Taking the leap from a job you hate to a career you could love can be risky and scary — and one of the best decisions of your life, if you play your cards right.
We talked to three people who made massive career switches away from office jobs and are happier for it. But first...
What do you want to do with your life?
Figuring out what to leap into is the first step, and experts say doing that requires asking yourself a series of questions. Here are some questions to get you started:
- What gets you fired up? When you talk with friends or family members, what are you particularly passionate about?
- Do you see a problem in everyday life that you could solve with a product or service?
- What are your natural talents?
- What do you choose to do with your free time? Do you have any hobbies that could turn into an income?
There are also some things you can do to prepare yourself and your family financially and emotionally for the Big Switch.
After going through your budget (and cutting out every unnecessary subscription), figure out how much income you’ll need and when you’ll need it. For some people, it makes sense to start a second career while holding onto the first job. This means working hard and long hours, but it often provides a financial cushion, a chance to save the extra income for the future lean times, and even give your new career a trial run before committing. Using this time to get any extra training, classes or licenses you need can also be a smart move.
If you’re not single, getting your significant other or family on board can be another challenge. “It’s important to recognize that support isn’t synonymous with your partner blindly nodding yes to every new idea you come up with,” wrote Kat Boogaard in a Forbes article about switching careers. Having an open and honest conversation about finances, logistics, hopes and fears can help.
Local Resources Available
Both the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County have resources for those interested in starting a business or changing careers.
The Alexandria Small Business Development Center offers counseling in a range of topics from marketing to human resources, business plan development, legal issues and more. The Center also offers classes and workshops for people starting a business or growing a business. Learn more at alexandriasbdc.org.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority holds a variety of free workshops for those interested in starting and growing a business in Fairfax County. The County’s Small Business Commission also helps small businesses and businesses owned by women and minorities in the county. A variety of counseling, resources and information is also available. Learn more at fairfaxcounty.gov.
Inspiration
The following are links to the stories of three people who made the switch.
Kim Gustafson traded the buttoned-up corporate world for life as a chocolate maker and retail store owner, opening Bluprint Chocolatiers after getting inspired on a trip to Europe with her husband Bruce. Read about her here.
Ever since Dylan Kough was little, BBQ was his favorite thing. That’s why, despite spending years on a lucrative career in accounting and federal consulting in Washington, D.C., Kough is finally living his dream, operating two successful BBQ food trucks and opening a restaurant. Read about him here.
Todd Ketch ditched his 25-year long career working as a lobbyist and running a couple of healthcare associations and has opened an electric bike shop in Old Town Alexandria. Read about him here.
Do you know someone who has made a huge career shift? We'd love to hear about them. Contact us here.
