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Changing careers isn’t easy. After walking the same path for so long, starting over can be a daunting, time-consuming, and, let’s be honest, costly experience. No matter what your life circumstances may be, with the right plan and support system in place, it could be just the change you need. Just look at Bob Beall, a 55-year-old man who, after 35 years in the retail business, changed careers when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Bob is deaf and reliant on body language and lip movement to communicate, so when customers started wearing masks, he decided to reevaluate his career. After consulting with trusted friends and family, Bob found himself at Harper College pursuing a certificate in Maintenance Technology, leading him to his new career as a Maintenance Technician with the Kohler Company. How did he do it? Bob was kind enough to share his story and impart his wisdom with five tips on how to change careers.
“This first step is key,” Bob says. “If you’re feeling stuck or unhappy in your current career, be honest with yourself and embrace the idea of change.” Taking a step back and evaluating what he wanted instead of simply accepting his current conditions was critical in changing careers.
When faced with big decisions, we often need a voice of reason, whether it’s a friend, family member, colleague, or neighbor. “Whoever it may be,” Bob says, “explain your situation and talk through the pros and cons. In my situation, I reached out to three people I knew would give it to me straight. They all agreed a career change was the right move, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their guidance and support.”
You don’t have to look far when considering what new career to pursue–just look to your innercompass. Whether it’s something you’re good at, experienced in, or have always been curious about, there’s sure to be an exciting career path available to you. “My direction was the trades,” Bob says. “I used this as my compass when searching for new career paths, and it ultimately led me to where I am today.”
Should your new career path require a degree or certificate, start by looking around at your options. “What’s the best institution to fit your budget, schedule, and needs?” says Bob. “Once you narrow it down to a few, schedule a campus tour or meet with an advisor or counselor to learn more about their options.” For Bob, Harper’s Maintenance Technology certificate program allowed him to learn and acquire several different trade skills without committing to one. “Thanks to their supportive staff and flexible course offerings, I was able to graduate with both a degree and a certificate.”
“It will be new.It will be hard.It will be worth it,” Bob says. If you commit to the work, you will make it to the other side with a renewed sense of purpose and pride. “People who hear my story often tell me how courageous I was, and I take pride in that. I had to make a lot of sacrifices along the way, but I was committed to change, and I learned a lot, not just academically, but about myself as well.”
If you’re ready to embrace change and discover the place that suits you best, attend a free online workshop today. Harper College offers info sessions and career workshops to help you find direction and achieve your goals. Reserve your spot to explore options for a career change that suits your experience and interests.
Source: Kohler Co.
Originally Published Nov 19, 2021
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