Below are some obstacles you may face when changing careers, along with tips to help you overcome them:
Building a new set of skills
When going through career change, you may find yourself needing to develop new capabilities after you’ve already spent years learning one set of skills. This may feel like you’re starting over but some of your skills from your previous career may be transferable. Even if your new career is very different from your previous one, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving and leadership skills can be valuable across many industries.
Accepting lower compensation
Usually when starting a new career, it requires you to begin with an entry-level job and this could come with a pay decrease. It might be challenging at first but after implementing some brief lifestyle changes, it can help you navigate this period smoothly. Make sure to plan out a budget before you leave your current job. You can research on the average starting salaries for entry-level roles in the field you’re planning to pursue. It could also help to set realistic boundaries for how large of a pay cut you can accept.
Establishing a new professional network
Growing new relationships in the industry you hope to enter can help you with personal growth and fresh opportunities. If you’ve already built a large network in your current company, it might sound tiring to do it all over again. However, you can still rely on your existing network to slowly expand towards your new field.
If you’ve been in your current job for many years, the thought of returning into the job market could be daunting. Effectively preparing can help you successfully adapt to the needs of today’s hiring practices. Learn about the current expectations in your industry such as resume trends, common interview questions and in-demand skills. Consider using the network you already have to help you review your materials and ensure you meet the required standards.
Having little guidance
Entering a new field without any established peers or leaders requires confidence and self-sufficiency. If you find yourself seeking more support and direction in your new endeavours, learning more about people you admire in your new industry may be beneficial. Having role models and mentors can assist you in making decisions that will bring you closer to the life and profession you desire.
Deciding exactly what job you want
Many people recognise that they are dissatisfied with their current employment but are unsure of what job might make them happier. There are numerous career routes to consider, and researching the jobs you’re interested in can help you make an informed selection that you can confidently pursue. To begin, you might want to construct a list of the features of your ideal job. Consider priorities such as income, work schedule, growth chances, or task types to determine what is most important to you in a career.
