There’s nothing more frustrating than feeling trapped in your line of work. If you’re bored, uninspired, and constantly find yourself thinking about taking a different route in your career, then it might be time for a change.
Making a career change can be both an exciting and intimidating process. This is a massive decision that needs to be well thought out and thoroughly planned. Here are four important things to consider if you’re thinking about changing careers.
Determine Your Motivation
First of all, consider your reasons for wanting to change careers before jumping into a new one. Is it that you have a particularly strong interest in another area? Are you looking for a more fulfilling job, better work-life balance, or more money?
Every career has its challenges, and knowing your “why” will help you make sure you’re picking the right direction and also encourage you to stick to the path when things inevitably get tough.
Assess Your Skills and Interests
Figure out which career paths best suit you and your passions by carefully assessing your strengths, skills, and interests. You can do this by taking a personality career test, talking to a career counsellor, or even simply by journaling and doing some reflective work.
Take into account the professional and personal experiences you have had in the past and think about how they might be used in a new industry. It’s essential that you pick a career that not only excited you, but that you feel capable of. Starting from the bottom is tough, so having some existing skills can be a bonus.
Research the Market
After you’ve taken a close look at some possible career routes, you’ll also want to thoroughly investigate the market to learn about market trends, employment demand, expected salaries, and growth prospects in the industry you’re interested in.
You can use networking sites and other online tools to learn more and make connections with other people in your area who work in the field you want to shift to. It’ll be much easier for you to set reasonable expectations and adjust your job transition plan if you have a clear idea of how things will work once you make the switch.
Consider Education and Training
One of the toughest parts of switching careers is that there’s a strong possibility that you might need further education, training, or certifications in order to meet the new standards and break into the field.
Determine whether you can improve your abilities and qualifications by attending workshops, taking online courses, or going back to school to achieve a new degree or diploma. Investing in your education and professional growth will show your dedication to this new field and help you land the type of job you’re hoping for.
While this might set you back a little in terms of your timeline, being properly qualified is essential in some fields and professions. Make sure you do your research to figure out how essential qualifications are!
