There are many reasons why someone would make a change in careers, be it lack of advancement opportunities or simply a burnout.
In these hard times, some have also been laid off from their jobs. Regardless of the reasons, there are a few things to keep in mind before and during a career transition.
Switching career paths on a whim could lead to frustration more than anything. Be sure to take the time to think through this significant life change and research the career that you intend to switch to.
Consider if you enjoy your work and the industry in general. If so, you might just want a new job instead of a complete career change.
In this situation, it could be the current environment, such as your colleagues, work culture or the hours, that isn’t a good fit rather than the nature of the job or career in general.
Fortunately, changing jobs in the same industry is likely to land you a position of the same scale or similar.
Transitioning into an entirely different career is sometimes necessary, especially if the current industry you’re in is contracting or growing obsolete, or if you want to make a significant change in your roles.
In such scenario, you might be experiencing a burnout after working in the same industry for many years, and that drives you to re-invent your work life.
However, before jumping into a new industry and job altogether, ensure that you are willing and prepared to to start from the bottom.
It’s also important to think about the long term impact a career transition could have on your financial stability, especially if you are beginning from an entry-level position.
Being in a new industry, you may not have the skills necessary for it. Going back to university to help complete a career change is a real possibility, even more so if you have a degree in a different field.
In some cases, you might already possess transferable skills from your previous job that could make your career transition less arduous; all you need to do is to upskill or reskill yourself through accredited professional courses to obtained the required knowledge and skills.
Be sure that you can justify the time and financial investment needed in going back to school for a career change, because only you can determine if it’s worth it.
When you think of a career that you’re passionate about pursuing, it can be easy to get caught up in a daydream.
Pursuing a personal interest as a career may not work out for everybody, as it might start to feel less like a passion and more like a drag when things don’t start going well.
Thus, determine whether turning your passion into a career is worthwhile through thorough research, then keep that fire burning bright as you become a professional in it by learning and innovating constantly.
After considering all the above and more, be certain in your decision to make a career transition and start drawing up a plan of action.
It’s normal to feel intimidated when changing careers, but it shouldn’t stop you from wanting a more fulfilling or financially sustainable job.
Read more: Identifying Areas for Upskilling
Read more: What to consider when turning a hobby into a profession
Read more: From a hobby to a promising career
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