5 Tips For Changing Careers

Photo by Ferdinand Stöhr on Unsplash

From a young age, a lot of us are sold the idea of a lifelong career. We were taught to pick what we wanted to do by the age of 18, take the appropriate steps to get there, and then work up in the industry until retirement. Lifetime loyalty was praised, diehard commitment was the norm, and it was common to believe that a job was a job, regardless if we enjoyed it - after all, that’s what the weekend was for. 


Now, I am not one to downplay the importance of hard work and commitment - in fact, both of those were strong contributing factors to my success. What I do believe, however, is that it’s important to find a career path that you wholeheartedly enjoy, where the hard work and commitment feel both enjoyable and manageable, rather than a means to an end. This doesn’t mean that every day is perfect and we are always happy, but rather, a career we overall enjoy getting out of bed for in the mornings. For some of us, that may mean changing career paths.

The topic of changing careers can feel pretty overwhelming for several reasons, regardless if a person has been in their job for years or has just entered the workforce. Some may feel like they’re too old to switch paths, and others may be concerned about the time and money they’ve already invested into their current career. Some may fear they won’t be good in their new role, and others may feel unsure about what they want to do. But despite not being talked about, changing careers is pretty common. 


According to The U.S. Department of Labor, “the average person will change careers 5-7 times during their working life." So, if you are thinking about embarking on a new journey, I first and foremost want to remind you that it's common to want to change career paths. We go through different seasons throughout our lives, filled with different interests, values, beliefs, and capabilities. What we may want at one stage is not necessarily what we want in another - and that is okay. If we get to a stage in our lives where our career no longer aligns with what we want or need, it's okay to decide to make a change.

If you've been thinking about making a career shift, here are 5 tips I want to share with you.

5 Tips For Changing Careers

1. PLAN AHEAD

Life isn’t always something we can plan for. Sometimes, curve balls are thrown our way and we are forced to adapt immediately. However, where possible, I believe planning ahead when it comes to a career change makes the decision easier and more sound. This can include things such as exploring your interests, researching different industries, speaking with those involved, and saving money before switching.

2. PREPARE 

Similar to planning ahead, if you are making a drastic shift, you may need to (or wish to) prepare. This can include things such as researching what you need to do to get yourself ready, finding a mentor in your field, or taking any necessary courses or action.

3. TRY IT OUT

While this isn’t always possible, one option could be to try out the role before you fully make the switch. This could involve possibly volunteering in a similar position or even taking a part-time role to get started. Sometimes things are different than how they seem on the surface.


4. WEIGH OUT YOUR OPTIONS

Weigh out your options. If a job pays less but is less stressful or has better hours, it may be worth it in the long run. According to Statista, “72% of people looking to make a career change say that work-life balance is important in choosing a new career.” Your mental health and time are very important factors to consider; speak with those involved, and make the best decision for your own life.


5. SPEAK WITH A PROFESSIONAL 

Career counsellors are there to help you through this transition. Whether you are unsure of where to begin, how to update your resume, or how to prepare for an interview, career counsellors are there to help. If you attended post-secondary school, you may still have access to the careers services there, otherwise, check to see what options are available for you in your area, or look into online options.