Ways to Successfully Change Careers
Guest post authored by María Elena González with Global Prassociates
Changing careers is not an easy decision, but if it is a decision-oriented to the purpose of making you happier and having an enriching and fulfilling career, then it will be the right decision. Four million people left their jobs in 2021, according to Statista; this happened because they were seeking a career change.
Wanting to change careers comes with a desire to find purpose and fulfillment, but you should keep in mind that this change will require time and effort. You should outline your goals correctly to achieve success and commit yourself to the path regardless of the difficulties.
Steps to a Successful Career Change
Here are some steps you can take to identify the new career you will love and how to design a career transition plan.
Identify the Reason Why You Want to Change Careers
Many times you can feel dissatisfied, frustrated, and uncomfortable in your current job. The important thing is to identify what is causing you to feel this way because the reasons can vary. You must define it so that you can continue on your path to making the best decision for your future.
According to LinkedIn, you should consider how your reactions to your current position affect job satisfaction if you want to make a career change. Keep track of the aspects of your job that you like and dislike, considering your salary, the work-life balance, the content of your work, and the culture of the company. This way, you'll be able to pinpoint which aspects are motivating you to change careers.
Find Out What You Would Like to Do for a Living
If you can identify your skills, interests, values, and strengths, you will be able to figure out what you want to do and whether you need a career change or a career shift. Since a career change is a significant part of your life, you must devote time and thought to this step.
You can tell if you need a career change by considering whether what bothers you in your current job will change if you go to another company or if you get a different position related to your current career.
Investigate New Career Opportunities
The first step in this process is to determine whether you want to change industries. If you do, you should consider what career options match your interests and skills. Make a list of potential careers and research each one, including the major companies in that industry, the qualifications required for those positions, and the average salary, among other things.
If you are having difficulty deciding which career path to take, you can seek professional assistance. A career advisor can assist you with this step and even provide you with a fresh perspective so that you can select a career that will provide you with both emotional and financial well-being.
Outline an Action Plan
Outline an action plan that includes all of the steps you must take to begin your new career, which you should have chosen by this point. Define your goal and how you intend to achieve it by creating a timeline of all the steps you must take.
Consider various options to achieve your goal within the time frame specified, such as education, networking, and other opportunities that will help you get started in your chosen industry, and research schools such as Coding Dojo, Thinkful, General Assembly, Springboard, and App Academy, which offers online, part-time, and full-time programs in different tech areas.
Look For Training Options in Your New Career Path
If you have already decided to change careers, you should dedicate yourself to acquiring knowledge and improving your skills in this new area. Depending on the career you have chosen, you may need degrees, certifications, and experience.
Examine all of your options; perhaps you just need to take some extra classes in college or study to become certified. There are even many free online options for you to begin learning. In terms of experience, you could begin by gaining it at your current job or by applying for new positions.
Consider forms of training for the industry you want to go into. For example, if it is the technology industry, you can consider enrolling in a coding bootcamp. This type of training is very good as it gives you the knowledge you need to quickly enter the job market.
María Elena González is a seasoned content writer. After earning her Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Universidad del Zulia, María started working as a writer, journalist, video editor, and digital marketer. María’s other professional interests include forensic psychology and journalism, where she wants to use technology to share statistics and conduct research.
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