However the status quo may no longer exist in today's job market.  Whole markets, industries and job definitions have changed.

The interesting point in the conversation comes when the individual weighs up permanent versus contract or interim work. The majority don't consider contracting or freelancing as a viable avenue to pursue.  Yet this is the very avenue that might lead them to longer term growth and opportunity as they will be learning and absorbing new skills more quickly.

I loved this article by Gino Trapani on "How to Benefit from a Freelancer's Mindset" and I hope this resource will benefit anyone who is currently going through major career change.

In my experience, you have to risk everything sometimes or you risk even more.

Recrion is a People and Career Management Specialist and has supported over 300 employees through redundancy in the last 6 months.

If you would like someone to talk to about the challenges you face, contact Katherine Wiid on 01780 484910.  You might be eligible for training and development funding through the European Social Fund – take a look at www.recrion.co.uk/free.

There is a great story about Steven DeMaio who left his publishing job for this very reason.  Steven didn't quit his job in a blaze of glory to achieve some ideal.  He just wanted to find something more meaningful to do and have more variety in his working life.  He now teaches English and Maths to adults at the Community Learning Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

His blogs chronicle his life and are well worth reading if you are facing a similar dilemma.  His first post in Harvard Review on the topic, “I Just Quit My Job…Am I Crazy?” still brings in new comments every week, many months after it first appeared.

Whilst there is no ideal time for a re-evaulation of your career, the economic downturn might just be a good one as there are so many training and career support programmes out there.  Take a look at the Career Evaluation Workshop Doug Shaw attended in January – he has now left his former employer and is starting his own business.  After 12 years he was looking for a change and needed a little guidance along the way.

The world is your oyster – make the most of it!

If you would like to chat through your career options you can contact Katherine Wiid, Career Management Professional at Recrion on 01780 484910.

Before embarking on a new career that might be just as unfulfilling as the one your are in or have just left, think about these 4 things.

Do you have the right skill sets?

In order to make an easy transition, you need to consider whether you have the qualifications or at least the skills required in the new vocation. Considering that there are many who are in that job or profession, how do you compare to them? If you find something lacking in your abilities, go and seek training to compensate for it. You could do this while you are still at your old job via evening classes or online courses.

Do you have adequate financial resources?

By making a new career change you will be taking a risk that may or may not give you the expected returns. In the event that you have a setback in your career transition, you need to ensure that you have adequate financial support. In light of the recent recession you need to be guaranteed that your family and your debts are covered while you take your leap of faith. But this is not to say that you should not seek change if you don't have the money. In such a case however you do need to be prepared for all eventualities and the fact that you might suffer from the stress of strained finances.

What kind of routine are you comfortable with?

Before making a career change you need to assess the alterations to your routine that your new career will entail. If you are a parent with a family to look after, or someone who enjoys a busy social life, then taking this into consideration will hold you in good stead. Not being able to have time for friends and family is one of the leading causes of dissatisfaction at work. And since you are already seeking some change in your life, you definitely need to take this into account. Working from home, or on weekends, flexi-time and holiday entitlement should also be carefully thought through.

Do you want to be the employer or employee?

Some people are built to work for others while some prefer to run their own business – which is not to say that one is inferior to the other. Both are different types of people and you may also move between the two throughout your career. For a number of reasons you might also prefer to freelance and work from the comfort of your home. This gives you your independence while allowing you to work on projects that stimulate you. But each of these have their pros and cons which you need to consider carefully while toying with the idea of a career change.

Once you have answered these questions satisfactorily, you will have developed at least some clarity on what you are willing to compromise on. Since considering the economy and the market at the moment won't be an adequate yardstick, it would probably be beneficial to also speak to the professionals in the field.

Recrion is a specialist in people and career management and has helped many individuals to make positive careers decisions through career coaching and career evaluation workshops.  Take a look at how we do this on www.recrion.co.uk/career or call us on 01780 484910 for more information.

It was great to read an article in the Scotsman that tackles these issues and gives hope to those who are looking to change careers in the middle of the recession.  Kasey Edwards has just published her first book and describes how she felt:

"There were two aspects that really bothered me," Edwards says. "One was that my work was my identity, so if I didn't like what I did all day then I didn't like myself any more. And the other thing was guilt: what on Earth did I have to complain about? I had achieved everything I wanted. I was acutely aware there were much bigger problems in the world than whether or not I felt fulfilled during the (working) day".

If you feel you are in a smilar place to Kasey Edwards, you might like to go on a journey of discovery and give your career an MOT.  Seriously – how many of you regularly service your car?  Once or twice a year?  And when last did you take the time out of your busy working life to invest in yourself and find out what you are really passionate about?

If you want to go on a journey of discovery, join us on a Career Evolution Workshop.  Or call Katherine Wiid on 01780 484910 www.recrion.co.uk

Breaking news…

Recrion is facilitating a government scheme to help employers and employees affected by redundancy.   See if you or your employees are eligible for FREE career's advice and training

Skills shortages arise from a number of different factors.  By letting skilled workers go as well as new trainees, a void of skills is created.  On top of this, 33% of companies are cutting back on individual training and 69% on recruitment according to People Management.

The onus is now on the employee to invest in themselves and find alternatives to corporate life.  When the upturn comes, they might be the budding entrepreneurs they never would have been if the recession hadn't happened.

Find out how you can evolve your career by attending a half day workshop. Job security has been outsourced to you.  Call Katherine on 01780 484910 for more information.

Breaking news…

Recrion is facilitating a government scheme to help employers and employees affected by redundancy.   See if you are eligible for FREE career's advice and training

By pursuing what you love will give you access to the creativity and energy that you would not otherwise be able to tap in to while slogging away at a job you are indifferent about.

I speak to so many people who thought they made the right career choice when they left eductation.  Whilst a job may be good at a certain point in your career, people inevitably grow and change. They will always look for new challenges. Knowing when to move up or when to move on is the key to keeping your career on track. After all, if you feel as if you are in a rut, you probably are.

Design a Plan for your Career

First, make sure your goals are clear and review them regularly.

Next, ask yourself these three questions and be honest in your answers.

1. Do you enjoy getting up and going to work?
2. Does your job completely drain your energy?
3. Is your job furthering your goals?

If the answer to any one of these questions is NO, it's time for a change.

Our experience shows that people who approach life's Turning Points with a plan do measurably better. The "plan" should show what they are looking to attain and how to get there. In the critical areas of satisfaction, balance, and success, people with a blueprint have a clear and marked advantage over those who either hunker down and gut it out, or those who throw their lives up in the air and attempt to change everything all at once.

Recrion has partnered with a Certified Highlands Facilitator to run a series of Career Evolution Workshops in  2009 to help individuals to take control of their careers and unleash their potential.

Don't procrastinate if you answered NO to one of those questions and hope that someone else will make things better for you. It doesn't work that way. If you want something, you've got to get it yourself!

Book your place today on a Career Evolution Workshop.  Call Katherine Wiid on 01780 484910 to discuss further or browse our website www.recrion.co.uk

Well look at this way.  If people in the finance, automotive and construction sectors go and try to job seek in those areas and continually get rejected (as they're likely to be because there are zero jobs in those sectors) it will be far more damaging. It will sap their self confidence, they will be less easily able to get a job as time goes on and it will be very counter productive.

How about taking the initiative and using this as a time to invest in yourself and find out what really floats your boat?  How often do you sit at a social gathering and say to someone you haven't met before:  "So what line of work are you in?"  And how often do they answer with passion and tell you that they love every minute they are working?

Not many.  Sad isn't it considering how short life is.

Well you can change this.  NOW is the time to invest in yourself, dig deep and use your natural abilities, skills and passions to have a job worth doing.  In my experience taking time out to think about those three things will get you 75% of the way there.  The other 25% comes with a bit of help from either  qualified career coaches, advice from business mentors or investing in a Career Evolution Workshop. By spending a half day in a workshop with other people going through the same journey, you will have the opportunity to clarify your vision.

Find out more how you can do this using the Highlands Ability Battery.  A small investment with a huge return – call Katherine on 01780 484910 to find out more details.  www.recrion.co.uk.

Breaking news…

Recrion is facilitating a government scheme to help employers and employees affected by redundancy.   See if you are eligible for FREE career's advice and training