If you intend to make a career transition, it is best to plan while you are in a job. A good time to start planning is about six months before you intend to make the move. You may want to reduce your hours, move into a different industry, do more voluntary work or find work with greater flexibility.
Think about your skills. Are your skills in demand in the accounting market or do you need to do some further training? Call some recruitment agencies and ask about the demand for your skills. Find out how your skills are used by other employers.
Talk to family and friends and consider whether you are ready to change your working life. There could be financial, psychological and other effects on other people as well as yourself. Before you go, be sure to talk to your employer. Employers want to keep good accounting staff, so ask about flexible working conditions – whether part-time, telecommuting or some other arrangement – or a phased retirement.
Speaking to colleagues, former employers, CPA Australia and others can help you form realistic ideas about your options.