It’s never too late to change your career and pursue something that makes you want to bolt out of bed every morning. However, the thought of changing careers can be scary. Aside from the fact that you have to make endless decisions, it often requires a sacrifice of time and money too. Nonetheless, if you’re in dire need of a job with better pay or you just need a more significant challenge, you shouldn’t let fear get in the way. You could be a few decisions away from finding a mentally and financially fulfilling career.
Before taking the big jump, it is good to assess your situation and explore your options accurately. Here are a few considerations to make for your next career move.
Why You Want to Change Careers
Changing your career can be time-consuming and challenging. For this reason, before jumping the gun and making an impulsive decision, be sure you know why you want to do it. People have different reasons for choosing to take a new direction when it comes to work. It could be because you want to earn more or because you aren’t enthusiastic about the industry you’re currently in.
Knowing why you want to change careers can help give you a clearer picture of what direction to go in next. To help you, list out elements of your present job that you like and dislike. This list should help you see what’s missing and help you put the pieces of your dream career together. It may also help to think about what you would want to do for a living if you could be paid to do anything in the world. This will give you an indication of whether what you’re doing is far off from your true desire.
Another reason to know why you want to change careers is because it may be possible to do so without completely starting over. If, for instance, you feel like you want to change careers because you need a challenge, you may be able to get one by merely pursuing a more senior role within your industry. In a real-life scenario, it could look like going from a registered nurse to a general nurse practitioner as you’d have far more responsibilities. All that may be required is that you get a few additional qualifications, network, and apply for better roles.
The Qualifications You Need
When making a big move in your career, consider whether you have the qualifications needed for the prospective role. Although there are times where you can get a position without all of the requirements, having them will make you stand out.
If you decide to pursue another degree, explore all of the career paths you could take with that degree, such as one in a tech field. This will ensure you aren’t limiting yourself and you get your monies worth. For instance, if you wanted to branch into the world of tech, you could do a bachelor’s degree in Information Science and become a computer systems analyst or software developer. This leaves enough room for you to explore if you become bored at some point.
Aside from getting a degree, there could be specific training or certifications you need. For example, those interested in becoming project managers could stand out by getting a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Similarly, if you wanted to become an ethical hacker, a certification would boost your resume.
Necessary Skills
When it comes to making a bold career move, your skills matter. While you’re likely to possess some transferable skills that would be useful in any job like communication, teamwork, and organization, there are others you may have to take time to develop.
Do a little research to find out what core skills are needed for you to excel in your chosen role. You should then develop a practical and detailed plan that outlines how you can work on developing those skills daily. This may require setting clear goals and investing in quality resources, so be ready to part with your time and money. For example, if you wanted to go from being a customer service rep to a sales and marketing manager, you could benefit from developing leadership, analysis, and strategic planning skills.
It may also help if you find people who are already thriving in your desired career path. Speak to them about their experiences and see if they have any valuable advice to offer. They may be able to give you pointers on how to develop your skills and opportunities for work experience. This will provide you with a chance to see what it’s like to work in your desired role and if it’s truly for you.
Earning Potential
Sometimes, so much emphasis can is placed on doing what you’re passionate about that you can forget that money is important too. Aside from the fact that you have to keep a roof over your head, knowing you’re being paid what you feel you’re worth can be a satisfying feeling. For the sake of a healthy balance, look for the highest paid jobs within your chosen field that will be enjoyable and challenging. In the accounting sector, for instance, some of the jobs that will give you a high income are financial analyst or accounting manager. If you do decide to choose a career in finance, know that there are multiple jobs you can choose from.
Also, keep in mind that changing careers will likely require an investment, especially if you need further education or certifications. Other expenses could include having to change your wardrobe so you dress the part for your new role. Everyone wants a job with enough remuneration to make all of these added expenses worthwhile.
There are so many things to think about before changing careers. Although it may not be possible to silence all of your doubts and fears, planning can make the transition easier. It also helps if you have a good dose of confidence and courage too.
