Until a few years ago, diving into a career post-college and clinging onto it like a lifeline until the golden days of retirement was just the way things were. Lawyers stayed lawyers, teachers stayed teachers, and people in the corporate world remained in the corporate world. It was nice and comfortable. Predictable even. But also a bit suffocating. Making a 180-degree turn and trying something completely new was viewed as nothing short of madness – why on earth would you want to rock the boat?

Then the pandemic swept in, uprooting our routines and forcing us to re-examine our values. As the crisis raged on, how companies treated their employees came under the spotlight. Many were found wanting, leaving their staff feeling undervalued and overworked. As a result, the clamor for a better work-life balance, greater flexibility, and support for mental health grew ever louder and gave birth to a phenomenon known as the Great Resignation. Scores of people, disillusioned with their jobs, abandoned ship, and companies struggled to keep their most talented staff on board.

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If not, why not?

Perhaps you’re wondering if it’s time to shake things up a bit. If you are taking the leap anyway, it’s the perfect time to reevaluate the choices you made when you were young, bright-eyed, and busy-tailed. We’ve all been there, questioning whether we should hop off the hamster wheel and try a new path. Here are some signs that show the writing is on the wall.

  • You dread Mondays more than a dentist appointment…with a guaranteed root canal. (in fact, Sundays have become unpleasant).
  • The only thing getting you through the day is daydreaming about a different job or doing something crazy ‘to make them squirm.’ Remember the film Office Space…exactly.
  • Your work is less stimulating than watching paint dry.
  • You find yourself browsing job sites during your lunch break.
  • Your friends and family have stopped asking about your day because they can’t handle the negativity.
  • The only joy in your work is counting the minutes to quitting time. Yet when you look at the clock after what you think is a couple of hours, only 15 minutes have passed.
  • You’ve become the unofficial spokesperson for the “misery loves company” club.
  • You’re experiencing a sense of stagnation, and you feel claustrophobic.
  • Your work-life balance resembles a tightrope walker with vertigo.
  • You feel like your skills and talents are being wasted and could be better utilized elsewhere.

If even half of these signs seem all too familiar, it’s time to seriously reconsider your options.

But where do I start?

  • Changing careers can be exciting, but it is also terrifying. It takes courage and a massive leap of faith. But if you are serious about it, you must ensure your decision sets you up for a much more fulfilled future. Here are some steps you can take to help you figure out your next career move.
  • Embrace the unknown. Be brave and treat this journey like an adventure.
  • List your skills, experiences, and what you enjoy doing. This will give you a better idea of what careers might be a good fit for you.
  • Research different careers that align with your skills and interests. Read job descriptions, talk to people in those fields, and attend career fairs to learn more.
  • Consider taking on a side hustle, volunteering, or enrolling in courses related to careers you’re interested in. This will give you a taste of what it’s like to work in a new field and help you determine if it’s the right fit for you. It will also give you experience and new skills, which really helps when you are trying to get into a new industry
  • Network: Connect with people in fields you’re considering. Talk to friends, family, and professionals in your network about your career aspirations. They may have insights or connections that can help you.
  • Once you have a better idea of what you want to do, create a plan for how to get there. This may include updating your resume, networking, and applying for jobs in your desired field.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Reach out to career coaches or mentors.
  • Pay attention to your gut feeling and be patient with the process. Remember, it’s never too late to change!

Things to consider before making a career change

So, now that the cheerleading squad is done with the pep talk part let’s look at some of the implications of changing careers.

Seriously consider these factors and weigh up the pros and cons. That’s not to say that the cons are meant to scare you off. But it would help if you went in fully informed and prepared.

The financial implications

Before making a career change, assess how it will impact your income and financial stability. Consider the potential starting salary, the cost of any necessary education or training, and the long-term benefits. In addition, consider your financial commitment, such as mortgage payments, loans, or childcare expenses. How would a career change could impact your ability to meet these obligations?

Time investment

Making a career change often means investing time in learning new skills or furthering your education. This could mean going back to school, attending training courses, or gaining work experience in a new field. How much time are you willing and able to commit to this? How will it impact other areas of your life, such as your family or personal interests?

Work-life balance

Assess whether the new career will provide the work-life balance you are looking for. Consider the typical hours worked, the amount of travel required, and whether the job is primarily office-based or involves more physical or outdoor work. You should also consider whether it provides opportunities for flexibility or remote work.

Job market and growth potential

Research the job market and growth potential in your desired field. Consider the field’s demand for workers, the competition level, and the potential for advancement or growth. You should also consider any potential barriers to entry, such as licensing requirements or geographic limitations.

Personal growth and fulfillment

Your new career should align with your interests and passions, provide opportunities for personal and professional development, and allow you to positively impact the world around you.

Backup plan

Have a contingency plan in case the career change does not work out as expected. For example, identifying other potential career paths or maintaining connections in your current field.

Steps for a Successful Career Change

Okay, so you’ve considered all of the above, and you know that a career change is the best thing you can do. So what next? Where do you start?

Set clear goals

Establish what you hope to achieve through a career change, including financial, professional, and personal goals. Be specific and realistic about your objectives and make a plan to reach them. This will help keep you motivated and focused throughout the process.

Identify transferable skills

Analyze your existing skills to determine which ones can be applied to a new career. For example, transferable skills might include communication, leadership, project management, or problem-solving. Knowing your strengths can help you narrow down potential career options and increase your chances of success.

Network like a pro

Building connections with people in your desired industry is crucial for gaining insights and discovering job opportunities. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, or participate in online forums to engage with others who share your interests. Use your existing network to find potential connections in your new field.

Get educated

Depending on the new career path, you may need additional education or certifications to qualify for certain positions. Research relevant courses, workshops, or degree programs to boost your knowledge and credibility in the field. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning can provide affordable and flexible options.

Gain experience

Hands-on experience in your desired field can improve your prospects and help you stand out. Look out for internships or freelance work to gain practical experience and build your portfolio.

Revamp your resume and LinkedIn

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your new skills, experiences, and career objectives. Make sure to use industry-specific language and keywords to catch the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

Practice your pitch

Develop a compelling narrative explaining your decision to follow a new career path and how your unique background can benefit potential employers. This story should be concise, engaging, and tailored to the audience, whether during a networking event or job interview.

Stay flexible

Be open to new opportunities and be prepared to adjust your plan as needed. Career changes can be unpredictable, and you may need to adapt your approach or goals to accommodate the job market or your personal circumstances. Flexibility and resilience are crucial for a successful career change.

Be persistent

Changing careers is a significant undertaking that requires time, effort, and patience. You may face setbacks or rejection, but stay committed to your goals and keep at it. Remember, persistence and determination are key factors in achieving a successful career change.

There you have it

As you mull this over, remember change can be exhilarating and terrifying. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. But with some self-reflection, research, and a healthy dose of determination, you can find a career that reignites your passions and aligns with your talents and goals.

So, take a deep breath, channel your inner superhero, and set off on your quest to transform your professional life. You deserve a career that makes you feel alive and fulfilled. And remember, the only thing scarier than change is staying stuck in a job that leaves you feeling like a wilted plant in desperate need of sunshine. You’ve got this!