1. Keys to Making a s Successful Career Change Crossroads Career Network Presented by Rich Braden & Natalie Ackerman

2. Today’s Agenda  What do you want to get from today’s workshop?  What questions do you have?

3. What is calling?  Your calling is both an inner urge and your capacity, expressed in work that’s right for you—the work you love to do, the work that satisfies you—at this stage of your life.  Your calling may change over time, but will probably always contain familiar elements, rearranged in a new way. Source: Richard Leider

4. Start with Why… Why do I want this? Why do I think this new career will make my life better? Is this God’s plan or mine? What might the downsides or risks be?

5. Common Concerns… Will my income be reduced? What will happen to my benefits and retirement accounts? Am I too old? Would companies really be interested in me? I’m not good with technology. I don’t pick new things up as quickly as I used to. A career change is definitely a major decision, and needs careful thought and planning.

6. Questions to explore…  What are my interests?  What do I do best?  What are my values and priorities?  Have I considered what I do not want to do?  What would my ideal job look like?

7. Considerations before making a change…  What key skills are needed?  What strengths do you already have?  What additional skills do you need?  What’s the employment market in that field?  Salary range? Align with your financial goals?  Fits with your values, interests, current & future needs?  What would a successful career in this field bring to your life?

8. Steps to making a change 1.Brainstorm options 2.Prioritize options 3.Criteria for making a decision 4.Explore 5.Consider a “bridge” job 6.Decide

9. Exploring Career Alternatives… Professional ObjectiveDo not wantMight wantWant Job functions or tasks What kind of work do I want to do?  Heavy sales  Financial  responsibilities  Consulting  Managing  Supervising people  Marketing  To run the show Target MarketDo not wantMight wantWant Field or industries Where do I want to work? Automotive industry Insurance company Mega Company  Computer industry  Non profit  Own business  Small-to-medium- sized company Other RequirementsDo not wantMight wantWant Work environment Logistics relating to work  Relocating  Excessive travel  Moderate travel  Make a difference  Remain in current location  Challenge  Time for outside activities

10. Making a Decision… CRITERIA FOR DECISION MAKING OpportunitySkills Needed Market Situation Income Range Values FitProsCons Other Important Considerations? Occupational Therapist New Degree required Good demand $36-55,000 Fits beautifully with my life purpose statement; I’d be on-site, which wouldn’t give me the flexibility I desire. Market situation, always wanted to help people in this way Have to go back to school Grant Writer Business writing, research skills – can do this now Good demand $50,000+ I could do grant writing for organizations that would be in synch with my life purpose statement. Can be home- based; no commute; gives me more time with my kids. Requires business development to bring in projects if I go self- employed route. Film Maker Requires additional training Jobs are rare as hen’s teeth $40k- $millions if you hit it big Not sure I’d be comfortable with the culture. Very creative environment. Difficult to break into. Takes years to get career rolling.

11. Resources: Assessments StrengthsFinder 2.o – www.gallupstrengthscenter.com - personal strengths SHAPE - www.sbpcshape.org/ - Spiritual gifts SHAPEwww.sbpcshape.org/ Kiersey Temperament Sorter – www.kiersey.com - Career interests and skills Kiersey Temperament Sorterwww.kiersey.com

12. Resources: Books Straighten the Path: A Unique Approach for Job Seekers by John Freeze. What Color is Your Parachute? By Richard Bolles. What Color is Your Parachute? JobHuntersBible.com Get a Life, Not a Job: Do What You Love and Let Your Talents Work For You by Paula Caligiuri Get a Life, Not a Job: Do What You Love and Let Your Talents Work For You Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life by Marc Freedman Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life How to Find Your Mission In Life by Richard Bolles. How to Find Your Mission In Life Test-Drive Your Dream Job A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding and Creating the Work You Love by Brian Kurth Test-Drive Your Dream Job A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding and Creating the Work You Love Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type by Paul D. Tieger & Barbara Barron-Tieger. Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type The Power of Purpose: Creating Meaning in Your Life and Work by Richard J. Leider. The Power of Purpose: Creating Meaning in Your Life and Work

13. Questions?