Sometimes in life you can find yourself in a position where you can’t stand the job that you’re in. This might be due to the fact that you’ve done it for so long and have now become bored with it, or because you went straight into a job after school without thinking about your long-term career.

Luckily, there are many ways in which you can change your career direction, even if it’s completely different to what you’re doing now and in this article, is going to be some ways that you can effectively change careers without any regrets.

1. College
   Going back to college is an option to consider. The first thing that you will need to do, is establish what exactly you’d like to do as a career and then research what course(s) you will need to take to be able to achieve this.
   
   There are full-time and part-time courses widely available for most subjects, which is perfect for those of us that have prior commitments like children and our current jobs. If you’re able to afford to go to full-time college, then it’s advisable to do so because you will be in the job of your dreams sooner rather than later.
   
   Another good thing about going to college, is that you’re sometimes able to pick up a job along the way and learn as you go. Depending on what kind of course you’re taking, this may be a requirement anyway. Although the pay will be much lower for the time being, it’s an income while you’re learning.

2. Online courses
   If you’re unable to cut down any hours at your current job due to financial worries, then there are online learning companies that can offer online courses for you to take in your spare time. The great thing about them is that you can do the courses from pretty much anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.
   
   This way, you’d be able to continue working, and then do some courses at home in your free time. It may be exhausting while you’re doing it, but in the long run it will help you land the job that you’re after, so consider taking some online courses in your desired sector today.

3. Dive into it
   If you see a job position open up that will provide you with all of the training needed, then consider jumping straight into it. Prepare yourself for the interview by doing some research on some of the things that they will require you to be doing, and be honest about your skillset. Lying on your resume may land you the job, but when it comes to actually working you won’t be able to do it, which may end in you being completely jobless. Being totally honest from the word go will help your prospective employer understand what kind of training you need, and it will show then that you’re honest and trustworthy.
   
   Once you have landed yourself the position, you can then hand in your resignation to your current employers. Make sure that you leave your resignation letter until you know that you have the new job so that you’re not left stuck and without a job. Sometimes, handing in your resignation will make your current employers offer you a new position within the company that might be more attractive than the one you’ve just interviewed for. Giving yourself the upper hand is always key.

4. Do it gradually
   Contradicting the last piece of advice slightly, but gradually changing jobs could be something that works better for you too. See if you’re able to land a part-time job within the sector that you’re interested in, and reduce your hours at your current job to then be working two part-time jobs. This way, you will be able to see whether the new job that you desired lives up to what you expected. If it does, after some time you could resign from your old job and begin enjoying your new career. You may even find that the job you were originally in, is actually the job that you want to stick with, but be careful not to mess your employers around.

5. Get help
   Getting help from friends and family may also help you make the career change that you desire, especially if one of them works in the field that you would like to enter as they might be able to keep an eye out for any job openings for you.
   
   They may also be able to advise you on how they landed the job that they are in, whether that be through training, or just entering the job with enthusiasm and having the necessary training while on the job.

6. Love your job again
   Sometimes, all we need is a little reminder on why we entered our job in the first place. Think back to when you first started at the job that you’re in now, did you enjoy it? If so, consider changing things up at work a little so that you can learn to love your job again.
   
   Showing enthusiasm within your work will get your noticed by your superiors, which may land you with a promotion into a position that you will love more. Make sure that you’re not singling yourself out from your colleagues too, as having friends within the workplace makes it so much easier to deal with.
   
   You could consider talking to your boss about how you feel, compassionately of course. Tell them that you would like to try new thing within the company so that you can learn more. This will also show that you’re interested in your job and make you a favorite when it comes to promotion time.

So there we have it, six ways that you can change your career direction. Remember, if you’re really unhappy within your job due to stress or bullying, the best thing to do is find a new job as soon as possible. Good luck with your career change!

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.