Considering making the switch to a new career?
There are many reasons why people choose to change careers. Maybe you’re looking for a new challenge, more career growth, better pay, or fewer hours, to name a few.
Regardless of your reason, a career change is a big decision. Here are 8 things you should do if you’re considering a major career change.
1) Understand Your Why
Before you dive right in with a job search, it’s important to understand why you are looking to switch careers. What do you hope a new career has that your current one doesn’t?
While it may be tempting to believe the grass is definitely greener in a new career, that might not be the case. So, why are you truly considering a new career?
Here are some reasons you may be looking to switch careers:
- You want more room for growth
- You are planning on moving to a different geographic location and need to pivot
- You want to work in a field with more pay
- You want a consistent paycheck versus commission
- You want to work more regular hours
- You need something with more flexibility
The reason you want to switch careers doesn’t matter to anyone but you. Switching careers is challenging, so clinging to your “why” is the motivation you will need to carry you through.
2) Take Stock of Your Skillset
Next, take inventory of your current skills and experiences. How could they transfer to a new career?
Chances are, not every skill you currently use will be necessary in a new career. But many skills, such as project planning, communication, public speaking, and more, are in-demand, no matter what career you choose.
This is also a good time to consider any additional credentials you may need to get you where you want to be. Don’t’ forget to evaluate the time and money required to obtain such a credential.
3) Evaluate Potential Barriers
Career pivots are common, but they aren’t always the most obvious things to potential employers. Chances are, no one is going to get it at first, so it’s up to you to connect the dots in order to land your first gig in your new career.
In order to do this, think about what questions a future employer will have about your experience. What won’t make sense to them? How can you bridge the gap for them?
Most importantly, barriers will happen. It’s inevitable. So don’t let yourself get down when you encounter one. You can anticipate some resistance to your career change, and plan accordingly ahead of time.
4) Consider the Pay and Lifestyle
When envisioning a new career, it’s easy to view the future with rose colored glasses. You can see yourself working your dream job, with dream hours and pay. WHile it’s certainly not impossible to find all three of these characteristics in a new career, oftentimes, one comes at the expense of another.
For instance, a corporate attorney may earn a hefty paycheck, but the billable hours may be killer. On the other hand, a regular 9-5 may not pay as well, but the hours are much more palatable.
It is totally possible to find a career with balance, so make sure you are holding out for the right field that works for you and your lifestyle.
5) Get First or Second Hand Experience
Next step – get experience in your new career of choice.
Ideally, you can set it up to shadow someone in your new career. However, if you are currently working crazy hours, this might not be realistic. If that’s the case, then second-hand experience is certainly better than nothing.
To get second-hand job experience, ask to meet with professionals in your new career. Ask them questions about what a day-in-the-life is like for them at work. You can even ask if they have any projects they’d be willing to let you volunteer for.
Experience is vital to making sure you love your new career before you take the leap. If you can get experience of any sort, you’ll find you will be much more confident while executing your career pivot.
6) Research Companies
Sure, a job in a new career might sound cool, but before you switch, it’s vital to know what type of companies you could expect to work for.
Are there job openings in your field in your area? Are they companies you’d be excited to work with in the future? Do they pay well? Do they have solid reviews from other employees?
Doing your research before you switch careers will ensure you have job prospects in the future. After all, what good is switching careers if you can’t find a job in that field?
7) Consider the Timing
Is now a good time to switch careers? Do you have the time and energy to dedicate to the learning curve of navigating a new career?
Changing careers is a big commitment, and will require more of your energy than you may realize at first. Make sure the timing works for you and your family so you can ensure their full support behind you.
8) Start a Side Hustle
Lastly, if you’re not quite ready to dive head first into a new career, consider starting a side hustle.
A side hustle is a great way to learn new skills firsthand, and try out a job before you commit to making the switch full-time. For example, if you’ve considered switching to the field of teaching, you can tutor on the side to get a feel for it before you leave your day job.
And beside the experience, side hustling can give you entrance into a vast network of professionals in your field. Who knows? You may just meet someone who can open up the door you need to enter a new career!
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