Many individuals find themselves in unsatisfying, dead-end jobs.  They may stay at those jobs for their entire working life, or often they decide to make a career change.

If you are thinking about making a career change, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

1. Don’t leave a job if you don’t have a new one to go to, unless you have no other choice. 
2. Plan for a career change. Determine what you want to do, and your options.
   • Evaluate your interests.  Think about those activities that you love.  Can you make a career of it?  For instance, if you love working with animals you may want to consider working as a Veterinary Technician, and so on.
   • Research your chosen career path.  Do you need additional education in order to pursue your dream?  Is there a need additional workers in the field or industry that you have targeted?  What is the expected salary?  Working conditions? etc. (Check out the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook)
3. Get the college degree, or further training and skills that you need while you still are employed.  With online college degree programs and online career diploma training programs, you can obtain skills and credentials before you take the plunge.  You may be surprised at all of the options available.
4. Finally, once you have your credentials in hand, start looking for your new job. 

You don’t have to stay with a job that you hate forever, but don’t shoot yourself in the foot by leaving a job before you have a better one to go to.  Many people make this mistake, and find it difficult to get another job because they are unemployed.  Also, while you work towards your targeted career, make sure that you meet or even exceed your current job responsibilities.  Remember, you may need a good reference to get that new job, since you may have little or no experience in your chosen new profession, so don’t burn your bridges.