How do you feel on Sunday evenings? Do you watch Sunday Night Football or 60 Minutes with a sense of dread because you associate those shows with having to go to work the next day?
Do you feel stuck in your job, with little chance of advancement and no change in sight?
Are you frustrated because you’re not financially rewarded when you spend more time at work or complete a difficult task?
Do you feel guilty because you leave tasks undone at home and cannot attend to all your family’s needs?
There are many reasons why people change careers, but low career satisfaction, below-average compensation, and lack of flexibility are three main reasons why people consider another line of work.
If you are unsatisfied with your current job – what are you going to do about it?
Key Takeaways
- Evaluate your job satisfaction and identify transferable skills. Reflect on what aspects of your current role you enjoy, what drains you, and how your skills align with potential new careers. Understanding your motivations and strengths sets a solid foundation for the transition.
- Research industries and roles that excite you, and use tools like personality tests, skills assessments, and career counseling to uncover opportunities that match your profile. Networking events and informational interviews are valuable for gaining insights into desired fields.
- Identify any gaps in education, training, or experience needed for your new career. Explore relevant courses, certifications, or volunteer opportunities to enhance your qualifications and ease the transition.
- Build strong connections through professional networks, LinkedIn groups, and industry events. Set realistic goals, celebrate small wins, and surround yourself with supportive individuals encouraging your journey. Keep focused on your “why” to stay motivated through challenges.
Assess Your Current Situation
Before making a career change, it’s essential to take a close look at your current situation. After all, no career is perfect every day!
Your career assessment will help you understand what’s working, what’s not, and how your skills can transition to a new role.
Start by reflecting on your current job. Ask yourself:
- What aspects of my job do I enjoy?
- Which tasks or responsibilities drain my energy or cause dissatisfaction?
- Are your values and long-term goals aligned with your current career?
By identifying the elements contributing to your unhappiness, you can avoid similar pitfalls in your next career and focus on roles that bring greater fulfillment.
For example, maybe you are frustrated by the fact that you get so little time off and cannot attend your kids’ functions or help sick family members. If so, this proves you need more flexible hours in your next career.
Identify Your Transferable Skills
Take inventory of your skills and strengths. Many abilities, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and project management, are valuable across various industries. Consider the following steps:
- Make a list of your core skills and achievements in your current role.
- Research roles in your desired field and compare the required skills.
- Highlight areas where your existing expertise overlaps with the demands of your target career.
It’s ok to brag about yourself and be proud of what you can do (and what you’ve accomplished!) Rid yourself of that inner voice that says you can’t change your career. You can do great things!
Identify New Career Paths
Finding the right new career requires careful exploration and planning. Start by gathering information about industries or roles that intrigue you.
Look into fields that are growing or align with your interests and values. Consider trends and opportunities in sectors that excite you.
Use platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and professional blogs to gain insights into job descriptions, qualifications, and average salaries.
If possible, attend industry-specific conferences, seminars, or online meetups to connect with people who can provide valuable guidance and inspiration.
Using career assessment tools
Career assessment tools are a great way to clarify your strengths, interests, and values. These tools can suggest potential career paths based on your unique profile. Examples include:
- Personality tests: Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Big Five Personality Test can help identify careers that align with your natural tendencies and preferences.
- Skills assessments: Platforms like SkillSurvey or CliftonStrengths assess your abilities and match them to relevant industries.
- Interest inventories: Tools like the Strong Interest Inventory or O*NET Interest Profiler can highlight careers that align with your passions.
- Career counseling services: Professional career counselors can interpret assessment results and provide tailored advice on potential paths.
Combining thorough research with insights from career assessment tools allows you to identify realistic and rewarding career paths that match your goals and aspirations.
Gaining Necessary Skills and Experience
You will unlikely have all the necessary skills, education, and training for a better role. Life’s not that easy! However, don’t feel overwhelmed by the steps you need to take to get the job you want.
Complete research to discover what education or training you need to get started in your desired field. Analyze each school or training facility by looking at costs and reputation within the industry.
As you take the necessary steps to get the skills or training you need, seek out volunteering opportunities or internships that will help you get your foot in the door once you are ready to be hired.
Networking and Building Connections
Strong professional connections can play a critical role in successfully transitioning to a new career. Building a network in your desired industry opens doors to mentorship, insider knowledge, and (hopefully) a job!
Start by making the most of your existing connections while building new ones.
- Reach out to colleagues, friends, and mentors who might have valuable insights or contacts in the industry you’re exploring.
- Participate in discussions in LinkedIn groups or industry-specific forums to connect with like-minded professionals.
- Schedule coffee meetups with individuals in your desired field to gain advice, learn about their careers, and expand your network.
- Attend seminars, workshops, or expos in your target field to learn about trends and establish meaningful connections with key players.
By engaging with professionals in your desired industry, you can broaden your connections, demonstrate your commitment to the new field, and uncover valuable opportunities to advance your career transition.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated
Career changes aren’t easy. You may struggle to find a mentor or have a negative family member who dissuades you from pursuing your dreams. You may get overwhelmed with work, errands, and, well, life. You may struggle to find time to complete the necessary tasks for a career change because you are too busy in your current job.
Consider these career switch tips:
- Write down a list of career-related goals each week and schedule time to complete them. For example, maybe you’ll spend an hour a day researching training facilities or schools.
- Get up early or stay up late to complete the additional tasks. Being happy in your future career is worth getting a little less sleep.
- Break tasks into small, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. For example, instead of tackling “research new careers” in one sitting, break it into specific tasks like “read three articles about top careers in [field]” or “list five skills I need to develop.”
- Celebrate small victories. Acknowledge and reward yourself for progress, such as completing an application, attending a networking event, or gaining a new skill.
Additionally, surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and inspire you. Seek out career changers who have successfully transitioned and can share their experiences.
Lastly, remember your “why.” Reflect on your reasons for pursuing a new path and visualize the fulfillment and happiness you’ll feel in your new career. No one said a career switch is easy, but with persistence, planning, and a positive mindset, it’s entirely possible—and worth it.
