While you're researching prospective fields, find out which organizations are hiring, what industries are growing, and what potential exists for you to grow in the career that you chose. For example, English professors who want to become professional writers have the option of looking at traditional, paper editing positions, or Web content writers. Examine the differences in pay between the two types of writing positions. And although the salary may be appealing, be aware that the high tech industry is currently going through a period of consolidation, with many dot-coms closing their doors. Apply to companies that have a history and look like they'll still be around next year.
Organizational associations are another good resource.
A New Environment Know that a career change will bring a new, more regimented schedule. Rose comments that her new position, while providing the security of a living wage, health care, and predictable work hours, leaves little time for writing. Some adjuncts who commute to as many as four or five institutions to teach, may find that they have more spare time when working a 40 hour work week in one geographical place. For some this may become dull after a couple of months. For others, the 40 hour work week may be more than they are accustomed to working, having never been able to put together a full-time work schedule of adjunct positions.