How to Change Career

You may find it hard to believe, but making a career change can often be less daunting than you might think. In reality, most people have multiple jobs throughout their lives, some of which might not be related to their previous roles. In fact, around half of UK employees would consider changing careers in 2023. Still, a career change is a big move for most people, you must be clear with why, what, and how you’d do it. So, if you’re thinking about making a change, don’t worry – keep reading to learn how to successfully navigate a new career path.

Why Are You Considering A Career Change?

Before making a significant career change, it is important to take the time to reflect on your motivations and goals. Are you feeling unfulfilled in your current job? Do you have a passion for something else that you want to pursue? Understanding your own needs and desires is crucial in determining the right career path for you.

What Job or Career Do You Want to Change To?

Once you have a clear understanding of your goals and motivations, it is important to consider what career you would like to transition to. This will involve a great deal of research, self reflection and exploration of different options. Reflect on what skills and experiences you have that could be transferable to a new field, and consider what industries or roles interest you and for which you may be a good fit for you.

What Will Your New Career Offer You That Your Current One Does Not?

In addition to considering your own goals and motivations, it is also important to think about what your new career will offer you that your current one does not. This could include a better work-life balance, more opportunities for advancement, or the chance to pursue a personal passion. Consider what is most important to you and how a new career will help you achieve those goals.

Reflect on the push and pull factors, is your dissatisfaction with your current role related to your line manager and or the company that you work in, or it related to the job that your do. What is are the pull factors that are attracting you to an alternative career path.

Assessing Possible Career Options

There are several options to consider when transitioning to a new career, including finding a new job in the same field, moving to a new career in a different sector or industry, or pursuing a completely new career path. It is important to assess your skills and goals, research potential options, and plan for both the positives and challenges you may face in order to successfully manage a mid-career change.

New job in the same field:

If you are looking to make a change within your current industry, you may be able to find a new role that offers different challenges and opportunities. This option may be particularly appealing if you have built up a strong network and have specialized skills within your current field.

A new career in a different sector:

If you are looking to make a more significant change, you may be interested in transitioning to a new sector or industry. This can be a more challenging option, as you may need to build up a new network and gain new skills. However, it can also be very rewarding and may offer new opportunities for advancement and personal growth.

Moving from the for-profit sector to the public or not for profit sector may mean adapting to new ways of working. Each industry has its own way of doing things, a marketing role in retail will be very different, from a marketing role in the tech or banking sector for example.

Totally new career pathway:

If you are looking to make a complete change and pursue a totally new career path, it is important to be realistic about the time and effort it will take to gain the necessary skills and experience. This type pivot in your career will probably involve returning to study and include significant additional training and education.

How to Manage a Career Change

If changing your career has become your final decision, then you should learn how to actually manage it. You can use these tips below to help you navigate a successful mid-career change.

Audit Your Skills

Before embarking on a new career, it is important to take stock of your current skills and experiences. Make a list of your strengths, skills, and achievements,  if you know which career path you want to change to this approach will help you identify gaps or areas where you may need to improve or gain additional experience.

If you don’t have a specific career in mind this approach will help you identify transferable skills.

Research Options

Once you have a clear understanding of your skills and goals, start researching potential career options. This may involve networking with individuals in your desired field, researching job openings and industry trends, and exploring educational or training programs.

Reading job adverts for roles that interest you is a good start to understand the skills that employers are looking as a starting point, following up exploring National Career Service which is a resource for more in-depth information about career pathways, Glassdoor is also a great source of career related information.

Research Skills Required for A New Career

In addition to researching potential career options, it is important to understand the specific skills and experiences that will be required for success in your new role. This may involve reviewing job descriptions, talking to industry professionals, and gaining practical experience through internships or part-time work or volunteering, Reach Volunteering is national organisation where you can find volunteering opportunities across a wide variety of roles and sectors.

Plan for Both the Positives and Challenges You Could Face during your Career Change

While transitioning to a new career can be exciting, it is also important to be realistic about the challenges you may face. Consider both the positives and potential challenges of your new career path, and plan accordingly. This may involve building up a financial cushion, developing a strong support network, or seeking additional education

HOW CAN WE HELP?

At Total Career Solutions, we offer the expert, knowledge, experience, and insights and help you change career and find a new career path. Book a free 15-minute consultation with our professional career consultants to learn more.