Are you looking for a new career? It’s normal for people to switch careers, even after investing years in their chosen line of work. You can change your career pretty easily, but if you’re going for something that requires being licensed, you’ll need to take some extra steps.
If you’re considering beginning a licensed career, here are 4 things to keep in mind.
1. Getting licensed can’t be avoided.
If your chosen career requires a license, don’t hesitate to get licensed. For instance, lawyers and doctors both need a professional license to practice. Other professions require licensure as well, like accountants and massage therapists. Anytime a profession involves physical or legal risk, you can be sure a license is required.
You’ll also need to acquire CEUs each year and get recertified periodically to maintain your license in some professions. For instance, respiratory therapists with NBRC credentials need to recertify every five years.
In addition, each state sets requirements for yearly education. Traditionally, these were in-person classes, but now respiratory therapists can earn their CEUs online.
What happens if you don’t get a license?
If you don’t obtain a required license, you risk being sued and might even go to jail. It’s harder to get away with fake credentials in the medical industry, but even so, it happens. In other professions, like accounting, some people practice without credentials for years before being discovered.
Unfortunately, they usually end up getting sued and lose their entire source of income.
Don’t risk starting a new career without the required license. Make sure you get every license and credential you need to work in your industry.
2. Responsibility comes with risk.
Are you willing to take on risk? With a professional license, you’ll be taking on some kind of risk. Licensed professionals usually carry some kind of insurance. For instance, electricians are at risk of physical injury, and are either insured under their employer or through an independent bond.
Similarly, lawyers also carry insurance to cover malpractice lawsuits. No matter how careful attorneys are, they are always at risk for being sued. The American Bar Association says that four out of five lawyers will eventually get hit with a malpractice suit
While insurance policies can help you recover financially, some situations aren’t recoverable. For instance, money won’t fix a damaged reputation and lost trust from your clients. It may not happen to you, but be ready for the possibility.
3. Some licensed careers are more profitable.
Profitability isn’t just defined by how much money you make. On the surface, sure, but underneath your income stream is the sum total of hours you’ve had to invest just to be able to earn a living. Some occupational licenses will have you earning money faster and in greater amounts than others.
For example, say you went to medical school for seven years, took on $350,000 in debt, and are now earning $120,000 per year. That’s less profitable than someone who spent a few thousand dollars to become a licensed CPA and is now earning $75,000 per year.
If you’re not attached to a specific career, take your time to choose your new line of work. There’s no sense in getting into massive debt and spend a decade learning a new industry unless you’re really passionate about that particular career.
4. How committed are you?
Pursuing a new career is a commitment, even if that new career is easy to launch. Ask yourself how committed you are to this new career before diving into building your business. The more committed you are, the more successful you’ll be with your new pursuit.
Commitment is the basis for success in business because it takes time to create a working system. You need a strong sense of commitment to stick around while you’re working out all the kinks. For instance, you’ll need to learn how to optimize your workflow, manage your clients, generate leads, and maintain a staff if you hire other people.
Building a business takes time and is a commitment, so make sure you’re fully committed to your new career to ensure your success.
Being a licensed professional is a big deal.
You’ll have more opportunities to grow professionally when you hold a professional license. For instance, you’ll automatically command more respect from people in your industry.
It’s easier to make connections, get advice, and be taken seriously. If that sounds good to you, don’t hold back – pursue your ideal career and make that needed change in your life.
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This content is made possible by Larry Alton.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
