by Leigh Goessl

Created on: October 01, 2009   Last Updated: January 05, 2010

Getting laid off from a job is often a shock. This is especially true in an economy where employment is harder to come by due to the high competition for positions as more and more businesses cut back on staffing. Often people find they may need to change careers after a layoff in order to find gainful employment.

At the time a layoff notice is received things often seem pretty bleak.However people often find if they are proactive and immediately begin to make movement towards a new career, this can significantly diminish the fear and problems associated with layoffs. Focusing on potential career avenues can get a person right back on the track to steady employment.

Although making a career change is not always an easy feat. Often new training or education is needed in order to make this kind of transition. In addition in general change is difficult, and along with the difficulty in making the decision to make such a vast life change, career changes can sometimes comes with complications or challenges.

On the plus side, there are often great benefits to making a career change. In the long run after your new career is moving along, you may find getting laid off may not have been as devastating as it initially felt.

If you want or need to change careers after a layoff, here are a few proactive measures you can take to get yourself established in a new career:

*Visit Career Centers

Career centers are a wonderful repository for job searches. If you are looking to make a change, career counselors at these centers are often pretty helpful with advice, knowledge and are very willing to help point you in the desired direction.

If you can obtain the opportunity, it is also of great value to try and take an aptitude test. Not only are they a lot of fun, you can learn much about yourself as you match your skills to interests. When looking to make a change, you want to make it worthwhile and something you are both good at and interested in. If you pursue a career that may be available, but bores you to tears, you won't be happy.

Now that you have the opportunity to make a change, you are free to do anything you want. Taking an aptitude tests can help get you qualified to do the job you like and are naturally skilled at.

*Talk to your Local Labor Department

Labor Departments are a wealth of information. They can help connect people with jobs, job search databases, resume services, aptitude tests, educational advice and other relevant information you'd need to switch careers.

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