Have you ever felt like a bird trapped in a cage, unable to spread your wings and fly toward your dreams? Your career can often feel like that cage, limiting your potential and keeping you from achieving true fulfillment.
In this refreshing guide on how to switch careers, we’ll show you how to spread your wings, navigate the winds of change, and reach new heights of success.
Signs It’s Time For A Career Change
There are many reasons why people consider switching careers. Here are some common signs that it might be time to start exploring your options:
Stress Reduction
You experience high levels of stress and burnout in your current job. Therefore, you’re looking for a career that is less demanding or has a better work-life balance. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, almost one-third of employees leave their jobs due to excessive stress levels.
Flexibility
You want more flexibility in your work schedule or location. For example, you might want the ability to work from home or set your hours. A survey by FlexJobs found that 82% of employees would be more loyal to their employers if they had flexible work arrangements. Some careers are more flexible than others, so finding one that meets your needs could lead to greater job satisfaction.
Increase In Salary
You’re not satisfied with your current salary and want to earn more. A report by Payscale revealed that 50% of employees who switch careers do so to increase their salary. While salary isn’t everything, if you feel underpaid relative to your skills and experience, finding a higher-paying career could be worthwhile.
Lack of Career Advancement Opportunities
You don’t see any opportunities for advancement in your current field. Another study by LinkedIn found that a lack of career advancement opportunities is a top reason for career change among employees.
Feeling Underappreciated
You don’t feel appreciated or valued in your current job. A study by Achievers found that 82% of employees feel that their supervisors don’t recognize them enough for their contributions.
Lost Interest
Simply losing interest in your current career and wanting to pursue something new and exciting. A report by the University of Phoenix found that almost two-thirds of working adults feel that they are in the wrong career, with 47% indicating that they are not passionate about their current work. Sometimes our interests and passions change over time, and that’s okay. It’s important to pursue work you find meaningful and enjoyable.
If you can relate to any of these signs, it might be time to learn how to switch careers.
Explore Your Interests, Then Your Options
Before you start looking for specific job openings, take some time to explore your interests and passions. Make a list of potential careers that align with your interests and values, regardless of salary or job outlook. Once you have a list of potential careers, research the requirements and qualifications needed for those positions.
While it’s important to consider salary and job prospects, don’t let those factors be the sole deciding factor in your career change. Pursuing a career that aligns with your passions and interests can bring a sense of fulfillment that money can’t buy. Not to mention, you can also negotiate your salary in many jobs, so don’t let a lower starting salary deter you.
Reduce Your Options According To Your Monetary Needs
Start by narrowing down your list of potential careers based on your monetary needs. After creating your list of interests, you can start cutting down the options by looking at their average salaries.
By doing this, you can determine which ones are worth pursuing and which ones won’t meet your financial goals. It’s important to consider the average education and experience requirements for each job as well. This will give you an idea of what skills you need to develop or what education you may need to pursue before entering a certain field.
To make the process easier, you can create an Excel spreadsheet that includes all the necessary information for each job, like salary and educational requirements, to help you compare and contrast your options.
Remember To Stay Realistic
Switching careers can be challenging, and it’s important to stay realistic about the process. Most people who know how to switch careers end up making more money than they did in their previous job. Career coaches can help tailor your skills and experience to match your new career path.
Staying Inside Your Overall Field Can Give You A Boost
If you’re not ready to completely leave your current industry, consider switching to a related field. Your work history and connections within the industry can still be a valuable asset. You may only need to obtain certain certificates or gain a year or so of experience in the new field to make the switch.
Knowing how to switch careers in the same field can help smooth the transition and save you time and money.
Your resume also has a part to play in knowing how to switch careers. Make sure you highlight any skills or experience that are relevant to your chosen field, as well as any new knowledge or certifications you have obtained. Consider utilizing expert resume writing services to optimize your resume and make it stand out.
Research, Research, Research
Before committing to a new career path, do your research. Look into the job requirements, including education and experience. Reach out to people in the field, either through LinkedIn or by attending industry events, and ask about their experiences and job satisfaction.
Additionally, consider whether you’ll need to relocate to pursue a new career. Researching the job market in different areas can give you a better idea of where you’ll have the best chance of finding employment.
Creating An Action Plan
With all the research and time investment required for a career change, it’s important to have an action plan. This can include creating a timeline for obtaining necessary certifications or degrees, as well as setting goals for building connections within your new industry. Consulting with a career coach can help you create a realistic and effective action plan.
Developing Skills
Switching careers often means developing new skills. Luckily, there are many resources available for gaining new skills and knowledge. Online learning platforms like:
- LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers thousands of courses on various topics.
- MasterClass: MasterClass has classes taught by top professionals in their fields.
- Skillshare: Skillshare offers a wide range of courses and tutorials to help you gain the skills needed for your new career.
- The Great Courses: The Great Courses offers a variety of classes on a wide range of topics.
By taking advantage of these learning platforms, you can begin to develop the skills and expertise needed for career development.
Looking For Certifications
For certain careers, obtaining relevant certifications can be crucial for job advancement. Many industries require certain certifications or licenses to work in specific roles.
For example, in the healthcare industry, certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Registered Nurse (RN) are required for certain job positions. Obtaining certifications can also make it easier to get a job in a specific field, as it demonstrates a commitment to the industry and a willingness to learn and improve skills.
Research the industry you are interested in and see if there are any certifications that are necessary or recommended for the job you want, way before quitting your current job.
Building New References and Connections
Building new references and connections in the industry you want a job in can greatly increase your chances of landing a new career. References and connections can provide insight into the industry and job position, and can also provide recommendations and referrals for job openings.
Attending trade shows, conventions, or conferences related to the industry can be a great way to network with professionals in the field. Consider joining professional organizations or groups related to the industry and attending networking events.
Recognize How Hard The Work Will Be
Switching careers is not an easy task and requires dedication and hard work. It’s important to recognize that it may take a few years before you reach your goal, but don’t give up. With proper planning and effort, a career change can lead to long-term job satisfaction and fulfillment.
Recognize that you may need to go back to school or gain additional skills to successfully transition to a new career. It’s important to set realistic expectations and be patient throughout the process.
Finally, don’t be afraid to take some risks when changing careers—it could open up new opportunities and potentially lead to a successful and fulfilling career.
Don’t Be Afraid To Get Help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about making a career change, don’t be afraid to seek help from a professional career coach. They can provide guidance and support throughout the process and help you create a plan that aligns with your goals and skills.
Career coaches can also provide resources and advice on obtaining certifications, building connections, and developing skills. With the help of a career coach, you can gain the confidence and knowledge necessary to successfully switch careers.
Our team of experienced career coaches at The Resume Rescue can help guide you through the process and provide personalized support to help you reach your goals.
Our career coaches have a proven track record of success, helping countless clients successfully transition to new careers in a variety of industries. We offer individualized attention, tailored action plans, and unparalleled resources to ensure you have everything you need to succeed.
Don’t let a fear of the unknown hold you back from achieving your goals. Book a consultation with a career coach at The Resume Rescue today and take the first step towards a fulfilling and successful career change.
