Learning English

Tell us about it!

You've read Boris Becker's views on changing career. But while his advice about being open-minded and listening to advice might be useful, most of us aren't already famous sportspeople with a lot of prize money in our bank accounts. But nonetheless, many people do change careers.

So how do you move into a new line of work when you have no experience, and can't afford to just leave your job?

Many choose to get a relevant qualification through an evening or weekend course. Others do take a period of unpaid leave, others volunteer or do an internship.

With good contacts and some experience under your belt, some manage to move sideways into a new profession. For others, the only option is drop a grade or two. Whatever strategy you choose, good networking skills and plenty of conviction are essential!

Barreeffama kana dubbisii shakala kana xumuri

To do

Now it's your chance to write a story of your own. Have you or someone you known changed careers? Let us know in 100 words or fewer.

In your message, try to:

• Use the past perfect tense in at least one form, for example positive: "I had worked as a waiter before I started my dream job" and negative "I hadn't studied hard, so I failed my exam"
• Use some of the vocabulary from the vocabulary area on this page

Thank you for emailing your comments to us. We enjoyed reading them. This task is now closed.

Here are some of the comments that we received:

Vasyl, Ukraine

Right now I'm seeking for a new chance in life. I've been an electronic engineer for more then eight years. But I was compelled to sit at home with my children because the crisis had happened. I've never thought that with such huge experience under my belt I need to move sideways. Nonetheless I volunteered for about three months since I hadn't excelled to find any paid job. Today I must work hard and be gutsy to convince an hypothetical employer of my capability.

Manuel, Cantabria, Spain

One of the worst aspects you job could have is the routine. You could feel tired and exhausted. Its very convenient you could change your job, you could keen on another activitie.

I was working as a civil servant in an open office and I've been working since 1987 in a same job. But in 2008 I decided to improve my labour conditions and I began to work as a teacher in the secondary education. My career, that had been hard and quiet, has change definitely. The children, my students offer to me some enormous satisfactions. If I hadn't decide start a new job, I wouldn't have had the change to reach a new and grateful objectives.

Rafael, Venezuela

I'm an Industrial Engineer and all of my jobs have been related to the marketing field. Last year, I worked as an intern with Chrysler. I was chosen for a marketing position that I really wanted. It was all due to the fact that I'd worked previously as the marketing professor's assistant. It's very unusual for Industrial Engineers to work in this area because they usually prefer to work with manufacturing process. However, I'd seen my sister's experience in the marketing field and I felt as if I wanted to be a part of that world too. 

Manoel, Brazil

I have worked since I was 18. I had worked as auto mechanic before I started to work as government employee, my current job. I think when I will be retired, it will be good if I start a new career. Maybe something like estate agent.

Peter

I had had a tough time when I quited my first job as a flight attendant. This job gave me a good salary compare to our country salary and at that time I didn't have any networking or contacts. I had to drop a grade. I had been a credit officer in a bank with unpaid leave before I worked as an accountant until now. At this moment, there are still a lot of challenges for my career but I think I chose a right road.

TJ Chen, Taiwan

I've started work since 2011, but I don't think it had any opportunities to be promoted or got a pay raise in my first company, so I decided to change my job and improve my English 2 years ago.

I had studied English to take a exam, then I did a good grade for myself.

After that, I completed my resume and applied some companies for a new job.

I had got a few interviews, and entered a company I want.

Now I still work for this job and learn English in many ways.

Yamelith

One day I was doing my regular job and I realized that I really needed a change in my life so that, I decided to sell my car and hand my notice.

I had been working for a logistic company for four years as an Engineer and I did love my job but I wanted to live abroad and become more open-minded.

Starting in a new Country is not easy but I've always thought that is much better to regret about the things you did instead of regretting about things you never did. Of course you need to be brave and determined to achieve your goals but it is worthy.

Mario, Italy

Whether I like it or not, I will be forced to move into a new line of work because I have recently been made redundant. Before my compulsory redundancy, I had worked for more than 10 years in a company selling building material. Anyway, I am quite confident to add a new skill under my belt soon, as I am studying english very hard. I hope to take up a job involving my english language knowledge because I wouldn't like my effort to learn english to be wasted.

Jose Maria, Spain

I have considerable experience in changing career. To begin with, I had worked as a consultant for two years when I decided to take a period of unpaid leave and think about my professional future, because I was not enthusiastic about what I was doing.

Nowadays, I am going in for a public competition in the Ministry of Treasury, so I have a long haul of hard study to achieve my aim. Before that, I had improved my command of English for six months through a highly regarded Academy, as well as an accounting course.

So, I hope I will do what I really like in the prompt future. The experience has shown me that it is extremely essential to find the job which makes you happy, because you will be working most part of your life.

Antonio, Brazil

I am a civil servant since 2008, but before this I had worked for 30 years as a bank clerk. I was already retired when decided to do a test for the new job. Between the two events I'd tried a period as unpaid leave. But I hadn't money enough for this and then decided to make a test for a new job. This new job is quite financially rewarding.

Ewa, Poland

By the time I had worked as a employee I realised that I want work for myself. I had taken a period of unpaid leave and then I prepared myself to new line of work. I've had excellent skills of organisation and great eager to change my live therefore I was sure that I'll succeed. I've chosen the area of tourism because I live in town that is often visited by people from around the world. I knew I need to be gutsy and work very hard but I also knew that I would cope with it all.

Simret

Changing my career is one of the hardest thing that I’ve ever done in my life. I was a second year medical student when I decided that being a doctor is not the line of work I want to pursue. I hadn't studied hard, so I failed my exams.

That is when I decided to move sideways and pursue my interest in technology. I’ve dropped out of medical school and joined a college to study computer science. What I like about this field is that it is always changing and there is always a new thing to learn.

Eleonora, Italy

Elena is my sister, she is 36 year-old and she was a shop assistant in a little ladieswear boutique. She was quite happy doing this job, but one day she met an association committed to wild animals protection, so she began as a volunteer to care of wounded animals and then when she realized that she was happy there. She left her job and started a new adventure, first as a volunteer and now she is working as clerk in administration, but it might be she will take a veterinarian degree and she’ll work as veterinarian there.

Juan Carlos, Colombia

My first work was in a beer factory, when I started there, I hadn't known the process to make beer. I learned much about this industry but I realized that my line of work in that job I didn't like more. For this reason, I started to study electronic engineering and now I'm working as support engineer in other company, and I think that I have the conviction and the instincts to make a good job there but I need to study english because I want to move in that job at a high level.

Anh Le

I graduated from high school when I was age 18. I had decided to learn sewing and worked as tailor since then. One day I realized that I wanted to change my life. I decided to take part the courses in English Center. Through the advice of friend, I took the examination entry to Scientific, Social and Humanity University in English. I had studied very hard and graduated from University in 2000. I had started to work as officer then. Although the current job doesn’t give more money than the others, I really love it. It makes me happy. That’s all.

Connie

I had learnt a lot from my father before I tried to find out what would be my second career. At first, he had a driving licence for private car. Later, he got two driving licences for lorry and mini van. Simultaneously, he found a job of lorry driver. The reason why he got a driving licence for mini bus was that the government would offer you a driving licence provided that you intended to join that industry. After he had retired, he felt bored and he still got a job of mini van driver. He always reminded me that once you had learnt some skills and knowledge even though it can't help you to earn a living at that moment but it may be useful after a decade. Those skills and knowledge were definately your asset in your life.

Ardeshir, Iran

I had graduated in physics before I started to learn English . In this country there is not a good job for students of physics. I had worked as a radiation protection supervisor with a bachelor degree before I started my master course. I was actually excelled at physics. unfortunately I could not get my PH.D degree because of my bad luck.3years ago my job was ended,because of the catastrophic conditions in my country. I had not gotten a job and there was no line of work for me so I decided drop a lower grade as a teacher. I had been an unemployed person before I started to teach physics with a low earnings. My bad situation caused to my divorce. Anyway I have invited to a job interview .I must be gutsy to get the job and so on make my world again. But if they do not hire me , I will go to the business world with the rest of my life. I have trust to my instincts.

Manuel Angel, Spain

The first thing I'd like you to know is comprised in next statement: My illness. Multiple sclerosis, changed my life a lot, at least with reference to work. Acordingly to public institution which control the work Spaniards do, I can't make my job here in Spain as I'd like to.

So I study English and forex trading everyday to try to enlarge the money which I earn home to maintain home, my wife and two sons, and the pension for the third one.

I've been thinking about what activity was more self rewarding. Studying English, teaching economy or writting some economy articles related wth the time being, would be my preferred activities nowadays.

Money is not a driver subject right now. I've never had any problem with my wage, or the money I've been paid. Money isn't all what life is about. You have to look something more, being trusted for example.

Sam Lo, Taiwan

Last year, I planned to apply a summer internship of bank before I entered the graduate school of economics, but I was rejected. In order not to waste my summer vacation time, I made a different decision. I had been a waiter of the Italian restaurant before I started my graduate school life. That was special experience, and I hadn’t known so many things about waiters and restaurants before I started to be a waiter. Although I had quit when I started my graduate school life, I often go to the restaurant to take dinner and meet my ex-colleague.

Francois

At the beginning of my career, and although I graduated in a Business School, I got through evening courses to improve my skills in banking. So, by the time I applied for a managing position, I had already improved my ability to apply and prove I was the suitable person. And when I got the position, I had already got the skills which made me at ease. I think it's the right way: if you have career goals (which aren't only wishes) you need to prove you really long for reaching them and that you are able to fill the position on offer.

Agata, Italy

In Italy, in the past, my grandfather received a financial reward and a gold medal at the end of his career, because he had worked for fifty years in the same company.

Fifty years ago people hadn't matured a period of volunteer, internship or networking like today. Workers had matured credibility, strong human relationship with colleagues and bosses, today some colleagues or bosses are like meteors.

Everything can change only in one years. If someone thinks to move in another company, after 20 years in the same company, he will be seen as lazy with experienced less!

Yu Hui

Before I started to pursue my dream career in law, I had worked as a nurse.

It is never easy to have even an inch of progress in the new career. I had done a part-time law degree before I entered the new career. I worked as a nurse as my full-time job.

I needed to request for paid or unpaid-leave for examination. That was a daunting experience because, whenever I did it, there were colleagues and seniors asking me to be focused on nursing only, and law was not an option opened for me. However, their discouragement became the booster for my legal study.

Eventually, I finished my law degree and I will start my job in a law firm very soon.

Camilo Arturo

When I finished my Master, I didn't want to continue my pHd degree in the same area, so I decided to stop and think, I had stopped during 6 months and I started my pHd in other area more interesting for me.for me.

I had been studying things that I didn't enjoy, I had to stop and I really make something that I enjoyed a lot.

I love my research and I want to make things that helps our society. I had needed a moment of my life to stop and thought that I actually wanted to do

Araki, Japan

I was forced to move into a new line of work because the company I had worked for was about to be closed down. I had been eager and trying to get the company revitalized until the top management decided to give it up. Fortunately, I got offers from several companies then and set mind to join one of them. As I expected, it was hard to adapt myself to new surroundings. Yet, I could keep myself gusty by remembering the word from my friend, "No setback would be given to the person who is not able to overcome it."

Francesca, Italy

I have a friend named Marco who made a particular choice in his life when he was about 30 years old.

Everyday he went to a garage, where he was a mechanic; he loved his work, but he felt he could do more. In the evening, when he came home, he always played flute, his preferred instrument that he had studied before he was hired as a mechanic.

He thought how he could use this passion to help other people, so, in the following period, he decided to make the transition: he followed his instincts and dreams and he call some musician friends to form a band. They began to rehearse together and they were very gutsy to spread music among young and old people during concerts.

Moreover, Marco and his friends became volunteers at the hospital of their town and they still keep sick children company with their beneficial music.

Serena

Life is not easy for new emigration – no contacts and no networks. I had served as a Marketing Director at China before I moved to Australia. Since I have excellent experience under my belt, I got a job offer as Indent Account Manager in an Importing Company. I had to drop a grade to be in this new work environment. Soon I realized that being full-time-job mum with a six-years-old daughter is challenge, both physical and mental. Before moved to Brisbane, I had studied Aged Care and completed my internship in Melbourne. I am excelled at interpersonal skill and love to chart with elders. I took up the role of AIN at Blue Care after I had moved to Brisbane. It is only two-kilometer distance from my home to work place. The job meets my current needs although I have dropped two grades. I only work four shifts a fortnight, which means I spend more times with my family and plan future career.

Rolando, Argentina

I am an agricultural engeneer who worked as an assistant professor at

Univeristy for 15 years. By the time I got my position I had worked as

a volunteer teacher for 5 years. In 2013 I decided to move to Mar del

Plata, 400 km south BA so I quit my job. It was the most difficult

decission I have ever made. Nowadays I have my own small seed company

and I also work as a garden writer. These activities are not financial

rewarding but living close to the sea has greatly improved my quality

of life.

Tahnee, Brazil

I had worked with graphic production and similar activities for ten years before thinking to change the carrier. At the same time I teach marketing in a technical high school and I believe to keep with this for a long time still. I had studied very hard but I didn't realise that was so important to know more than two languages and other specific technology information knowledges to rise highest marketing positions. I want to direct my professional experience to develop new teaching methods and inspire the students to change their environment and keep the same into private organizations. It's quite difficult because we have a bad infrastructure in our schools. I must to be gutsy to do this.

Susana, Spain

I had studied hard through all my life. I really feel myself as an eager student, even now. I work as a civil servant since 1991 but it is an absolutely routine job. I took up one specific role inside the Administration and 24 years later…I remain at the same line of job.

But I didn't stand with my arms crossed. During this time I had taken care of my three children and I also studied Law, several courses of specialization, two Masters and foreign languages… then, 

I think I have got a very important baggage under my belt, however not possible to change my job!!

I would like to have the opportunity of enjoying an unpaid leave; I would be also willing to move down…I even consider myself gutsy… but three young under my responsibility... it’s not easy!!

Erdemerbey, Turkey 

A few months ago when I arrived home my father hadn't finished his meal so we could make a few conversation and while I and my father talked about my working life he told me you could change your career. You don't have to work in a position that is relevant your graudation. 

It's interesting because thinking about changing career or work life or having a second chance make us more hopeful. İt make us feel better and say us "yes you can" but is it true ? İt's a fact that only a few person have real opportunity to change his or her life. 

I think it's a little nonrealistic idea. It's not only about us it's about society. Maybe we should start changing society not only each of us.

Patricio

I am accountant and in the beginning of my profesional career I started to work in Internal Audit area in a private consultant. I had worked two years in this area when I decided to change to another because I was really boring of this type of job. I moved to IT area to work in SAP consultancy, specifically in logistic module... 

Since four years ago I was hired by an importat company due to I had won a lot experience participating in an important projects.

Currently, I am particpating an important projects taking a role as leader and I am very motivated in continuous in that direction.

Rita

I had worked for 6 years in telecommunication companies and also in an access control company. I left my last job due to health problems but i don´t want to think i won´t work any more.

I teach english lessons to a boy at home but i have the conviction i will be able to improve my teaching ability by improving my own english level,  which is something one is improving all life long.

I havent stopped  practising english in the last years, at least i have read lots of novels and i have had a go on writing some poems in English too.My favourite music bands and singers are English  and i like to  sing the lyrics while the CD player is working, The point is keeping my English alive and growing for a better future.

Svetlana

Some years ago I made a great decision for my carrier. I had got a position of the head of a department in a big company. I am a perfectionist, I did my best. I worked hard for three years to make my team better and able to do better work. Hard-working made me exhausted and finally I got that if I would work like this further I would get my health problem. And I refused to be a leader of one of the best department in the company. I chose my health and calmness instead power and money.

Raphael, Curitiba, Brazil

I've never changed my career but last year, I went to Dublin, Ireland to study English. 

I thought that when I come back to Brazil it would be easy to find a new Job. People here talk that English is very important for Technology companies.

But it was difficulty to find a job, so I had to accept to earn less than I earn before.

Monize Miyada Vargas, Brazil

I have contact with some people who changed their careers. For example, my husband’s friend Fred is a doctor now, but he was an engineer student three years ago and he had left his career as an engineering and moved to medicine. At that time, I believe he had lived a hell, because his  parents disagreed about his decision and did not approve that. But, he was determined and today he is very happy with his new job. He is more complete and he does his job with love and compassion. And, believe me, his parents are very proud of him!  So, change your career maybe it can be a  good thing to  do, in the end you must be happy with yourself, this is the most important thing!

Pawan

Well, I'd say 'Study Change' rather than 'Career Change' in my own words. I had studied science before i decided to move on to the field of management. Science didn't interest me at all with those hefty formulas to go through; I'm rather enjoying finance and accounting. In addition, I'm preparing for internship and would also like to volunteer to gain the much needed working experience. So, now i feel my convictions will lead me to the path of success where I'm hopeful about excelling in my chosen field of study and career of-course.

Ília 

Till now I've changed my career twice. At first time I afforded money to support me during two years, the time to study and get qualifications to move to a new line of work. Some years later I had made redundancy. The time I get unemployed give the free time needed to get more qualifications. But starting a new career means drop a grad or two with significant reduction on salary. So with some contacts and some experience I decided to manage towards the specialization in the current career. 

Oni 

In 2014, I graduated from my university and while waiting my graduation ceremony, I decided to be a teacher in a private school. My school’s condition was bad because all of the school aspects were poor. But, I thought it was an internship before leaving my university.

However, after six months and I had done my graduation ceremony, I thought I needed to have a better job because at that time I lived independently. Consequently, I chose to leave my job and tried to find another line of work. I was confident because of my experiences under my belt. But, in reality, it didn’t run well. I was in unpaid leave for three months and I realized that contact and networking were very important.

Then in the fourth month I got a new job but I had to drop a grade. I took up the role of a elementary school teacher, whereas I wanted to move sideways.

Nouf, Yemen

I have been working in the line of work for eight years. I had worked as a Secretary before this job, but I hadn’t an interest in being a Secretary.

I want to change a bit, because I have been under the same title for eight years. I tried to be open-minded and improve myself and my qualifications, I am eager to learn. So, I completed my University degree in Law and I graduated. I am planning to move sideways with the help of my good contacts and some experience under my belt, and look for a better opportunity.

End of Session 4

That's it for this session. Do you now feel inspired to change your career? If you do, just remember to be gutsy and determined, it won't happen unless you really want it!

Now try Unit 8 and learn about adjectives and adverbs.