Moving Up: Tips for Women Who Are Ready to Make a Change
For many women, the thought of making a big career change is daunting. It can be stressful to make a move when you don’t have a solid plan, and even if you are prepared, it can feel like starting over at square one. However, sometimes making a change is exactly what’s needed in order to move ahead. You might decide you want to start your own business or go after a promotion you’ve been eyeing for a while. You’ll never know what can happen until you take the plunge, but it does pay to have a plan in place before jumping in.
Thinking about the details is key. Whether you’re starting your own business or just want to branch out and change careers, it’s the little things that will make the biggest difference. For instance, you’ll want to create a web presence, since starting a website to give customers a platform for communication is important. Also, when you’re looking to change careers, you may want to take a class or two on a subject in the field so you’ll be prepared.
Here are a few things to consider when you’re ready to move on.
Create a Web Presence
Whether you’re starting your own business or just want to put yourself out there so that companies and potential clients can see all your hard work, a web presence is essential. Social media offers many benefits, but a site that allows you to customize what people see while keeping communication open is invaluable. Of course, once you get your website developed, you need to find a company to host it. One option is SiteGround, a hosting company that offers reliable service — including a 99.99 percent guaranteed uptime, which means your website will always be up when your customers want it.
Take a Class
Taking a class on a subject that’s in the field you’re interested in will achieve two things: first, it will help you learn more about how to get started in a new career, and second, it will allow you to feel out the area a bit to find out whether it’s a good fit for you. It doesn’t have to be something you’ve never done before; you might find a business class that’s related to the field you’re already in. This would look great on your resume and may help when it’s time to go for that promotion. You might also think about learning something new, such as a foreign language. This is something else that can open you up to new possibilities.
Don’t Make a Move Until You’re Ready
While it’s okay to dive headfirst into an idea, it’s not advisable to jump into a new career without having a solid plan in place. Starting a business is a wonderful goal, but you’ll want to ensure that you have the funds to back it up, as new businesses rarely make a profit in the first year or two. Do some research first, and figure out a starting point that makes sense for you. If you’re just looking to make a change within your current career, think about how you can update your resume, and find out what employers are looking for in your field. In many cases, it can be advantageous to become proficient with computers and other tech.
Network
No matter what kind of career move you want to make, it can be hugely beneficial for you to network. So, look for opportunities when it comes to meeting people in your chosen field, people who have experience and can mentor you or guide you down the right path. Talk to as many people as possible at conventions, meet-ups, and other events and build up a support system so that when you’re ready to move on, you’ll have the help you need.
Work from Home
If you’re diving into entrepreneurship, setting up an office at home can be beneficial for you and your business. You’ll save money on overhead costs, and you’ll have access to everything you need to run your business efficiently from the comfort of your own home. Once you’ve decided where to put your home office, you’ll need to tailor your setup to fit your needs. This can include a custom-built desk with plenty of shelves for your papers and supplies. You should also add in a couple of cabinets and a cord organizer (which Amazon sells for under $20) to keep everything tidy. Consider enlisting the services of a handyman to carry out your vision for the desk; the average price for this service in Joplin runs around $340.
Moving up and out can be a scary proposition, but when you take the time to plan well, you might be pleasantly surprised at what you can accomplish. Think about the right changes for your lifestyle, and then work out a budget and timeline for your goals before you do anything else. This will ensure that you’re able to move ahead without stress.
A Guest Blog by:
Gloria Martinez – Womenled.org
info@womenled.org
