How do you know when it's time to start down the path toward a new career? Perhaps your current career no longer reflects your skills and achievements, or maybe you no longer find your work fulfilling or interesting.

When you decide to move on, be sure you fully plan your next step before you take it. All too often individuals seek out change before they know what they really want. Here are some suggestions to help you figure out what you want to do and how you can make it happen.

1. Free associate
   Take out a piece of blank paper and write out everything you enjoy in life. Don't leave anything out; even things like walking the dog or cooking should go on the list if you enjoy them. Your list should not be restricted to things related to work or your career.

   Then — you guessed it — take out another piece of paper and write out everything you don't enjoy doing. Do you see a common theme on each of these lists? Ultimately, your ideal job will incorporate some version of the activities you enjoy while minimizing the activities you dislike. Easy, right? Hang onto these sheets — they'll help you along the way.

2. Be your own detective
   Research every type of career that incorporates the activities you've listed on your 'enjoy' sheet, even if they seem like a stretch at first. Read up on those careers and talk to people who are working in the field. If possible, take a day to tag along with someone who successfully pursues the career path you're interested in learning more about.
3. Build a vision of your life
   Based on your detective work, start to think about how your values and goals might line up with a particular career. For example, if your vision includes a more balanced lifestyle, you might have a goal of transitioning into a career that supports a healthy lifestyle while incorporating the activities you enjoy most in life. Write your vision and goals down and keep them with your free association lists. Think of this collection of free association papers as your planning documents.
4. Focus on skills and education
   So, now you've developed a vision for your life and researched the type of career you're interested in pursuing. If you look carefully at your professional history, you'll most certainly find skills that are transferable to your new career. As you review your skills, note those skills that you'll need to learn in order to excel in your new career. Once you have your list of needed skills, research classes or conferences in your new field to refresh and build on these skills.
5. Join professional associations
   What's one step farther than attending a conference in your new field? Joining a professional association. This is a great way to stay current on the trends in your potential new industry and to network with your future colleagues. In fact, professional associations quite often sponsor conferences, networking sessions and educational opportunities for their members. In many cases, online services will accompany your membership privileges. Take advantage of these services. Too much information on your new field is never a bad thing!
6. Build a relationship with a mentor
   Mentors play a unique role in your career development well beyond the transition leg of your journey. In fact, as you network you can begin to develop several mentoring relationships. Meet and network with as many people as you can because each mentor will bring a unique perspective to your new career.
7. Coach your future along
   Working with a professional career transition coach provides a structure to your journey. It also provides you with ongoing feedback about the choices and decisions you make along the way.
8. Get your foot in the door
   If possible, get involved in volunteer or part-time employment in your new field. Small opportunities build experience and provide networking and mentoring opportunities.

Patience and realistic expectations are the keys to successfully embarking on your career change. You inevitably will encounter obstacles and challenges along the way. But, if you're committed to making the career change and continue to seek out help, your persistence will pay off.