Restless workers offered career change advice

RESTLESS Londonderry workers are being offered advice on how to go about "spring cleaning" their careers and finding a job more suited to their own needs.

Brenda Barr, Careers Adviser in the Career Service NI, is offering some useful tips for both those thinking about a change of direction in their working life and those trying to decide on a career for the first time.

”Maybe you find you don’t enjoy work as much as you used to and wonder if you are on the right path. Perhaps you’ve gone as far as you can in your current career and feel the need for further challenges and development.

“It could be that you’re just fed up, asking yourself do I like where my job and my company are headed or wondering if you’re even in the right career.

”For others it could be that they’ve been made redundant and are unsure of what to do next and what help is available or it could even be that you’ve been unemployed for a while, feel stuck in a rut and need help with your job search,” said Ms Barr.

She said in any of these cases the Careers Service is there to help, stating: “The most important thing is to think carefully - don’t leap before you look!

“Especially if considering changing career, take it slowly and make sure that you really want to change careers as the grass always appears greener on the other side - but may not be.”

She said people needed to look at a number of things before undertaking a major career decision.

These include: assess your likes and dislikes; research and explore careers and options available to you; consider what you can offer an employer; education and training; think about gaining relevant experience; look at your job hunting skills; be flexible; could you remain with the same employer?; could self-employment be right for you?

She adds: “Finally, remember that career change is a natural life progression. Most studies show that the average job-seeker will change careers, not jobs, several times over the course of his or her lifetime.

“The Careers Service Northern Ireland is there to help you make informed, appropriate and achievable career choices and offers free and impartial careers information advice and guidance.

“Our Careers Advisers are ready to explore the options available to you and to support you in your career decision making.”

Go to www.careersserviceni.com to locate your nearest Careers Office. or by phone on 028 90441781. Information is also available in the ‘Employment’ section of www.nidirect.gov.uk.