How can I change careers if I think I'm in the wrong field?

Making a career change can be daunting and sometimes terrifying. I have found myself changing careers after a decade in the only field I have ever worked in. I find that verifying with yourself your reasons for changing your career is the most helpful tactic to coping with the underlying fear. Making a list of the benefits and downfalls of both staying and leaving can give you a good visual guide to where you might want to take yourself- make sure this list is done in an unbiased fashion, thinking only about the facts of each case. Looking at the change as a progression in your life instead of something uninviting and worrisome can help verify your want to make that change. Talking to a career advisor through a public forum or private institution may also help you talk through where you want to go from here. Learn about your new career- what does it offer you that you don't currently have? My reason for changing careers was done through a cost-benefit analysis- I found it was worth it to me to lose a little job security and lower pay for me to have more time for myself. My quality of life was worth more to me than the amount of money I was making. Your reasoning may be different- the most important thing is that you are doing this for a reason you can identify and can justify for yourself; this typically will lead to less anxiety and lessens fears of regret.

Don't rush into any changes - take the time to research different options and perhaps even volunteer or intern in different jobs to see what fits you best while maintaining your current career (unless you have the money to quit and explore other options). Take the time to make a decision that is best for you.

Voluntary work is the best way to gain this understanding. Many employers will be happy to take on an enthusiastic person who is curious about a career field, and above all you don't require any pay from them, so most will be happy to accommodate you for work placement.

First, make sure if you want to change your career, then find a job which will make you satisfied and fit you better. After your decision, talk about it to your family and friends because their advices might help you making the best decision, especially the experiences of your family will help you the most. Then do whatever it takes to get the job you want. Good luck!

Speaking from experience, if you think you are in the wrong field it's probably because you are.. Follow your passion - thats one way to change career.

You should be certain that you have indeed chosen the wrong field and only then make a decision to change careers as it might be too late for you to go back once you leave. What is worse - taking a risk and changing careers or spending your life doing something you don't like doing?

You can ask careers advice for help....or ask your employer for some help about changing to something in your field! :)

There this quote, "Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage, and I promise something great will come out it." Use those 20 seconds well, and I dunno, maybe you'll be doing your dream job! All I can say is, life is too short to do something that doesn't make you happy! Enjoy it. I wish you strength and fortune. :)

See what options you have and talk to someone in your field or the field your seeking so you find the right info and fit for you.

Figure out what field you really want to be in, and if necessary attend training courses in your free time to help prepare yourself for it. When you feel you're ready, start applying for jobs in your chosen field and resign from your old job.