Many people find that when they have stayed in the same career or company for many years that they become burnt out and need a lengthy break and possibly a career change. For example public service

workers such as teachers or social workers, and others who have seen many re-organisational changes. Leaving a longstanding career can seem quite a daunting task. You may not be aware of the many transferable skills and expertise you have acquired. Here are five steps you can take to get started.

1. Carry out a skills audit. Set aside time to identify not only your skills, but also your deepest values, interests, passions and motivational preferences. What makes your heart sing? What gives you a sense of purpose? Write all this out. The process of writing it all down helps your unconscious to recall useful information. This results in the creation of a "new career profile" - a robust list of "clues" to your future work. Don't be tempted to skip this step.

2. Identifying Options. Here you use your profiling "clues" from Step 1 to brain- and heart-storm as many possibilities for future work as possible. This is one of the most creative and energizing parts of the change process. Use a flip chart if you can. Don't censor yourself. Write it all down however silly the ideas may seem. This allows your creative process to flow more freely. You may also wish to carry out a 360 degree review amongst your close friends and colleagues.