught, Gower, HRD Press, Longman, Macmillan/Pearson Publishing, Oxford University Press) have been translated into Swedish, Polish, and Danish, and published in the UK and the USA.
“Love the work you are doing with X. You really nailed him (in the resume). Very nice work, David.”
Executive, Disney, Burbank, CA
He has dual US/UK citizenship and speaks French and Japanese.
“David offered both advice and encouragement, helping me to understand and adjust to the new context. I have no doubt that his support was vital to my success on that occasion. Without it, would have lacked the confidence required to carry on with what was a very daunting environment.” -- Training Manager and Employee of the Year, Consulting Company, Paris, France
Additional Resources covering Career Change can be found at:
Website Directory for Career Change
Articles on Career Change
Products for Career Change
Discussion Board
David Couper, the Official Guide To Career Change