Making Your Next Move: 10 Considerations if You're Thinking of Making a Career Change
Changing careers can be a daunting prospect. You could be considering a new job, a radically new career, a slightly different sector, or finally setting up your own business.
I know the feeling. I speak to clients in the same spot all the time.
You've spent 10, 15, 20+ years in a career you worked so hard at. You put in long hours, evenings and weekends. You climbed the ladder and prioritised "success" - whatever your definition for it is.
And now you're looking around wondering: is this it?
You've lost your mojo or your passion for what you do. You didn't come this far to spend most of your time doing admin or playing politics.
You want more meaning, more purpose, more balance in what you do. And you're thinking of throwing in the towel and doing something different for a change.
Stop.
Before you quit, consider these 10 things:
1.Assess your motivation
Why are you looking to make a career change?
What's driving that nagging feeling that "It's time for something new"?
Is it burnout, a search for more meaning, or a need to challenge yourself?
Motivation is like fuel; it pushes your vehicle forward.
Your answer to this first question will map out your path. Maybe you've outgrown your current role's challenges, or you've developed a new passion outside of your 9-to-5, luring you down a different road. Understanding this central pivot force is key to knowing where you go next.
2.Evaluate your skills and passions
Passions + skills = a compelling direction for your career.
And sometimes, our workdays have become so routine, they've camouflaged our core talents and what makes us light up.
Self-reflection exercises and professional assessments can highlight your skills and interests, potentially unveiling a new path that resonates deeply with the most authentic version of yourself.
Grab my workbook to guide this part of your process.
3.Consider your ideal lifestyle
A new career can radically reshape your daily life.
Some career shifts could bring more flexibility, while others might tether you to a demanding schedule.
As an example: considering starting a family this year? Startups might not be the right fit for you.
Will you be working more independently or as part of a larger team? How do your potential new hours line up with your personal commitments? How would a new role affect your priorities for the next couple of years?
Make sure you're considering your current personal reality + your desired lifestyle when you think about options for what you do next.
4.Research the 3Ps
I developed this super simple technique with clients looking to make a career change. I call it the 3Ps: people, places, positions. They're a handy way for you to start researching your desired target career, role or company.
People: they're folks you know or can easily access. Ask them for their perspective, advice and tips on roles or companies you're considering. Are you hearing things that give you confidence in your decision?
Places: look for work places that inspire you, and where you really want to work. Check out their culture, the roles they have on, the people they hire. Are they still as dreamy as you thought?
Positions: thinking of moving into a lateral role? Research positions already listed on the internet. Can you confidently apply to them with the skills you have?
5.Identify transferable skills
One of the reassuring aspects of career change is that you're not starting from square one.
You're carrying a treasure trove of skills that, although they might not have direct applications, are capable of being flexed to suit a new role or a new company.
Some skills can be transferred easily, such as problem-solving and communication. Others might require a bit more work, but with some training or practice, you can make them transferable, like project management or leadership.
Identifying these transferable skills will not only give you more confidence in your career change decision, but it will also help you market yourself better to potential employers
6.Reflect on financial implications
Money, sadly, is the neglected protagonist in many career change stories, waiting in the side-lines to pounce if overlooked. Ignore your finances and jump, and you'll be regretting that decision in no time.
Will your new job come with a salary cut or progression? Do you need to take additional courses, and how will you fund them? How long will your savings carry you while you search for that ideal role?
Craft a detailed plan, accounting for short-term sacrifices in anticipation of long-term gains.
And be realistic. As soon as you're in between jobs, you'll be spending more money than you think on coffees, courses, and little splurges here and there.
7.Get a mentor or a coach
Looking for a job is hard, and so is completely changing careers.
Guidance from someone who's walked the path you're about to take is invaluable.
They act as your bearings, ensuring you stay true to your course and help you circumvent potential obstacles.
Peer advice, professional coaching, or even former colleagues can provide a fresh perspective, unperturbed by the apprehensions or biases you might carry.
And coaches give you the added accountability you need at this stage - a bit like a trainer at the gym. You could go it alone, but when the going gets tough, a coach will keep you on track, motivated and supported.
If you're considering getting a coach, let's chat.
8.Test the waters - aka experiment
Before you cannonball into this new pool, dip your toes in. The water might be colder than you expect!
Instead of thinking all in or all out, think in incremental experiments. What's the minimum viable way you could test out your desired change?
Part-time work, internships, or even informational interviews can offer a taste of this new path you're choosing.
This experimentation phase is the dating phase to your later, more committed relationship with your career. it gives you the opportunity to test out if it's the right fit for you, before you make a decision you might come to regret.
9.Create a change plan
Favourite cliché, but absolutely true – failing to plan is planning to fail.
Break down your career change into actionable steps with incremental goals that move you closer to your dream role. Be conservative in setting those milestones - the market is pretty sluggish at the moment, and being overly optimistic in your ambitions might come back and hurt you.
Be clear on the roles you're going after, how your experience and skills line up to them, and how you're going to apply and follow up for each one.
Think laterally, and map out different ways to achieve the same outcome.
10.Manage your energy and mindset
A career change can be daunting, overwhelming, and mentally taxing.
It's important to prioritise self-care and manage your energy levels during this transition.
Remember to take breaks, practice mindfulness or meditation, exercise regularly, and surround yourself with positive influences.
Additionally, be mindful of your mindset. Instead of focusing on the challenges and setbacks, try to approach them as learning experiences and opportunities for growth.
Remember, this change is a journey and it's important to maintain a positive and solution-oriented mindset along the way.
Conclusion
In this guide, you've discovered the importance of self-reflection, extensive research, leveraging your network, acquiring new skills, and the undeniable value of experimentation in the path to a career change.
Remember, each step is a building block towards landing your dream role. Crafting a change plan with actionable steps and manageable goals is crucial, as is the resilience to maintain energy and a positive mindset through the ups and downs of this transition.
Stay optimistic as much as you can.
The road to a career change might be challenging, but it's filled with opportunities for personal growth and learning.
You have the tools, insights, and strategies to make this journey successful. Believe in yourself, stay patient, and keep pushing forward.
If you want extra help, let's chat.
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