by David B Hitchcock

Created on: September 17, 2009

How to change careers after a layoff

7 helpful questions and suggestions

After getting laid off, you realize you want to try a new career. But how do you start down this new path? Here are some questions and suggestions that will help you get on your way to your new career.

Take some time to clear your head

Too often people, who are laid off, start big changes in their lives immediately. To tell the truth, you are still in shock from the news that your company doesn't want you anymore. Take the time to come to terms with this. Talk to family, friends, old co-workers and anyone else who will listen. This will help you realize if you truly want a change or not. Its possible that you are just glad to be away from your old job, and a position at a new company doing the same thing is really your ideal job. Take the time, and get the perspective you need to make life-changing decisions.

How much do you know about your new career choice?

Often people hear about a job they think would be a good match, and immediately go off down that path. Jumping to conclusions like that is a good way to find yourself in a career you don't want to be in. Remember, this is where you will be spending at least 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, for years of your life- it's worth investing some research into it before you get started. The best way to find out about a type of job is to talk to someone doing that job already. But if you can't do that the next best thing is to get a stack of job postings for that job and make a list of the points they have in common. That list will tell you what you can expect that job to be like. Chances are if every job posting is asking for a college diploma, you will need it every day on this job.

What is different between your old and new career choices?

Now that you know what's involved with this new career, you can compare it to your old job. If it's a perfect match, then no worries all you need to do is go out and apply for the jobs. This is not likely the case. Most people will have some things on the list that match, and others that don't. You need to highlight the ones that are new in your new job choice.

Make a plan on how to address these missing job requirements

While this may sound difficult or painful, it's quite easy. Take each point in turn, and figure out ways you can meet that requirement. There is always more than one way to qualify for a job. If you need a business degree and only have an engineering degree, ask at colleges to find what

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