Greasy pole

Changing direction can revitalise your career – but with so many disciplines to choose from in the housing sector, finding the right role can be difficult.

Get advice. Ask people working in the discipline you're interested in about their field. Talk to careers advisers and recruitment agencies – the agency I work for offers free career advice. Check out the internet for tips on how to prepare your CV.

Research the discipline. Once you decide to step into a new discipline it may be difficult to move back again if you are not happy with your new role. Make sure you know what you are moving into.

Think strategically. With the current skills shortage in the housing sector, some skills are under-represented, such as homelessness officers and supporting people officers. If you move into one of these areas you could find yourself highly in demand.

Set realistic targets. If you want to move into a discipline in which you have little or no practical experience, you may have to take a more junior role in order to gain experience. Consider how long it will take to progress in your new discipline.

Ask your employer for help. If you want to stay in the same organisation, that is. Employers want to hold on to good employees and most will try to accommodate your ambitions. Many employers will assist with college fees, if you need to retrain.

Stay on the ball. New legislation creates new opportunities, which could become your chance to make a move. Keep your eyes peeled for jobs advertised in the press and by recruitment agencies and target the area that interests you.