Want a Career Change but Don’t Know Where to Start? Here’s How to Make Your Next Move

Don't worry - slow and steady can win the race! 🐢

This post is presented in partnership with Construction Training Fund.

One of the worst things in life is getting a sinking feeling at just the thought of going to work.

Everyone deserves to feel energised and excited about their career—so if you’re currently experiencing that hopelessness, don’t worry. There are ways to change things up.

It’s understandably difficult to just do your whole life over. So, we chatted to someone who did.

Meet Monique Juratovac, who took the leap to switch from hairdressing to bricklaying in her home city of Perth. She gave some great tips to guide your journey, too.

1. Do lots of research and chat with the supportive figures in your life.

Monique knew from pretty much the get-go that hairdressing wasn’t for her.

“I was looking at everything—policing, firefighting, retail jobs, but I really wanted to do another trade,” she tells us.

It wasn’t ‘til she looked at pre-apprenticeships on the TAFE WA website that she found out about bricklaying, and it struck a chord with her.

“I remember I was talking to (mum) one night in the kitchen while she was cooking dinner…she was like ‘bricklaying? If you want to do it, you have nothing to lose.’

“…Mum was pushing for it, and she was my biggest inspiration.”

With a healthy dose of support, plus lots of research, Monique pursued her dream job with confidence—and is killing it.

2. Use your spare time for experience and exploration.

Your issue might be that you don’t know what career to change to. To that, Monique says, “absolutely give it a go”.

“My rostered day off for my hairdressing job was Monday and I didn’t know what I wanted to do so I would spend Mondays doing free work experience to figure it out.

“…If you have the time, you have nothing to lose. It was the best thing I ever did.”

3. Start small and test out work with friends and family.

Into painting? Start selling your work to friends. Wanna be a florist? Create bouquets for your family.

When Monique knew she wanted to pursue bricklaying, she got in contact with a family friend.

“I asked if I could do a day for free with him to see if I liked it. I absolutely fell in love with it so I was doing every Monday for free with him for six to eight weeks until I started my pre-apprenticeship.”

This is a fantastic way to affirm your interest in and suitability to a career before committing to a course, degree, or training!

4. Take every opportunity that comes your way.

While Monique was at TAFE, an employer from The ABN Group spotted her with her trainer. He offered her work experience and offered her a job after two days.

The ABN Group is an apprentice training fund in WA with several different housing groups to their name, so should anything every happen at Monique’s group, she’ll easily be moved to another host trainer and team.

One small opportunity led her to a stable and secure job, so keep an eye out for any coming your way!

If Monique’s story sounds a bit like yours and you’re wanting to change careers, CTF can get you started in the construction industry. They can help you find your ideal job and put you on the right pathway to get there. Check it all out here!