3 tips for switching careers in Shrewsbury and beyond

If you’re a true Salopian, you’ll know that Shrewsbury has much to recommend it — from the red sandstone splendour of its castle to its magnificent medieval street plan.

And the town’s no slouch when it comes to culture either — the Shrewsbury Folk Festival attracts visitors from across Britain and there are lively performances a-plenty at Theatre Severn.

But if you’re feeling stuck in a job that simply doesn’t feel fulfilling, the most dynamic distractions can seem insignificant.

It’s never too late to change course — here are three tips for changing careers in Shrewsbury and beyond.

1. Become a stallholder

If you’d like to launch a start-up business but lack the funds to lease traditional business premises, renting a stall at Shrewsbury Market Hall might be a cost-effective alternative.

There are several advantages in becoming a stallholder — including no lease commitments or legal fees, convenient monthly payments and the opportunity to expand your operational area as required.

But best of all, flogging your wares at the market enables face to face contact with valuable customers — provided your gift of the gab can compete with the resident butcher bellowing about his bargain bangers.

The main trading days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with some stallholders operating on a Thursday alone — so it’s possible to pick days that suit you best in order to grow your clientele gradually.

2. Join the Business Chamber

Networking is one of the best ways to connect with potential customers and collaborators and joining the Shrewsbury Business Chamber has helped small businesses grow and thrive since the organisation was established back in 1903.

Membership isn’t too costly and brings benefits like discounted networking breakfasts, lunches and summer barbecues in exciting venues like Shrewsbury Town FC, Origins Restaurant and Shrewsbury Prison.

Members span sectors from retail to construction and catering — so you can garner their diverse views on your own business plan and wider issued like the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package (SITP) and Brexit.

The chamber also publishes a monthly e-magazine where you can showcase your products and services.

3. Hit the books

If you’d rather migrate gradually to a new career and need to top up your skillset or start from scratch in a new field, getting an online degree from Anglia Ruskin Distance Learning could be right up your street.

You can choose an enterprise and entrepreneurship-focused MBA, an accredited project management MSc, a digital marketing BSc and much more.

And the beauty of distance learning is that if fits conveniently around your family and current employment responsibilities — meaning you can earn while you learn without too much disruption to your lifestyle.

Plus, having a new goal that offers an escape route might make your current job a little more bearable in the meantime.

So there are three tips for switching careers in Shrewsbury and beyond — follow them to grab your dream job in no time at all.

Have you changed careers recently? Share your story in the comments section.