If you've spent all summer hunched over your keyboard staring out at the gloom, wondering what made you apply for your current role, don't despair. And don't let the economy put you off the idea of changing careers. If properly planned and done for the right reasons, there's really no bad time to change careers.
Some tips to make the move easier:
1. Ask yourself why you want to move. Is it a genuine career choice, or disastisfaction with your current role, boss or company? If it's the latter, you may find that a change in job will be sufficient, rather than a complete career change.
2. Pick the right 'new' career. Look at what you enjoy and are good at within your existing role - these may be things that you want to concentrate or build on. It might be worth consulting a career psychologist - they should be able to tell you what professions you show a particular aptitude for.
3. Assess whether you are up to this. Think very carefully about the move - it's one thing doing something for a couple of hours a week, and another basing your career on it.
4. Talk to people. If you know anyone already in the role, ask them to talk you through it. Find out what it entails, and whether your skills set matches the requirements.
5. Be practical. Work out whether you can afford, financially, to start again - or to take time out to study. Do you have the time and energy needed?
6. Take it slowly. Volunteering in the new function will give you a good insight into it, and will show you whether you're up to it. Or take some time off and do some work experience, so that you can get a feel for the job before making a final decision.
7. Get buy in from the people who matter. Friends and family may look askance at you when you announce your plans. Expect cries of 'mid-life crisis', but don't be put off. Explain what you are doing and why, what you hope to achieve and what support you will need. Convince them that this move is important to you and to your happiness.
8. Courage!This is a big move and should be treated as such, but it will change your life for the better.
