How to take the plunge and make a big career change
It’s the fast-food chain manager who switched to real estate, the accountant who became a sports blogger or the book editor who’s now a yoga teacher– everyone knows someone who switched careers.
Getting a job from school or university, working your way up the ladder and retiring with a gold watch at 55 is as old-fashioned as dial-up internet. However, a career change is a big step and not one to be taken lightly. So if you’re stuck in a career rut, and know that another 10 years in your current profession will only leave you more miserable, take heed. With the right research and preparation, the process can seem a lot less scary and a lot more doable!
Seek inspiration
Seek people who’ve switched careers—you’ll find them exciting and inspiring. Speak to friends and family and you’ll be amazed at how many stories come out of the woodwork. Read business magazines, newsletters and websites of all sorts – not just your current and chosen professions. Attend industry events and networking sessions. You’ll find plenty of stories about people who’ve made career changes both subtle and radical, many of them offering advice for others seeking similar situations.
There’s nothing like witnessing the success of others to get you motivated – so use it as fuel to spur you on and go onto bigger and better things!
Do your homework
Don’t get romantic about career change. Each industry has pros and cons and you should find out everything you can about the profession you’d like to join.
Speak to people in the industry, read journals and newsletters. Consider what you love and how that can become a profession for you. Are you sick of working for the man and ready to be your own boss?
Importantly, you must also consider what you don’t like. What would be your deal-breakers? Early starts, low pay or lonely self-employment? Not willing to study for five years to get a new qualification? Make sure you can really face the realities of your career change before you make the move.
Gather quotes & inspiration
In your research, you’ll come across quotes or tips that can stay with you for years. Here’s some that have resonated for me:
- Don’t get stuck in someone else’s dream life: get out and create your own!
- Everyone you meet knows something you don’t: be curious about others.
Gather your own collection of inspiration and refer to them when you find your motivation is waning.
Highlight what’s transferable
When you’re considering a career change it’s daunting to think that you’ll have to start at the bottom in an entirely new industry. But it’s not necessarily the case! You simply need to look at the positives and consider the transferable skills that can help in your new chosen profession.
When you’re considering a career change, look at the positives and consider the transferable skills that can help in your new chosen profession.
Whether it’s office experience, people management skills, or financial acumen, many of the skills you’ve already learned will come in handy in your new career.
Be realistic
The truth is that you won’t be able to start your new career at the top, and you need to accept the reality that you may have to consider junior positions to be accepted into a new industry… unless of course you’re willing to take the plunge to be a business owner!
And either way, if you’re willing and happy to take the leap, the rewards will come quickly. In my experience, people who switch careers tend to move up their new career ladder faster than other new recruits. They’re motivated, experienced and dedicated, and that often leads to quick promotions and career success!
Ditch the excuses
You feel too old? You’re not.
You don’t have time? Time is something you make.
You don’t have the energy? Visualise your future in 10 years: unhappy in your current role, or thankful you took a leap?
You’re afraid? Start small – an internship, part-time, casual or weekend work.
You need money? Research bank loans, consider investors who might help or find a lower-cost way to start your new business idea.
It won’t necessarily be easy but you CAN find a way!
Enlist the experts
If you need some encouragement or help in job interviews, networking, or seeking an investor for your great new business idea, it helps to enlist professional advice. It amazes me that people invest in personal trainers or financial advisors but don’t spend on career consultants who could help them create a whole new life.
These people are experts in helping others identify and find the right career path and can help steer you in the right direction, get you there faster and often help you negotiate – it’s well worth it. Consider it an investment in yourself!
Stan Gordon, CEO, Franchised Food Company
