Maybe you can’t find a job in your field because of the economy, or maybe you’re just ready for change. Whatever the reason, you’re thinking it’s time to switch careers.

            Before you say ready, set go, here’s what you need to know.

             First things first

             Change the question from what do you want to be to where can you do what you do well and care deeply about, advises Steve Langerud, director of career development at DePauw University. “This technique moves people away from what they know, which can be extremely limiting and discouraging,” he adds.

            Articulate clearly, in functional and behavioral terms, what you want your life to look like, skills you wish to use, issue or topics you are passionate about, people you wish to engage as clients and serve as clients, and the environment that gives you energy,” says Langerud.

            Don’t get stuck on what you know and miss where you belong. This is the beginning of the actual change process, he adds.

            But do step back and re-assess your strengths and weaknesses and how they would play to a new job or career. “How do these skills match and how do they contrast? If you just jump to the next thing haphazardly, you may quickly find yourself with the same uneasiness as before. When you take a rational and logical approach to your future career, you are more likely to succeed,” says Chuck Martin, author, Work Your Strengths.

            Figure out who you envy and why. “This is the short-cut for figuring out what you secretly want for yourself. Envy will eat  you alive if you don’t act on it, so consider it the green light and go for it,” says Talane Miedaner, author, Coach Yourself to a New Career: 7 Steps to Reinventing Your Professional Life.

           Get the education piece squared away

           Check with industry associations and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to see what level of education is required for the career field you have in mind. Know what degree prospective employers will expect you to have, says Scott Traylor, director of admissions for Online Education at Bryant & Stratton College.

            Talk to people you know that are successfully working in the career field to find out what they liked about their degree program and if there was anything they wish it had included. “Learn from their experience,” he adds.

            Do your homework before enrolling in a program. This is a significant decision, so make sure you have the information you need to be confident in the school and program you select. Make a check list of questions to ask schools, including: are they accredited, what are their placement rates, do their programs include an internship or capstone experience and what career support do they offer to students and graduates, points out Traylor.

            If you’re already loaded down with degrees, consider getting a certificate instead of another degree. Prospective employers just want to know that you possess the specialized skills and training specific to the field. Certificate programs are an excellent way to get that without the time or expense of another degree.

             Learn the lingo

             Gain extensive knowledge about your chosen career. “Despite what some of the popular motivational speakers might be telling us, we cannot just will or visualize ourselves into achieving career goals,” says Paula Caligiuri, PhD., author of Get a Life, Not a Job.

            Learn the special vocabulary, terminology, and acronyms used in your target industry. Study and master the dynamics of the new field through written materials, news stories, annual reports, investment bank research and conversations with industry insiders, advises Mitch Wienick, president and CEO of Kelleher Associates.

            Attend professional organization meetings in the field you’re eyeing. “Are the members people you’d like to be affiliated with?” asks Sally Haver, of the The Ayers Group/Career Partners International. If all systems are go, you’ll need to know the new people in this field who can help make it happen for you. Network.

            Interview at least three people who do the job you are thinking about and explore the reality of the job, says career counselor Robin Ryan.

             Test the waters

             Consider landing transitional consulting work in your new field. “It’s a great way to test the waters before commit full-throttle to a new career choice,” says Jeff Cohen, author, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Recession Proof Careers.

            You could also take a temporary assignment in your new career. “Taking a contract position is a way to learn new skills, meet people who can help advance a job search or career path, to try before you buy,” points out Scott Ragusa, president, Winter, Wyman, a staffing firm.

            Dipping a toe in will help alleviate fears. Fear can keep people where they are rooted, whether or not they have any basis in reality, says Lauren Mackler, career, life and executive coach. Overriding fear is key. “Step beyond your comfort zone and into the job or career to which you aspire,” she adds.

             Be realistic

             Don’t think change will necessarily be quick. “It can take years to fully switch careers. Be prepared to stay in your current field while you begin to build your resume with skills the new career demands, or take classes to pick up new skills and networking contacts. It is also very important to look at your current financial situation to determine how long your job search can extend and where Plan B should start,” says Susan Ryan, a career consultant at Impact Group.

            Be patient, but be fearless in seeking change.