Pursuing a Different Career: When to make the change
Are you feeling stuck and unfulfilled in your current career, or simply ready for a change? If you're thinking about switching careers, you're not alone. In fact, data shows that the average person will change careers five to seven times during their lifetime. Whether you’re looking to explore a new industry or seeking a work-from-home job, making a career change can be a challenging but rewarding experience.
Signs You Might Need to Change Careers
There are several tell-tale signs that it might be time for a change. For example:
- You dread going to work every day.
- You're not learning or growing in your current role.
- You're not aligned with the company's values or mission.
- You're not being paid fairly or receiving the recognition you deserve.
- You're constantly thinking about other job opportunities or industries that interest you.
- You don't see a clear path to achieving your professional goals in your current career.
If you can relate to any of these points, it could be time to consider a change. But where do you start?
What Are Your Options When Considering a Career Change?
- Finding a new job function in your current industry: If you're not happy in your current role but enjoy your current industry, it may be worth looking for opportunities within your industry that align better with your strengths and interest.
- Changing industries: If you're looking to challenge yourself and grow your skillset in a new environment, you could consider switching to a different industry altogether.
- A total career pivot: If you're seeking a complete change of pace or looking to finally pursue a career that you’ve long dreamt about, you could even search for job opportunities in a different function and industry.
- Work-from-home jobs: If you are looking for work-life balance and flexibility, it’s now possible to find a wide range of online jobs that allow you to work from home or anywhere in the world!
5 Important Things to Do Before a Career Change
Making a career change can be overwhelming, but with a bit of planning and organization, you can set yourself up for success. Start with these instead:
- Reflect on why you want to leave your current career and what isn’t working. Be truly honest with yourself. Why are you unhappy in your current job? Have you tried resolving the issues at your current job? You could even use Jeff Bezos’ regret minimization framework: ask yourself, “Will I regret this not making the leap when I’m 80?”
- Embrace the unknown, accept the uncertainty and be realistic. Changing careers often comes with a learning curve and a decrease in income, at least initially. Therefore, be prepared for the financial, emotional and mental toll before making the jump. Make sure you have a solid budget in place to help you through the transition.
- Assess your skills, values, and interests.By understanding your strengths, talents and what makes you come alive, you’d be able to identify industries and roles that align with your strengths and passions. Resources on JobStreet’s Career Advice could guide you through this exercise.
- Explore alternative career paths and opportunitiesThere are many paths to success, but which one works best for you? Research and identify which career path aligns with your goals, values, strengths, skills and passions. This is a crucial step; we’ve even created the Explore Career tool where you can find over 700 roles in over 30 industries!
- Boost skills that are required in your chosen career pivot
Ease into your pivot by honing your skills. Start gaining industry knowledge by consuming materials by industry thought leaders. Make use of free resources like Google Skillshop, Coursera and Udemy! Many people who have successfully pivoted careers get a headstart this way.
If you’ve made the decision to make a career change, the next step is to decide what type of career you would like to pursue. Take some time to explore your options and research different paths that may be available to you. Consider whether you would like to retrain, pursue a higher education, or develop your skills in a certain area.
