An old-fashioned assumption is that once you choose a career, it’s what you’ll be doing for the rest of your life. However, the career path you chose years ago does not have to be the be-all and end-all for your future employment; there are many options available that make it simple to switch. Below are five easy suggestions.

1. Start at the Side

To achieve new career success, start with a job that is part time to your main employment. Something like Forex or foreign exchange trading is a high-risk, high-reward career that can be done in your own space and within your own timeframe, and you can easily get up to speed through learning programs such as Learn to Trade . The Sydney Forex courses through this company provide access to successful Forex trading leaders for the most up-to-date information.

2. Be Tech Savvy

The world of technology is continuing to grow, which means the careers available in this industry are evolving constantly. Upskilling yourself in this area is a great place to start, including undertaking courses in new software programs, website creation or basic Microsoft Office tools. You can even choose one of these basic courses to develop into a full-time career. For example, if you have an eye for detail and a killer creative streak, designing websites could be an ideal career choice.

3. Study

Courses on offer change regularly, as do the modes of study, so you could very easily start studying something before you leave your job. Focusing in on an industry with broad opportunities is the perfect place to start. For example, the publishing industry offers pathways in books, magazines, design and journalism to name a few. Expanding your knowledge this way may also open more doors in your current industry.

4. Know Your Skills

When thinking about a career change, focus on what it is you love doing and what skills you excel in. For someone that is practical and organised and likes to be doing something different every day, a career in events or project management could be the way to go. Quite often, people will fall into employment that was convenient at the time; this suggestion will help you get on the right path again.

5. Have a Plan

Whatever your career change might be, make sure you have a plan, as there is nothing more disastrous than starting something new with no vision or no way forward. Make sure to weigh up the pros and cons of staying or leaving your current career, and determine if you can cope financially, particularly if you’re going to be taking a pay cut to follow your dreams.

A career change is a huge decision, whether you’ve been in your job for two years or 10, so it has to be done the right way. Be honest with yourself, do your research, and don’t rush into anything. You’ll be on your way to career bliss before you know it.

What scares you the most about switching careers? Discuss your thoughts below.