There are many reasons as to why somebody might want to change their career path. Whilst it can seem daunting to pick up a new job title within your current industry, it can also be satisfying to do something completely brand-new.
When seeking out new employment, there are a number of challenges that you might face. Some of those can be learning new skills, or having different pressures.
In this article we take a look at how you can build yourself a new career, and tips for doing so.
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Why Start A New Career?
Even though you might feel comfortable in the job you are in, perhaps you have just realized that there is nowhere for it to go. When this happens, or if you are generally bored doing the job that you do, changing it up can make a big difference to your everyday life.
Having a new career path can bring a sense of purpose that you perhaps lost a few years ago. It can also give you a chance to learn something new, or to take on exciting challenges.
It is a chance to seize different opportunities, as well as meet new people and be put into a new environment. It is also a great way to achieve success, especially if that is something you are not doing right now in your current job.
Before The Change Of A Career
If you are thinking about quitting your job sooner rather than later, first think about how this might impact you financially, as well as other people.
If you have enough money saved up, you may be able to live comfortably (with a few tweaks to expenses) until you become employed again.
If you have a family or a partner, you should discuss it with them first so you can make a plan when it comes to monthly spending.
If you do not have enough money to live off, then look for a new job whilst you are still in your current position.
This means that you will not have the added stress of having no money, and it will give you more freedom to spend time researching, and perhaps even doing online courses.
Learning New Skills
A new job may require different credentials. This means that you might have to learn a new skill which could take some time.
If it is a dramatic career change, such as going into the healthcare field, you may need to go back to school. This not only costs money, but it would also impact your utility bills and general daily payments.
Having the correct credentials will help you to succeed in a new career path, just remember to be realistic with what you are able to do when it comes to time and money.
Pay Rise
A pay rise is a normal reason to want to find a new job. If your current job is not allowing you to raise your pay, or if you feel you have gotten to the highest position possible, then finding a new job to make more money is a natural progression.
Becoming skilled in a particular industry can earn you some serious dollars, so it is worth investing your time into something as worthwhile as learning new things.
How To Start A New Career
If you are adamant that you want to change jobs, whether that is going for a new role within your field or a complete change in career, then you will want to know the best way to approach it.
Here are some of the ways to make the transition easier, though remember, if it is an entirely new career, it may not be as smooth sailing as you would like it to be – and that is normal.
Think About The Job You Want
You might be at a time in your life when you want to do a job you enjoy, rather than just something you are good at. Even if you do enjoy your current job, maybe you could be doing something even more closely linked to your own interests.
Looking at jobs in a sector you want to be in is a good way to start, and to do this, firstly think about your own personal interests. This could be hobbies, but also aspects of a job you might enjoy doing – even from the one you are in now.
List Your Skills And Experience
Make a list of all of your achievements, whether that is a college degree, to professional impacts you have made at work. Include things from all the times you have been employed.
You might also notice that you have achieved more than you realize, which is also a great way to boost your own confidence.
How Do They Compare To Jobs
Now that you have made a list of achievements, you can use this as a ‘resume’ when looking at jobs.
Once you have picked a few jobs out, see if you have the credentials needed to apply. If not, take a look at what the job wants from a potential employee.
Be realistic. If you need a new college degree, do you have the time and money to spend a few years learning new skills? Are there short courses you can do instead?
Do not become disheartened if you find that your dream job is not viable, there is something out there for you.
Narrow the Jobs Down
Once you have found a few jobs to apply for, narrow the search down by doing some research. Once you are happy with potential salary expectations and the education needed, then you are ready to apply for the jobs.
Whilst it is tempting to apply for all, quality is always much better than quantity. You may need to fill out long application forms and add a cover letter or personal statement. This can take time, especially if you need to tailor each one to the job.
Final Words
Changing your career, especially dramatically, can feel daunting, but there are many reasons as to why you might want to do so. This could be in the same field of work, or a completely new job in an industry that you have never been a part of.
Whether it is because of pay, or the fact you are bored in your current job, moving to a different position can be both exciting and rewarding.
Investing time and effort is a good way to ensure that you make the move smoothly, but you will also need to think about how it may impact you financially, just in case you need money to survive between jobs, as well as potentially pay for learning.
