4 Ways to "Try On" Your New Career
The Stress-Free System recommends you “try on” your new career before moving to it, just as you’d try on an expensive outfit before purchase. There are a variety of ways to try on, including:
- Volunteering—many non-profit and cultural organizations have active volunteer programs. Find an organization that you admire and ask them if they need extra help. If you’re new to town, do an internet search with the keywords “volunteer” and your community; there are websites that match volunteers to organizations. You may also volunteer your time at a business by explaining that you’ll trade your time for the experience. While a huge corporation will probably not agree, smaller-size businesses will be more open.
- Interning—often colleges and trade schools offer internships as part of a course of study. When you research schools, be sure to ask about the internship opportunities, or create one yourself.
- Provide Services for Free—in the beginning, you can receive feedback on your services (and improve) by offering them for free. At the same time, you will gain clients who are happy to refer you to their friends when you do begin charging.
- Courses—sometimes all it takes to persuade or dissuade you is an ounce of exposure, the type you receive through class discussion and assignments. Evening classes at community colleges are a low-cost way to begin trying on your new career.
