Are you in a well paying job, but you’ve always had a desire to be an artist, a writer or to own your own business? Second – or third – careers can be fulfilling, But change isn’t easy.

There are many reasons why you may choose a new career path or take a break from your present job. Sometimes you just need to get away. Other times your passion is pulling you down a different path.

Experts like to talk about how often people change careers during their lifetimes. This figure usually ranges from between three and seven times. Most careers these days are not forever.

In most cases you can leverage some of your current skills and experiences to your new career. Many of these are transferable and applicable to what you want to do in your next endeavor.

Here are 5 important skills needed in order to get you from where you are to where you want to be. They are not magic pills, but these skills can be learned and are applicable to most home and work situations.

Have good interpersonal skills

These are important in getting along with others. They help you function better in the home and workplace. They can help you resolve conflicts when problems arise.

Work independently without supervision

This is often found on job applications. The answer helps identify those who can plan and organize their own work day and tasks. It also points out those who can initiate change in work practices or policies and even who can adapt well to those changes.

Use appropriate planning and organizational skills

Can you identify specific tasks to accomplish or complete and have a plan to reach them? Are you able to prioritize and accomplish the most important tasks first? These form the basis of many different types of jobs.

Able to persuade and negotiate well

This is important in many jobs, especially in areas such as marketing, advertising, selling and buying, but they are also valuable in everyday life. When you persuade others you are trying to get them to take appropriate action. Negotiating involves being able to discuss and reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. The art of persuasion is to get others to want what you want.

Make wise decisions

First you have to see if there is a problem and then identify it. Is it: Should I take the higher paying job or the one in which I feel more fulfilled? Should I work in the family-owned business or go into my own business? Should I go back to work even though I have 2 small children?

List all possible alternatives. Being able to choose from several alternatives allows you to view them more clearly. Choose the best alternative and act on the decision.

Evaluate by reflecting on the action taken. Here you can see whether your decision met your goals in the most positive way.

It’s important to listen to your intuition as well. The best leaders do this. They then gather all the facts and data to either support or reject that deep-down gut feeling.