After spending years in the workforce and earning your position, it can be hard to even consider leaving it all behind for something new. However, there are plenty of reasons you might feel the need to switch careers: you’ve realized what you’re truly passionate about; you don’t see a future for yourself in your current career path; you want to experience something entirely fresh and different.
Can you change? Of course, you can. Everybody changes every day. But how versatile, agile, and quickly can you adapt yourself and your organization to stay relevant in today’s society?
Organizations are always evolving. What’s different now, is that we set a new speed record of change on a daily basis. Technology gives us unprecedented possibilities. And this sea of opportunities is pushing the traditional bureaucratic, controlled and hierarchical organization into an identity crisis.
Whatever your reasons, there are a few ways to get started on changing career path that will help you set off on the right foot. Here are some tips on beginning your journey.
Research Roles
Before writing your boss a resignation letter, you need to know what you’re getting into once you leave your current job. Go online, and find out what types of roles there are in the new field you hope to join. Carefully read the job descriptions, salary ranges, and necessary qualifications so you are fully aware of what changes you need to make in order to switch paths.
Do you need a few years’ experience or volunteering? Will the hours be very different from what you’re used to? It’s important to know what’s out there not only so you can make the best choice but also to warn you of details pertaining to the new career path that you may have been unaware of previously.
Gain
Qualifications
Once you have a rough idea of the kind of role you’d like to pursue, compare the necessary qualifications for it to the ones you already possess. Don’t be put off if you discover that your new career means having to learn new skills.
If you need to keep your current job until you’re secured in your new career, you can acquire the necessary qualifications by attending Walsh University Online. This way you will be more prepared when you finally switch roles, and you won’t have sacrificed your earnings.
Network
Many job opportunities come about not just from online postings but from personal connections to people in the field. Find nearby networking events to make connections with people who know more about the career path you’re hoping to enter.
Even if you don’t meet anyone directly linked to a role you seek, having a broader range of acquaintances who are willing to point you in the right direction is never a bad thing. Outside of formally networking, let your friends and family know about your ambitions to change careers.
You’d be surprised how many opportunities find their way back to you through the most unexpected routes.
Don’t Burn Bridges
It can be tempting to mentally check out of your current job while daydreaming about your future career, but resist the urge. Even if you’re hoping to enter a wildly different field, a good reference from your current employer is still valuable.
Continue to work hard and impress your colleagues right up until your last minute at the company. You may wish to come back to your job at a later date and doing this will be much harder if you inconvenience your boss before leaving. You can never have too much support when embarking on a new career path.