Switching careers can be a daunting prospect. Whether you’ve been in your current career for months or decades, making a significant change at work can be challenging. It is crucial to ensure you have thoroughly considered your options and are making the right choice for the best reasons. For instance, you could consider whether it is your current career that you are dissatisfied with or if it is the company or your co-workers.
If you are confident that a career change is for you, there are plenty of ways to get started. You will need to understand what qualifications and experience you will need to switch careers and be prepared for the possibility you will need to take a lower-paid job as you climb through the ranks of your new career.
Assess Your Skills
Regardless of your current industry or career, you will likely have at least some transferable skills that you can bring to the table in your new job. Consider making a list of all the skills you have acquired throughout your work life and see how they match up with the requirements for your new career. It is essential to make a note of all your skills, even if you don’t see how they could be relevant to your new role.
Identify Career Requirements
In addition to transferable skills, you will likely need to acquire new skills for a new career. It is crucial to do your homework and find out the full extent of any additional qualifications or work experience you will need. It may help to make a list of the things you will need to do to become qualified to work in your new professional field so that you can plan a timescale and save money.
Find A Mentor
Changing careers is a big step. Leaving the comfort of a familiar job to step into the unknown can be daunting, so finding as much support as possible is vital. A mentor can be an ideal way to get professional support throughout your career change. Talking to someone who has achieved all you hope to can be an excellent way to get advice and be sure that you are taking the right steps towards your future. An excellent way to find a mentor in your chosen field is through this mentoring software which matches mentors with mentees, with thousands of experienced professionals to choose from.
Start Networking
It is a good idea to start networking within your chosen industry as soon as possible. Not only can networking events such as conferences and trade shows help you to deepen your knowledge of your new industry, but they can also help you make connections that could help you as you navigate your new career. It may also help to look into networking groups specifically for career changers to help and support one another.
Believe In Yourself
Having belief in yourself and your abilities is one of the most important things you can do when changing careers. Making any significant life change can be hard. You are likely to have doubts, so it is essential to regularly remind yourself why you are making the change, whether it is increased job satisfaction, better pay or fulfilling a lifelong dream. Changing careers won’t happen overnight, so you will also need to have patience and keep a positive attitude as you go.
Save Money For Training
Training for a new role can be costly. You may be able to get an entry-level position with a company that is willing to fund your training, but this kind of opportunity can be difficult to come by. It is also worth noting that an entry-level role may mean a pay cut. It is a good idea to start saving as soon as you know how much money you will need.
If you are giving up a well-paid job, it may help to stay in your current role until you have funded your way through any training you need. You could also look into government funding and grants that may be available to career changers.
Discuss The Change With Your Family
In addition to professional support, it can be invaluable to have the support of family and friends as you change careers. Discuss your plans with your household and let them know what this will mean for your income and schedule. If you have children, it is important to discuss this with them in age-appropriate terms and ensure that any extra time taken up by your career change won’t impact childcare arrangements.
Conclusion
Changing careers can be a rewarding experience. There are many reasons you may consider a career change, and it is crucial that you make the best choice for yourself and your family. Consider your options carefully and ensure you know what the change will entail and that you are willing to commit to a process that may take years to complete.