Have you ever thought to yourself that your career isn’t really progressing in the way that you expected it to? Maybe you’re at a much lower level on the career ladder than you hoped to be, or maybe your life took you in a new direction and you’ve abandoned your previous passions. Whatever the case may be, there are a couple of important actions to take if you ever think that your current career might not be for you.

Look for recruiters in an industry that you genuinely care about

Ask yourself what you really care about in life. Many people think that this is an easy question, but the reality is very different. When asked about something that you really care about, you need to start thinking about a career or industry that really makes you feel passionate. This could be something that you loved doing in the past, or it could be something you feel very strongly about. For some people, it could be something they love such as music or video games, but for others, it might be saving the planet.

It’s a good idea to look for a specialist recruiter that understands the industry that you want to join. For instance, you could find dedicated video games industry recruiters if you believe that it’s an industry that you really care about. Alternatively, you could find a job doing something that can save lives or even the planet. While it might take a long time to re-specialize in something new, it’s ultimately going to be worth the journey.

Speak with your network and let them know you’re looking

Everyone will have some kind of network. No matter how small you think it is, there’s a good chance that you know somebody that could potentially connect you to someone else that will help with advancing your career. For instance, you could know somebody that works in an industry that you want to join, or you might know somebody that has recently changed their job and has already been in contact with recruiters.

If you let others know that you’re looking for a new job, then it’s a great way to spread your wings and get noticed. If you showcase your skills and have some kind of portfolio on display, then this can help you find a new job much more easily. It’s surprisingly easy to just reach out, but you should expect to do the same to help someone else in the future as well.

Above all else, stay professional

The last thing you want to do is jeopardize your chances of finding a new job, so always remain professional and never do anything that could cause problems that might stain your career. For instance, some people might complain to their employer shortly before leaving the company, and others may speak badly of their past companies out of frustration. If you do this, then you put your career at risk and nobody will want to hire you. Stay professional and you’ll be given many more opportunities in the future.