We all want to roll out of bed on a Monday morning to a job which we enjoy and to a workplace which motivates us, right?
For some people this just isn’t the case and they don’t think their job is a good fit, which can be for a variety of different reasons.
From wanting a change of scenery to increase flexibility to feeling unfulfilled to experiencing conflict within the workplace to seeking higher pay to wanting a better work-life balance.
There really are so many factors which could impact someone wanting to make a change in their career or even switch industries all together.
No matter the reason why you’re wanting to make a career shift, we’re here to help you with our guide on tips and tricks!
Tips & Tricks For A Career Change
If you’re wanting to change career path whether in the same industry or a new industry, we’ve got you covered with our list of tips and tricks.
You’ll be prepared and ready to start that new chapter in no time, after all research by Joblist shows that people who changed careers were 77% happier having done so!
1. Think About Your Reasoning
As we discussed earlier, there are tons of reasons why someone may want to make a career change.
So, our first tip for you young professionals out there is to think about your reasoning for wanting to change careers or completely switch industries and then work from there.
What is it about your existing job or field that you don’t like? What are you wanting to get elsewhere?
What does your ideal working day look like? What work schedule are you after?
Asking yourself these questions will be the starting point of your change in career as you can figure out what changes are right for you, which will then prepare you to do some career exploration!
2. Do Your Research
Once you’ve pinpointed what it is that’s pushing you towards a career change, you should then begin to explore other job opportunities and fields out there which are of interest to you.
We’d suggest having a think about your skills and experience and brainstorming some ideas about the line of work you want to do.
It may even be that you’re wanting to completely jump ship and go from one industry to another.
You can research online to see what type of positions appeal to you as well as the skills and experience which are required for these career options.
LinkedIn can be a helpful resource to help you in your job search and expand your network, whilst Indeed is good for exploring various roles which are available in your local area.
Some may say it’s easier to find alternative jobs within your current field or a similar field that you’re already qualified for, but you can always expand your skillset or gain new qualifications if you’re looking to enter a specific industry.
3. Create A Plan
Our next tip for changing careers is to put together a plan of action so you can list your goals and track your progress.
We know, changing careers can be daunting but by creating a plan you can think about the steps and specific goals which are needed to get you to where you want to be in your career.
There is no perfect plan or a set course of action you need to do when embarking on a change in career, this is your journey, but make sure you don’t let yourself get sidetracked and end up putting off making the swap.
After all, many people who change careers end up saying they wish they made the swap sooner as they were unhappy in their previous position!
4. Think About Your Skills & Experience
For a successful career change you’re going to need to think about your skills and experience and be prepared to gain new ones!
We’d suggest thinking about your transferable skills and capabilities, such as communication skills, digital skills or customer service skills which can be useful in so many different industries.
Once you’ve done this you should then begin to update your CV to emphasise the prior knowledge and work experience you possess.
If you’re unsure on the quality of your CV you could get a friend to check over it or even use an online checker to get customised feedback on your resume.
Depending on the industry you want to go into, you may need to create a portfolio or boost your LinkedIn profile as well.
When applying for jobs, it may be useful to write a cover letter so you can share your career change story and highlight those transferable skills!
5. Be Prepared For Setbacks
There are some risks and setbacks which you may have to encounter when making a career change, but chances are, the end result will be worth it especially if you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current position!
Firstly, it may be that you have to try out several jobs or industries to find that perfect fit.
It’s unlikely you’re going to land your dream job straight away, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed for you.
Whilst going through the process of finding a new job, you should ask for feedback after any interviews so you can see which areas to improve on, which may land you a new position faster.
You should also bear in mind that you may have to gain new qualifications, take online classes and expand your skill set before securing a job in a new field.
Changing careers can take time and effort, but patience is key. Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll find the right fit!
6. Don’t Focus Too Much On Money
We know, we’re currently amidst a cost of living crisis in the UK and it’s hard not to focus too much on money as financial stability is so important right now.
Although, if you can, try not to focus on the money aspect of jobs when making a career change.
It may be that you explore other job roles and realise that your current position has a higher salary.
But, if you’re not happy or fulfilled in your current career, a higher wage may not be worth the impact on your mental health or aspirations.
It’s likely if you’re changing industries you’re going to take a hit to your salary especially if you’re underqualified, so bear this in mind.
That’s not to say that it won’t pay off in the future in terms of your salary, but it’s worth remembering that more money doesn’t = happiness.
Making that career shift can still be incredibly rewarding!
7. Speak To A Careers Coach
Switching careers but feeling lost in the process? It might be worth meeting with a career coach to explore different options and job opportunities.
There really are so many different jobs out there so it can easily become overwhelming trying to find the most suited, but by speaking with a professional you’ll be able to narrow things down and get advice.
You could even consider speaking with other professionals in the chosen field that you want to work in and ask for advice.
LinkedIn is a great resource for this!
8. Put Yourself First
We cannot stress enough how important it is to put yourself first when it comes to career changes.
We’re all afraid of the unknown, but don’t let doubts get the better of you or let others’ opinions get in the way of what you want, especially if your current job is bringing you down.
You may have people telling you it’s not the best decision or it’s not worth it, but don’t let anything get in the way of what you want and your dream career.
Of course changing jobs can be nerve wracking, but try not to let it impact your self esteem or mental health.
You’ll get to where you want to be in time!
To conclude, a change in career is a new challenge as a young professional and it’s important to do your homework and research before making the leap.
We hope our tips have been useful to you and you find a fulfilling career!
Here at One Living we provide purposely designed living spaces for young professionals across the UK, check out our properties today to find your new home!
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