There are many reasons to begin searching for a new job or career path—and just as many everyday-life hindrances, such as recurring bill payments, that make taking the leap into a new position unnerving. Sometimes self-doubt is the biggest deterrent to change.
Luckily, Engineering and Technical Jobs, in the article You Can Completely Change Your Career - and Your Age Won't Matter, has compiled the key questions to answer in determining whether you really are ready to make a career transition. These rather straightforward questions, such as "How happy are you at the moment?", are surprisingly thought-provoking as you find yourself answering the real question: "Is job dissatisfaction the real source of this unhappiness or are there other areas that can be addressed as well?"
No matter how confident you are in your skills, experience and knowledge, the job search arena can be overwhelming, even if you have only been out of job-search mode for a few years. To help ease the shock, several online resources, like Job Seeking for the First Time in Years: How To Do It, another article from Engineering and Technical Jobs, offersimple guidance for established professionals who are re-entering the applicant pool. Tips range from updating your CV to brushing up on the latest advances in the field. Taking courses to expand your skill set and volunteering while on the job hunt are great ways to constructively use any employment gaps!