How to Trade a Humdrum Job for a Career You Love

​Are you trying to climb the ladder of success but seem to have run out of rungs? Sometimes, there are ways to keep forging ahead, regardless of your current circumstances. Here are some ideas for reframing your prospects so you can get where you want to be.

Consider Shifting Gears

Are you currently in a dead end job, or just getting weary of doing the same old thing? Sometimes, a new direction can be the perfect solution when your surrounding options are drying up. Consider what things you actually enjoy doing, your background and experience, and how all that could apply to a future role. 
 
As an example, if you’re driven toward helping other people, you might love becoming a speech pathologist. These professionals help others learn to better communicate, whether they have a language disability, limited hearing, or have another medical condition. Some people have a stutter or heavy accent that prevents them from being understood. Through exercises and training, you would assist them in overcoming their hurdles.
 
You don’t need a background in speech pathology to get started; in fact, you can have a bachelor’s degree in any number of fields. You would need to enroll in an accredited graduate program, and you would have clinical hours and specific coursework to complete, but you could stay at your current job and take classes online to fulfill your requirements from a number of ASHA accredited universities, including Emerson College and Baylor University.
 
Do you love the idea of service but are drawn to a more medical-oriented role? Consider becoming a dental hygienist. These professionals provide education and health care to people of all ages and backgrounds. They must become licensed through an accredited program, and while we often think of them as working in dental offices, they also work for insurance companies, hospitals, research centers, and a variety of other businesses and institutions. 
 
If a career change is sounding good but you don’t have an idea of direction, you can take an online assessment to give you a better feel for what might be a great fit.  

Consider a Startup

Do feel restricted by your current role? Do you have the ability to see your own ideas through to fruition? Those are just two of the signs an entrepreneurial role would be perfect for you. You also need to be passionate about your path and undaunted by failures, and you must be someone who loves to learn and grow. There is also a certain amount of risk involved with starting your own business, so you should be prepared for that as well. 
 
When it comes to pros and cons, there are other things to consider. While a business of your own means flexibility, entrepreneurs often sacrifice to meet goals. If you employ others, they will depend on you for leadership, structure, and security as well. There are also several financial considerations beyond the basics of selling a product or service. For instance, will you need to establish a workspace for yourself and others, and how much overhead will be involved? 
 
You might need to get a small business loan to get started. This can be particularly challenging for new businesses, or if you have bad credit. It can help to outline your goals and strategies clearly. You can do that with a business plan, which as Forbes explains can serve as a compass for forging your overall path, helping you organize thoughts and ideas into a specific order.  

Go for a Promotion

Do you love your company, but don’t feel satisfied with your current role? Often, the only direction you need to go is up. If you’re ready to set your eyes on a promotion, do your work in a manner that catches attention. One idea is to create visuals of your impact. By using charts and graphs to show your improvements and achievements, you express your value indisputably. 
 
If your career needs a refresher, it’s easy to look for ways to make a new rung on your ladder to success. A new field, your own startup, or even a promotion can change everything. Explore your options, and then find the role you love.

About Our Guest Author:

Gloria Martinez started WomenLed.org to celebrate the advancements women have made and inspire women to become entrepreneurs and seek promotions in the workplace.