Are you feeling stuck in a rut, daydreaming about a different career path? If so, you’re not alone. Experts say people change careers an average of three or more times during their lifetimes. Many people reach a point in their professional lives where they question their current career trajectory. In fact, nearly 70% of the workforce actively looks for a change in their career. Only about one-third of workers describe themselves as very engaged on the job. Recognizing the signs that it might be time for a change is the first step towards a more fulfilling and rewarding future.
Career changes can take various forms, each with its own set of considerations:
Industry Change
This involves moving from one industry to another, such as transitioning from finance to technology. For example, someone working in the non-profit sector might decide to pursue a career in the tech industry for better pay or growth opportunities, even if they enjoyed the work they were doing in the non-profit world.
When making an industry switch, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks. You might find yourself lacking industry-specific knowledge or struggling to keep up with a fast-paced environment. To increase your chances of success, focus on the “positive levers” for change, such as your transferable skills, your passion for the new industry, and your willingness to learn and adapt. Before making the switch, “dip your toes in the water” by reading relevant articles and books, seeking out thought leaders in the industry, and attending industry events to grasp basic terms and understand the industry’s dynamics.
Role Change
This involves changing your job function within the same company or industry, such as moving from a marketing role to a sales role. From a Human Resources perspective, there are different types of role changes:
- Vertical move between departments: This could involve moving from a production role to a customer service role.
- Horizontal move within the organization: This could involve moving from an accounting position to an IT manager role.
- Move to an entirely different profession: This could involve a significant shift in skills and responsibilities, such as moving from a driver role to a software engineering role.
When considering a role change within the same company, treat it as you would any other job search. Even though you’re an internal candidate, you still need to position yourself as an ideal candidate, present professional materials, and prepare for the interview process.
Entrepreneurship
This involves starting your own business, which can be a significant career change with its own set of challenges and rewards. It often requires a different mindset, a willingness to take risks, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Geographical Change
This involves relocating to a new city or country for work, which can add another layer of complexity to your career transition. It’s essential to research the job market in your target location, network with people in the area, and be prepared to compete with local candidates.
Recognizing the Signs
Several signs can indicate that it might be time to consider a career change. These signs can be emotional, physical, or behavioral, and often manifest as a combination of factors. Here are some key indicators to watch out for:
- Apathy and Complacency: Have you lost interest in your work and find yourself going through the motions without any real enthusiasm? Feeling apathetic or complacent about your daily tasks and responsibilities can be a sign that you’re no longer engaged in your career.
- Lack of Impact: Do you feel like your work lacks meaning or purpose? Feeling like you’re not making a difference or contributing to something meaningful can be a significant demotivator.
- Dread and Burnout: Do you find yourself dreading the start of each work week or feeling constantly exhausted and drained? Chronic stress, burnout, and a persistent sense of dread associated with your job can take a toll on your physical and mental health. For example, imagine Sarah, a marketing manager who used to love brainstorming new campaigns. Lately, however, she feels a knot in her stomach every Sunday night, knowing another week of endless meetings and demanding deadlines awaits her. She’s tired, irritable, and finds it hard to focus. These are classic signs of burnout and dread that could indicate a need for change.
- Diminished Job Satisfaction: Has your overall job satisfaction decreased, even if the pay is good? While financial stability is essential, it’s not the sole determinant of career happiness. If you’re constantly watching the clock or feeling like you’re wasting your potential, it might be time for a change. This dissatisfaction can stem from various factors, including your coworkers, your boss, the company culture, or even your daily commute.
- Negative Impact on Personal Life: Is your job affecting your personal life, relationships, or overall well-being? Work-related stress can spill over into your personal life, leading to irritability, sleep disturbances, and strained relationships. If you find that your job is turning you into an unhappy or bitter person, and your friends and family have noticed the change, it’s time to explore activities and career paths that will make you feel like yourself again.
- Daydreaming and Exploration: Do you find yourself frequently daydreaming about alternative careers or browsing job boards? If you’re constantly thinking about other career paths or feeling envious of others’ jobs, it’s a sign that you’re yearning for something different.
- Physical Symptoms: Are you experiencing physical symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, headaches, or increased susceptibility to illness? These can be your body’s way of signaling that your current career is causing undue stress and negatively impacting your health.
- Negative Feelings: Do you find yourself constantly complaining about your job, feeling negative, or focusing on what’s not working? These negative feelings can expand and impact your performance, relationships, and reputation.
It’s important to note that experiencing one or two of these signs occasionally is normal. However, if these feelings persist and significantly impact your overall well-being, it’s time to take a closer look at your career and consider whether a change is necessary.
Taking the Next Steps
Once you’ve recognized the signs and decided that a career change might be the right move, it’s time to take action. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this transition:
1. Self-Assessment
Before embarking on a new career path, it’s crucial to understand yourself better. Take some time for self-reflection and consider your interests, skills, values, and aspirations .
- Identify your passions: What activities energize and excite you? What are you naturally drawn to?
- Assess your skills: What are you good at? What skills have you developed throughout your career and personal life?
- Clarify your values: What’s important to you in a job and a workplace? What kind of environment do you thrive in? Do you value autonomy, community, or innovation ?
- Define your goals: What do you want to achieve in your career? What kind of lifestyle do you envision? What kind of work-life balance are you looking for ?
- Find common themes and threads: Look for patterns and connections between your values, interests, personality, and skills. These can change over time, but identifying the common threads can help you find a career that truly aligns with who you are .
Several self-assessment tools can help you with this process:
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) — A personality assessment tool that helps you understand your preferences and how they relate to different career paths
CareerLeader — An online self-assessment program for those interested in business who aren’t sure which specific industry to pursue
O*NET Interest Profile — A free online tool that helps you identify your interests and match them to potential careers
MAPP (Motivational Appraisal Personal Potential) career assessment — A career assessment that helps you understand your motivations and potential for success in different careers
CareerOneStop — A website with various self-assessment tools, including the Interest Assessment, Skills Matcher, and Work Values Matcher
2. Research and Develop a Plan of Action
Once you have a better understanding of yourself, it’s time to research potential careers and develop a plan of action. This involves:
- Exploring different career paths: Use online resources like the Occupational Outlook Handbook, O*NET OnLine, and CareerOneStop to learn about different occupations, their requirements, and their potential for growth.
- Identifying your skills gap: Determine what skills you need to develop to be successful in your desired career.
- Creating a plan to acquire new skills: This may involve taking online courses, pursuing certifications, or gaining experience through internships or volunteer work.
- Setting specific goals: Define what you want to achieve in your career transition and set realistic timelines for achieving those goals.
3. Get Connected and Tell Your Story
Networking is essential for a successful career change. It’s important to connect with people in your desired field, learn from their experiences, and build relationships that can help you land a job. This involves:
- Developing your elevator pitch: Create a concise and compelling introduction that highlights your skills and experience, and explains why you’re interested in making a career change.
- Attending industry events: Participate in conferences, seminars, and meetups to connect with professionals in your field.
- Conducting informational interviews: Reach out to people working in your desired field and ask them about their experiences and advice for career changers.
- Using online networking platforms: Leverage LinkedIn and other online platforms to connect with professionals and build your network.
4. Gain Experience in Your New Field
Gaining practical experience in your new field can significantly increase your chances of landing a job. This can be achieved through:
- Internships: Seek out internships in your desired field to gain hands-on experience and build your resume.
- Volunteer work: Volunteer for organizations or projects that align with your career goals to develop relevant skills and make connections.
- Part-time jobs: Consider taking on a part-time job in your desired field to gain experience and build your network.
- Personal projects: Initiate your own projects that demonstrate your skills and passion for your new field.
5. Do a Reality Check
Before making a final decision, it’s important to do a reality check and ensure that your chosen career path aligns with your expectations and lifestyle. This involves:
- Evaluating the steps involved: Consider the time, effort, and resources required to make the transition.
- Assessing your support system: Ensure that you have a strong support system in place to help you through the challenges of a career change.
- Considering potential obstacles: Be prepared for potential challenges, such as financial adjustments or job market uncertainty.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of a successful career transition and find a path that aligns with your passions and goals.
