Change of career - assess your situation
Life is full of changes: finding a job after your studies, your work contract is terminated, or maybe you find out that your skills are not up-to-date with the requirements of your studies or work. Your values might also change. Maybe your chosen field of studies, current job or general place in life does not make you happy anymore. Changes in your own life can also force you to consider your previous choices.
When things are changing, it is best to know where you want to go: "towards something" is a better goal than "away from something". Consider your current situation as realistically as possible. You shouldn’t think that a change will solve all your problems. It’s also important to remember the good things about your current place in life. On the other hand, sometimes you have to be ready to let go of the past. Keep in mind that even the smallest change can help you move forward. Not all things need to be resolved at once.
By completing the task below and outlining the change you want, you could get ideas on how to move forward.
Task: Outlining the change (pdf, in Finnish)
Changes in your work
If you find yourself wanting to change jobs, it is good to stop to think about the reasons why. Can you fix the possible issue with changes in work hours, working conditions or tasks? Would changing your job take you further? Or do you think that the only way forward is to fully change your career or your field?
Complete the Change in your career task below to clarify your thoughts on the changes you need in your work.
Task: Change in your career (pdf, in Finnish)
Sometimes change may be necessary even if you have to make difficult decisions to adjust your life. People grow and improve through changes because changes allow them to usually learn something new about themselves, others and life.
The task about the purpose of your work below allows you to consider what you would still like to achieve.
Task: The purpose and achievements of my work (pdf, in Finnish)
Read more about life changes.
Time of crisis (pdf, in Finnish)
Even if change is the only option, it always gives you the possibility to start something new - something that you can’t even imagine yet.
Read these career stories from different people; maybe you’ll find some tips that can help you, too.
Professional information (tyomarkkinatori.fi, in Finnish)
More options in working life
If you need more leisure time or a break from work, consider the following options.
Remote work is done partly or entirely at home or at another location chosen by the employee. Instead of remote work, we often talk about e-work which refers to the use of information and communication technology in work. Other names for remote work include decentralised or mobile work.
Among other things, remote work helps you to:
- better balance work and family
- cope better at work
- choose your place of work and residence more flexibly
- reduce commuting costs and time spent on commuting.
In Finland, remote work is sometimes possible through agreed and informal arrangements. It seems that the Finnish working life is moving towards more diverse and varied working hours and locations.
Job alternation leave allows you to take 100-180 days off work without losing the employment relationship. You can spend the leave as you wish e.g. for education, family care, rest or hobbies. Job alternation compensation is paid for the job alternation period.
Study leave is possible under certain conditions and allows you to take leave from work for up to two years for studying. No salary or other compensation is paid for the study leave period so you have to find alternative ways to fund your studies.
Part-time work gives you more free time. In some fields, you can negotiate with your employer to change full time to part-time work. TE Offices no longer offer discretionary support on part-time to those who voluntarily transfer to part-time work.
