This guide outlines what to do if you need to change careers, and what you should consider to make the change successful.
You may be thinking of making a career switch, but what are the most important things to consider if you want to change careers? The first thing you should think about is whether or not it’s in your best interests. You also want to make sure that the company has an environment that will allow for success. If you’re considering a career change, there are some steps you need to take beforehand.
To successfully change careers is not the same as making a cake recipe. There are no magic rules to get the perfect cake, but outlining the basic steps to change careers can help. First, do a self-assessment.
Before any journey, it doesn’t hurt to evaluate what you’ll face along the way, does it? Therefore, try to understand the market of your new career so as not to find unpleasant surprises. Remember that reality is always a little less glamorous and that, still, to change careers can be very worthwhile! A course can also give an idea of this new professional area. Maybe you can start with an extension course, of short duration, with little or no investment?!
Steps when you need to change careers
Get ready for a fresh start
As much as you can evolve quickly, giving a show in the execution of your work in the new position when you change careers, it is possible that you will spend time as a junior and with a salary compatible with this moment in the new profession.
Keep in mind when you need to change careers that it may be necessary to reduce costs, lower the standard of living a little and take care of health even before facing this new phase. Make a financial reserve that keeps you (and who depends on you) for as long as possible. In the best case scenario, you use these savings to empower yourself.
Consider your current skills
Talk to people who already work in the desired area, preferably from more than one company and with different levels of experience (junior, full and senior). If you find someone who has already made the same transition as you, ask everything you can, especially what skills you can acquire to get to the ideal that most employers are looking for faster.
For women looking to get into civil service careers, for example, always consider your current skills and interests. This is important because the civil service exams you need to take may differ from what you are currently familiar with if you have been working in another sector for a while.
It would be best to prepare for the exams to make sure you are not caught off guard when it comes time to take them. Going through civil service exam sample questions can give you a good idea of what to expect. Not only will this help you in the exam, but it can also give you a leg up when going through other civil service jobs that require similar exams.
Research the industry
You don’t want to get caught in the middle of switching careers only to realize you would have continued with your previous job or found a different position in the same company. Before deciding on leaving your current role, make sure that there are enough opportunities available within the industry and company for you to continue working comfortably.
Don’t quit without a plan
Don’t jump ship when you need to change careers, without having another career lined up just yet! While it’s ideal if you’re able to find something right away, sometimes jobs aren’t always readily accessible during certain months of the year. It would be irresponsible not to mention this point because, after all, people have bills to pay.
Therefore, it’s best to secure a source of income for the short term while conducting your job search so that you don’t have to worry too much about money.
Follow your interests
Nothing is as dull as working in a career that does not excite your passions and interests. If you hate what you are doing, then it will come through in the quality of work that you produce, which will be very frustrating for yourself and those around you who have to put up with this low-level performance on an everyday basis.
You need to make sure that whatever job or industry makes your heart beat faster, if possible, go after such jobs (but also bear in mind how difficult/unpopular they might be). If there’s something else out there, but it’s new and different, perhaps giving it a shot would be worth considering? However, don’t just jump into any old thing because “it sounds good”; instead, think about each opportunity very carefully and make sure that it’s going to be for you.
Open up to new networking
Network a lot in this new phase when you need to change careers. It is good to remember that you are “on the track” again, so make an effort to meet people who have some affinity with the professional you are building from now on, who have goals and interests in common with you. Former colleagues are also important: the larger your network, the better!
Conclusion
Important: carefully analyze all possibilities when you need to change careers. Take notes, even do mind maps and put everything in writing. Don’t forget to consider the salary (or wage, if you decide to go for that) and the real opportunities of the new career in the market. Enjoying what you do is very important, and it makes all the difference, but it is valid to keep your foot on the ground, always.
Above all, to make a career transition, it takes a lot of courage and determination, just as for any change in life. Switching careers can be tricky, but it’s also advantageous. This blog mentions that you shouldn’t let anything stop you from reaching your goals even though it’s hard. The tips shared above are good things to keep in mind when deciding whether you should make a career change.