Loretta Said:

What is the best way to change careers without taking a tremendous pay cut?

We Answered:

Just because the previous answerer's hubby isn't a good salesman that shouldn't hinder you and your efforts. There are some good companies that pay more (with commissions) than a lot of mfg jobs and come with expense accounts and maybe company cars as well. Just check around and find one you feel good about before leaving your current position,.

Gary Said:

How do you successfully change careers with no experience?

We Answered:

Well, before you make any changes, be sure of what you want to do. Make a list of "likes" and "dislikes", then focus on jobs on the "likes" list. That is what I did. I was a banker for many years, sat down and made my list. I found my talent was in financial products, and people skills. So, I went out on my own as an Equipment Leasing Broker. I bring people together who want to acquire equipment with those that have money to lend. Now, I had a general knowledge of the products, went and got some more training and was off to the races. And what a run it has been. I make more now than ever, and finally I am really enjoying life! Goods Luck !

Terrance Said:

how do I change careers and get into baking/pastry?

We Answered:

I would recommend working in a professional kitchen before thinking of going to school. School will give you a great basis to start from, but I don't think it really makes a huge difference. All refined techniques are learned on the job. It's much safer to start out actually working in the field rather than spending thousands of dollars on culinary school and then you end up hating your job. It takes a special kind of weirdo to be a kitchen person. There is absolutely no glamor as seen on food network. Days are long and hard but if your one of those weirdos who I spoke of, the industry can be very rewarding.

Also, keep in mind, starting out in this industry does not pay all that well until you're the boss or own the company. Then possibilities are endless but the kitchen can easily become your life. I don't mean to make it sound bad, because it's really not, but I definitely recommend testing the waters before shelling out for culinary school. Reading, watching TV and working in the industry can help propel yourself forward without ever stepping foot in a school.

If after deciding this is really what you want to do, I'm all for culinary school. You can learn a lot about the science of it all which most people don't think about in the real world.

The best of luck to you.

Jim Said:

How do I change careers from education to government?

We Answered:

Depending what you call “serving the community”. If you want to become a social worker, your advanced degree should include social work and/or psychology, and you could integrate with the social services in your area.

If serving your community means working with the local government, i.e. politics – you might want to first have a taste of what it’s like to work in this environment – it is very different than education and involves a lot of hot air.

To avoid disillusion, try and volunteer in the offices of the party you support, and pursue an admin job to begin with. It’s a great way to know more about the ropes and the insides of any organisation.

Hope this helped. Lots of luck!

Paula Said:

If I wanted to change careers, how would I go about it?

We Answered:

People do one of two things - one, they get their degree then look for thejob they want, or two, they pick the job they want and pursue the qualifications they need to get it. The second is a much more reasonable approach. You didn't specify your level of responsibility, so if you don't have a degree, then you might consider one so you can elevate to doing what you do at a higher level. If you are already in a management position, consider how you add value to the company. That's the point that you are going to have to sell to someone else.

There are tons of careers that depend on an ability to deal effectively with people, and your background definitly supports this. I would think that you might consider being a job recruiter. There could be a little travel involved with some of those positions.

Something else you might consider - Is it that you are burned out doing HR, or are you just tired of your company? Would doing the same sort of job for a different outfit make you happier?

Draft your resume and float it out there, but don't do it from work - many companies monitor their employees' web traffic, and this type of activity could get you fired, or make your work environment unfriendly.

Laurie Said:

How do I change careers without taking a pay cut?

We Answered:

You should do research on a site like Uvisor, which has all of this information.