An Easier Route to Changing Careers

By Marty Nemko

Yes, you want a new career, but if you're like most people, you're not eager to go through the standard process: take a bunch of career tests, get trained in the new field, and then try to convince an employer that she'd be wise to hire you even though you have no experience.
There may be an easier way. Just tell everyone in your personal network that you're looking for a job in which you can, for example, use your people and organizational skills. That approach is easy and likely to expose you to new options that you mightn't have thought of. Plus, it reduces the chances you'll need to undergo major training. If someone knows you, they're more likely to trust that you can learn on the job. Of course, that's not true if you're looking to become a brain surgeon.

What can you do today?
What are the few things you absolutely want in your next career? The ability to use your skill in XXXX? The option to work at home? What?