Making a career change: 6 things to consider

It probably goes without saying that making a career change is a big deal. In order to do it successfully, there are a number of considerations, both in terms of making the decision and making it happen. Let’s have a look at 6 things in particular.

Why do you want to change your current career?

Is your current role no longer aligned with your career values? If so, is it due to the people, the day-to-day job, your remuneration, or the direction your career is heading in? It’s worth bearing in mind that the current issues and frustrations you may be experiencing are only localised to your current job and employer. If you were to change those, but remain on your current career path, would you feel the need to make a drastic change? This is a key thing to consider.

What will the next career choice offer you?

By contrast, in what ways will the new career you want better match all those issues? How will it be more fulfilling, more aligned with the values and lifestyle you want, and how will it enable you to achieve the things that you aspire to? This is where you might find that a great idea simply doesn’t match up to the hopes that you had. There might be something of a bump as you have a reality check. 

Have you done your due diligence?

Having found a career that you’d like to pursue, the next step would be to really dig into the realities of working in that field. Perhaps find people who are already doing what you have in mind, and speak to them to understand both the upsides and downsides. Before making a significant career change, you really should lay the groundwork by thoroughly exploring your options.

Are you really ready for the lifestyle change?

Having really understood what the impact of the career change will entail, you should be convinced that any sacrifices will be worth the benefits that come with it. Your new career may mean less stress, but considerably less remuneration. It’s often swings and roundabouts. Consider also the impact on your family and how they may have to make adjustments to the way they live. Know as much as you can before making any difficult decisions. Furthermore, almost all decisions are based on imperfect information and likelihoods as opposed to absolute certainties. Make any decisions with this in mind.

Have you created a plan that anticipates possible setbacks?

Speaking to people who have already done the journey you have in mind will help you create a plan. It should help you avoid or overcome difficulties along the path that you’re about to take. Expecting that it won’t all go smoothly will help you mentally prepare and give you added resilience on your new career journey.

How can you repackage your current value proposition?

Going into a new career will mean that you have to market yourself in a compelling manner, despite the fact that you lack direct experience in that field. This requires repurposing your skills, abilities and experience in a way that will appeal to your audience. You might find that you have to go and get some new qualifications and training. It might also be that you have something to offer that has an asymmetric value that your new employer values very highly, working in your favour.

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Clear thinking, risk evaluation based on best information, and careful planning will get you to the new career that you want for all the right reasons. Making a significant career change has become a reasonably common thing to do. In fact, it seems that most professionals will change their career between 4 - 6 times during their working life. 

Many of my coaching clients are often embarking on a new or radical career change. If you’d like to discuss career change or other job search and career issues, let’s talk.