Mastering the Art of Professional Growth.

Did you know that in Ireland, the average person changes jobs approximately every 2.7 to 3.2 years? (Jobted)​​ (Central Statistics Office)​​ (CIPD)​. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities, as employees now have greater flexibility to pursue roles that align with their evolving skills and passions. Job satisfaction should not be a luxury but a prerequisite for every employee. Employers are increasingly recognising this, creating environments where talent thrives and is retained.

Purpose and Potential

When approaching career decisions, the importance of marrying career choices to personal purpose should not be underestimated.

American businessman, inventor and investor Steve Jobs once remarked, ‘the only way to do great work is to love what you do’. Having a passion for the career you are in can negate the daily grind, but, digging a little deeper, we would argue that rather than fixating solely on passion, consider how your skills align within the workplace.

A balance must be struck between ambition, interest and talent and the demands within the sector you wish to work. Once you figure that out, and find a happy medium, the pathway to career success will become clearer.

Career Agility

Changing market demands, the evolving world of technology and increased longevity are disrupting traditional career paths. They have created significant challenges for industry but, also, presented great opportunities.

With people now living longer than in previous generations, attitudes towards work are shifting as people recognise the importance of job agility – upskilling or pivoting – at middle and older ages.

Yes, successful career transitions can be challenging, due to an unfamiliarity with technology or a lack of recent job search experience. There may also be external factors, such as family, mortgage, or health issues. While a career adviser cannot pay the mortgage or address medical concerns, they do offer a guiding hand and help a person wishing to transition in their career to identify the opportunities available.

These may be blended or online courses, such as those offered at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), or it may be that the skillset a person has built over the years may fill a specific gap in the workplace.

MyCareerPath provides a comprehensive self-paced programme that offers advice to those returning to education, to entrepreneurs seeking to upskill, and to people looking to accelerate their career and progress within their organisation.

In other words, the right guidance – be it in terms of transitioning to further and higher education or in accessing professional opportunities – can be transformational.

Investing in Career Guidance

It is one thing contemplating a career change, it’s another to pursue it. It may help to ask yourself one simple question: Why? If the ‘why’ is strong, all else will follow.

Insightful guidance helps individuals reach their potential. It is not just for those seeking to change careers, but also for those looking to upskill or improve their standing within their current workplace.

Erin McDermott, an employee of Forward Emphasis, undertook the MyCareerPath programme. She says that she found the career assessment very beneficial in identifying her strongest skills and how to make better use of them and other resources.

Shane McGonagle, also from Forward Emphasis, reiterates this sentiment. “MyCareerPath helped me re-focus and reflect on what I have accomplished and what I need to achieve to progress in my career. It provided me with a clear roadmap for reaching my goals while also identifying some goals that I wasn’t aware of previously.”

The pursuit of new skills is a safe investment because lifelong learning is the proverbial money in the bank. Online courses, workshops, and mentorship programmes can boost a CV – and prospects.

Practical Advice for Career Transitions

Contemplating a career change can be daunting. Here are some practical steps to guide you:

• Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths, interests, and values. Consider using self-assessment tools to gain clarity.
• Research: Investigate potential career paths. Conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields of interest.
• Networking: Build and leverage your professional network. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and seek mentorship.
• Skill Development: Identify gaps in your skills and pursue relevant training or certifications. Online platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses.

Mental Health and Well-being

• Career satisfaction significantly impacts mental health. According to the World Health Organization, burnout and work-related stress are major concerns in today’s workforce. Finding a career that aligns with your values and interests can lead to improved well-being and job performance. Remember to prioritise work-life balance and seek support when needed.

FAQs and Common Concerns

• How do I manage a career change with financial responsibilities?
  • Consider part-time study options or evening courses. Look for scholarships or employer-sponsored training programmes.
• Is it too late to change careers in my 40s or 50s?
  • Absolutely not. Many successful career transitions happen later in life. Focus on transferable skills and stay open to learning new technologies.
• How can I overcome the fear of change?
  • Start small by taking gradual steps. Seek support from a career advisor or mentor, and remember that change often leads to growth and new opportunities.

A resource to help

Career guidance isn’t just about choosing a job; it’s about lifelong career management. Cultivating skills such as self-awareness, networking, and job-seeking can help individuals realise their career ambitions. While career paths may differ, the skills to navigate them are universal.

MyCareerPath is a website for companies and individuals exploring fresh opportunities in the workplace, whether it’s upskilling, career changes, or workforce development. We are here and ready to help.

Invest in Your Team

Upskill to retain and attract talent and watch your business grow. Our experts work with you to develop customised career and learning pathways for your teams. The programme is suitable for businesses of all sizes and is a perfect platform to enable staff retention and upskilling.

Invest in Yourself

Understand your strengths and watch your confidence grow. If you are at a crossroads in your career, our advisors will help you to find the right learning path to reach your employability goals.