When Getting Your Dream Job Means Starting at Entry Level Again

People often consider a career change to pursue something that gives them more fulfillment. Sometimes though, the change you want is more drastic than the usual shift. Will it involve starting from scratch? Considering the move to pursue the #JobsThatMatter to you might be scary, but change is possible, and others have done it!

Of course, the change will come with some challenges and frustrations. There are no shortcuts to reaching your goal. There is also a possibility that the process might take longer than you thought, and you need to prepare well for the challenges ahead. Step one is being smart in planning your move.

Reflect if you want this career shift

An example of a drastic change would be leaving your corporate job to pursue a freelance career in the arts. One difference would be the lack of benefits that you get from the corporate world, like paid leaves, bonuses, and health benefits. Weigh the pros and cons and take it from there.

Take time to reflect, since rash decisions will likely contribute to a rocky transition. Why do you want to pursue this career? What factors are influencing your outlook? Is it a passion that you have always wanted to pursue?

Also, take time to canvas the industry that you want to enter. Since it is the middle of a pandemic, you might be leaving your current employment in exchange for limited opportunities. Get in touch with those who work in the industry. Ask them how it is like in their current organization and what changes they have experienced at work because of the pandemic.

Assess how the career change will affect you

The reality of starting from scratch is that other aspects of your life will be affected as well. Your salary and your schedule will both take a hit.

You have created a lifestyle built on the kind of salary and schedule you have now, so knowing your future pay and work hours will help you prepare and plan. Will the new job give you an entry-level salary at first? Start saving and budgeting your money before switching jobs. Will the new job have longer work hours? How long will it take you to achieve the career level that you have now in your current industry? These questions will help you prepare for the challenges brought about by going back to square one.

Starting again and know where you are now

It is true that people have shifted careers during the latter part of their life, and were successful. But it is not without its challenges. But it is best to be aware of what you will deal with when you change careers. For example, if you will need money soon, saving your bonuses instead of shopping is a wise choice.

A good strategy would be to know what your transferable skills are and take time to develop the ones that fit the career that you want to pursue. Transferable skills like listening and leadership will make you stand out from other candidates.

So whether or not you decide to make the change, be smart about it! Plan well, and ultimately you will only find out if that dream job is indeed for you. Do it using your heart, but also your mind.

Good luck!

For more information on job searching tips during the pandemic, visit COVID-19 Career Resources Hub. If you are immediately available for work, update your profile now with #WorkNow and connect with your prospective employers faster.

At JobStreet, we believe in #JobsThatMatter. As a Career Partner, we are committed to helping all job seekers find passion and purpose in every career choice. And as the number 1 Talent Partner in Asia, we connect employers with the right candidates who truly make a positive and lasting impact to the organisation.

About SEEK Asia

SEEK Asia, a combination of two leading brands JobStreet.com andm JobsDB.com, is the leading job portal and Asia's preferred destination for candidates and hirers. SEEK Asia's presence span across 7 countries namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam. SEEK Asia is part of the Australian Securities Exchange-listed SEEK Limited Company, the world's largest job portal by market capitalization. SEEK Asia attracts over 400 million visits a year.

About SEEK LimitedSEEK is a diverse group of companies, comprised of a strong portfolio of online employment, educational, commercial and volunteer businesses. SEEK has a global presence (including Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, South-East Asia, Brazil and Mexico), with exposure to over 2.9 billion people and approximately 27 per cent of global GDP. SEEK makes a positive contribution to people's lives on a global scale. SEEK is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, where it is a top 100 company and has been listed in the Top 20 Most Innovative Companies by Forbes.