We spend a lot of our lives at work, which means it's essential we are happy there most of the time. Of course your job isn't always going to be fun and games, but you shouldn't be waking up every morning with an impending feeling of doom. Even if you don't actively hate your job, maybe there's a niggling feeling that you need a change, to push yourself. In either one of these scenarios, you should consider a new career - and that can be scary.

It's natural that after some time in one job, you'll have a routine down. You know exactly what you should be ding and when and are familiar with all the people and procedures. So the thought of starting afresh in a new workplace can be extremely daunting. But don't let your comfort zone hold you back - get proactive.

The first thing you should do is: research. It's very easy to imagine things to be scarier than they actually are but then, once you're face to face with them, you realise they're not so bad. Find out exactly what a career change will mean in your case. Will you need a qualification? If so, could you begin work on that part-time while holding down your current job? Also jot down all the pros and cons of your new desired career and assess how much you would enjoy the reality of it.

Once you've made a decision, it's time to take action. Don't imagine it to be one huge undertaking, instead take baby steps. Talk to anyone you know who's already in the career you want to glean tips and information. They might be able to recommend a course they did or a mentor they had.

Also start rewriting your CV - you'll need to tailor it by taking skills you've acquired in your old job and showing how they can benefit you on your new chosen path. Speak to family and friends and get their opinions - an outsider's perspective can be very helpful sometimes.

Remember: people start and leave jobs all the time, there is absolutely no reason you can't be one of them. Good luck!

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