How To Change Careers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Throughout our careers, many adults change jobs multiple times, yet the process of making a career change often remains unclear. While such transitions are common, knowing how to navigate them can be challenging.

The reality is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to changing careers. Each person must carve out their unique pathway.

It’s normal to feel uncertain as you contemplate a career shift, given the diverse starting points and goals people have. However, the encouraging news is that anyone can change careers at any stage. Whether you aspire to transition from a former project manager to a CEO or a former mechanic aiming to enter engineering, your ideal job is attainable.

Key Takeaways:

• Consider your interests, passions, and strengths when exploring your new career options.

• Create a list of aspects in your current job you wish to change as well as those you want to keep, to clarify your needs for the next role.

• Remaining in an unfulfilling career can lead to stress, burnout, and diminished work-life balance.

• Participate in classes related to your interests to discover your strengths and explore potential career paths.

10 Steps to Changing Careers

Embarking on the journey to your dream job can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of your desired position. To simplify this process, here are actionable steps to follow:

1. Evaluate your current job satisfaction. Make a list of aspects of your job that you want to change alongside those you wish to retain. Reflect on previous roles you enjoyed and the reasons behind that enjoyment.

2. Follow your interests. Identify what excites you and explore how to incorporate those interests into a career. Consider taking a career aptitude test to gauge your interests, behaviors, and skills.

3. Evaluate your skills. Assess your current skills and determine if your present job utilizes them effectively. Reflect on your transferable skills that can be applied to new roles.

4. Consider alternative careers. Research potential careers that align with your core values and interests. Schedule a meeting with a career counselor for tailored guidance.

   Additionally, leverage your network to set up informational interviews to gain insights into various roles. Family and friends can offer valuable perspectives as they know you best.

5. Research the job market and potential positions. Identify several roles that pique your interest. Investigate the job market for these positions, including industry growth and job creation trends for these types of roles.

   For example, pursuing a career in digital marketing may offer better prospects than a telephone operator (if such roles still exist).

   Review job listings for these positions to understand the required skills and what employers are seeking.

6. Set up job shadowing opportunities. Shadowing professionals in your desired field is an effective way to grasp the realities of daily work life. Spending time with someone in the role can help clarify if it’s the right fit for you.

7. Bridge the skills gap. With a clear understanding of the skills needed for your dream job, take steps to bridge the gap between your current abilities and those required. Consider enrolling in online courses, obtaining certifications, or volunteering to gain hands-on experience.

   Freelancing can also provide valuable experience. Attend seminars and network with professionals in your desired field. This is a great way to gain exposure and test the waters in your area of interest.

8. Engage with your career office and alumni network. Your college career office is not just for recent graduates; they offer valuable resources and expert advice.

   They may connect you with alumni who can provide mentorship or job shadowing opportunities, giving you a closer look at the daily realities of your target career. The alumni network is also a great resource for informational interviews and industry insights.

9. Rebrand yourself. Now that you’ve acquired the necessary skills, it’s time to rebrand yourself. Update your resume and cover letter to emphasize the skills relevant to your new role. Craft or refine your elevator pitch for networking.

10. Be patient. There are no shortcuts in this journey. Transitioning to a new career requires time and effort. You don’t need to make drastic changes all at once; small, consistent actions will guide you toward your goal.

    Understand that this is a gradual process, and some attempts may not lead to the desired outcome. Each experience is a learning opportunity, helping you refine your career path.

Why People Change Careers

Just as every individual’s path to a new career is unique, so too are their reasons for leaving their current jobs.

Here are some common motivations for considering a career change:

• Burnout and stress. Burnout signifies feeling overwhelmed and unproductive. To thrive, you need a balance of work and rest, which some jobs may not provide.

  Prolonged stress without adequate recovery leads to burnout, diminishing productivity, motivation, and overall happiness. Recognizing burnout is a signal for a needed change.

• Lack of fulfillment. If your work feels unrewarding or insignificant, you might consider a career switch. The absence of fulfillment can lead you to seek opportunities that resonate more with your passions.

• Work-life balance. It’s essential to enjoy both your professional and personal lives. If your current job interferes with your personal enjoyment, it may be time to explore new career options.

• Changes in circumstances. Life events such as marriage, divorce, a new child, or relocation can significantly alter your personal and professional priorities.

• Financial considerations. Many individuals choose to change careers due to financial concerns. If meeting financial goals is challenging, or you believe your skills could command higher compensation elsewhere, consider a career change.

• Feeling unchallenged. Boredom can lead to dissatisfaction in your job. If you feel overqualified or unchallenged, it might prompt you to seek a more stimulating role.

• Job market dynamics. Economic shifts can impact the job market significantly. If your industry is declining or facing layoffs, these changes may necessitate a career transition.

• Desire for happiness. Ultimately, the most common reason for changing careers is the pursuit of happiness. Considering that you will likely spend a substantial part of your life working, finding joy in your career is crucial.

The Benefits of a Career Change

While changing careers can feel intimidating, the rewards often outweigh the risks. Here are several benefits to consider:

• Increased earning potential. Transitioning to a new career can lead to higher income, ultimately improving your quality of life. This can be especially beneficial if you’re saving for significant purchases like a home or vehicle.

• Greater job satisfaction. A career pivot can result in a more rewarding position, enhancing your overall happiness. Leaving a less fulfilling role can improve your work-life balance and positively impact your personal life.

• Skill development. Many people miss the opportunity to learn once they leave school. Changing careers can present a chance to acquire new skills or hobbies, enriching your personal and professional life.

• Enhanced adaptability. Navigating a career change develops your adaptability and resilience, skills valuable in any role. Embracing change now can prepare you for future career transitions.

• Expanded network. Changing careers allows you to broaden your professional connections. Meeting new colleagues can open doors to future opportunities and collaborations.

  Building new relationships is essential during a career transition, and we will discuss this further.

Tips For Changing Careers

• Take classes. If you’re uncertain about your next steps, consider enrolling in various courses at a local community college. This can help you discover your interests without the pressure of committing to a new career immediately. Additionally, it can equip you with essential skills for your chosen field.

• Embrace your unique path. There is no singular way to change careers; your journey will be uniquely yours.

• Don’t hesitate to apply. Even if you don’t meet every qualification, apply for positions that interest you. Hiring managers may find something appealing in your background. Don’t let fear of rejection deter you from pursuing your dreams.

• Expand your network. Beyond your college alumni network, cultivate your professional connections. Engage with current and former colleagues, as they may introduce you to valuable opportunities.

• Trust your instincts. If you’re unhappy in your current role, heed your instincts and consider moving on. Avoid the trap of thinking, “It will get better next week,” as this can lead to resentment over time.

• Be open to industry changes. Sometimes a shift within your industry isn’t enough. If you’ve tried various roles without satisfaction, consider exploring entirely different sectors.

Final Thoughts

Making a career change can be daunting, but following these steps, maintaining a positive mindset, and dedicating yourself to the process can lead you to your dream job sooner than you think.

Author

Natalie Briggs

Natalie is a writer for Zippia with a passion for research and storytelling. She is a graduate of Lake Forest College and holds a degree in both English and French.