Many people have come to the realization that it is time for a career change.  Whether the decision comes from a layoff or burn out from their existing job, there are some things that you should do to manage your career change that will have you headed in an upward direction.  An honest assessment of your existing skills will help you find out how you can get into a whole new line of work with a minimal amount of retraining.

Take out your resume and give your skills a once over.  If you begin to imagine how other careers could use these same skills, you will begin to get a good picture of the type of work that you can look for.  For instance, you may be able to do consulting work and not just find a new job, but start a whole new business.  Your ability to work as an administrative assistant, for example, could provide you with the skills to offer your services to a variety of businesses and work for yourself instead of a corporation. 

A change in your career can be a very exciting time.  You will have a chance to work in a whole new environment and determine the areas about your current career that you like.  Focus on the parts of the job that you enjoy and think of other career opportunities that use the same skills.  Your career should be something that you enjoy and just because you are looking for a new employer does not mean that you should throw that concept out the window.  Too many people end up in jobs that they hate because they fail to clearly assess what they like to do in their job and take the first good paying job that comes their way.  While it might be scary to be out of work, it is important that you find the job or career that is a good fit for you.

Is there something that you have always wanted to do, but didn't take the opportunity in the past.  Many people are not working in the jobs that they wanted but instead decided to work for a company that offered more compensation.  At some point during your career, you will find that unless you are doing what you love to do, the job will begin to take its toll on you.  There is nothing worse than waking up in the morning hating where you have to go.  Those that love their jobs simply cannot wait to get to work everyday.  There must be something that you aspired to at one point in your life that is worth a second look.

If new skills are required for your career change, you can often find courses in your local community college.  Discuss your career change with a career counselor.  These folks can often help you find the direction that you have to take to move into a new line of work.  Many programs will give you credit for your work experience.