How to remove blocks to the career you want
Solutions to the problems that stop you changing your career.
How many times have you thought about changing your career but given up because it seemed too hard?
This year it’s time to remove the blocks and problems stopping you from achieving your career goals.
Check out the blocks you've told us about, and our possible solutions.
I don't know where to start.
There's no one around to help me.
Options:
- Get information from advisers at industry training organisations, polytechnics and universities.
- Find a career counsellor through Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ)
- Contact us for career help
I don't know what I need to do to get into that career.
Options:
- Chat with someone with a job you like about their career path.
- Check out the entry requirements for 400+ jobs in our job profiles
I've been out of paid work for a long time.
Options:
I have a family and bills, I can't retrain during the day – I need to work.
There's nowhere to study near where I live.
I have no one to look after my kids when I study.
I don't have transport to get to courses.
Options:
- Have your work experience assessed (recognition of prior learning) by a university or polytechnic to see if it counts towards a qualification.
- Talk to universities or polytechnics about childcare on campus.
- Check out short courses through micro-credentials
- Find distance learning options
- Lifehack website - find online courses you can do at home in your own time
I can't afford to study or retrain.
Options:
- Ask at your work about any training opportunities.
- Check out free online courses.
- Fees Free website - check if you can get fees-free study
- Find scholarships to help with fees and living costs
- Studylink website - find out about student loans and allowances
- Work and Income website - find out about support if you're on a benefit
I was terrible at study when I was at school.
I left school without any qualifications.
Options:
- Talk to advisors at industry training organisations, polytechnics and universities to find out how they support new learners.
- Te Kura website - find out how to get NCEA credits by distance learning
- Studyit website - get study and exam tips
- Literacy Aotearoa website - get help to improve your reading and writing
I don't have all the stuff listed in the job advert.
Apply for the job if:
- You have most of the skills, but not the exact experience.
- They list a skill or experience as ‘desirable’ and not ‘essential’.
- You have skills and experience very similar to what’s listed in the job description. (For example, they want a person with customer service experience in a shop environment, but you have customer service experience working in a call centre).
Find out more
Updated 10 Dec 2024