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Why career re-skilling may be simpler than you think

by Anastasios Vasileiadis

Often though, despite wanting to make a change, people stay in the same careers. Practical concerns, fear of the unknown and a lack of self-belief can all prevent workers from changing direction. However, if you’ve been putting off being proactive about your working life because of these concerns, now could be the time to throw caution to the wind and follow your dreams. Re-skilling may in fact be much easier than you think, and here are a few of the reasons why.

There are a multitude of courses available

These days, there are so many different courses on offer that you’re bound to find one that suits your specifications. From basic courses in subjects like English, maths or IT to specialised vocational qualifications, there are many different options to consider. For example, if you want to train to be a mortgage adviser, you can start a Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP). Highlighting how straightforward it can be to enrol on courses, all you need to embark on a CeMAP are basic maths and English skills. You can research your options online, but before committing to a particular course, make sure it will benefit you in your chosen career path.

Online learning can take the pressure off

Especially if you have a busy schedule, you might find the thought of having to attend classroom-based learning sessions off-putting. Perhaps you simply don’t have the time to commit to making classes, or maybe you think the cost will be prohibitive. Fortunately though, you don’t have to attend classes to improve your qualifications. Many courses are now available via distance learning. This means you can work your way through the material at a pace that suits you. All you need is a computer and access to the internet. Even if you’re working full or part-time, you should still be able to fit these programmes around your schedule. Online courses can be cheaper than their classroom-based equivalents too.

You probably have many more skills than you realise

Career skills are often thought of as the things that people have official qualifications or certificates in. This can apply to anything from accounting to forklift truck driving. However, individuals’ skill sets extend far beyond these specific points. For example, you might have a range of transferable abilities, like customer service, teamwork, problem solving, effective time management, leadership and creativity. The chances are, you have a range of personal skills too. This could be anything from being diligent and self-motivated to being trustworthy and able to cope under pressure. When you’re assessing your existing skill base, make sure you take all of these extras into account. It should give you much more confidence when you’re starting out in a new career.

Taking a new direction in your work life can be daunting, but it’s important not to let unnecessary doubts spoil your chances of enjoying success in a new career.