The Ultimate Guide to Your Career Change: 8 Tips That Work

Big changes can be really unsettling, especially when we know we need it, but are not sure which direction is right for us.

What do we all want? Happiness. We spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, every month, for the majority of our lives, at work. If we’re stuck in a job that doesn’t bring us joy, it can impact every part of our lives. If you’re here, you’re already thinking it could be time for a career change.

In this blog, I’ve put together some of my best (and expert💅) advice as a professional career coach to help you figure out how to change your career so you can feel confident, secure, and happy in a job you know you love. Honestly, I think I could explain this whole thing with just the lyrics to Billy Joel’s “Vienna”. But, I’ve got 8 tips instead 🙃

 

How to change careers and absolutely nail it

So, you’re here. You’re ready to make the change. Congratulations!

This blog is your compass, guiding you through the exciting journey of changing careers and absolutely nailing it. Whether you’re feeling a little lost or just need a boost of confidence, I’ve got you covered. Anyway, let’s embark on this adventure together and pave the way for your successful career transition.

Prepare to put in some tough graft, but to see it massively pay off. When you take the leap for a career change, you can expect to see (in the right career) increased job satisfaction, better work-life balance, more skills and passions, a sense of achievement, and potentially better financial possibilities. Woohoo!

 

How do I know if it’s time for a career change?

Consistent unhappiness or unfulfillment at your job

Does everything just feel always, well, kinda s**t? If you’ve tried your best and still it seems there is no hope for improvement, it’s a sure sign you’re ready for a career change.

Feeling stagnant or lacking growth

Ew! As humans we often desire more – and if you’re an ambitious person, feeling stuck or not able to grow within your field is just soul-destroying.

Desire for a new challenges

Yes! This is where ambition and confidence return! It’s time to forget the soul-destroying boringness of feeling stagnant and focus on this desire for new challenges. Follow that feeling! “Only fools are satisfied” 💅

That gut feeling

Your intuition is rarely wrong, I always say follow your gut. And let’s not forget, your intuition is also a great protector. It’s like having a built-in radar that can detect potential pitfalls or warning signs that may not be obvious at first glance. So, if something feels off or doesn’t quite sit right with you, trust that instinct and explore it further. It could be leading you towards something even better…

 

Do I need a new career or just a new job?

Jenny, don’t be hasty!

It’s very important to be able to tell the difference between being stuck in a dead-end job at a toxic company, and needing to change careers entirely.

• Is it the work? Or is it the company?
• Is it the clients? Or is it your manager?
• When you’re alone working, does the work feel good?

 

New job	New career
Unhappy with company culture Frustrated with your specific work environment, company policies, or management style. 🙃	Lack of passion for your industry Overall disinterest with your entire industry rather than the specific role. 💤
Issues with your team or your manager  Difficulties with a potentially toxic manager or colleague, but not the work itself.	Desire for a different type of work Wanting to pursue a completely different kind of work that aligns more with your interests or values.
Commute or location issues Problems related to the location or commute (eg. you’re a busy parent and need a hybrid or remote job)🚌	Limited opportunities for growth across the field Seeing no long-term prospects or advancements in your entire career path. (yeah, this is a pretty sure sign)
Poor work-life balance due to job demands We all deserve to have a life! Your current role’s demands might be unmanageable, but other roles in the same field might offer a better balance.	Finding new interests or passions in another field Developing new skills or interests (that you’re passionate about, and bring you joy) that are not applicable in your current career.
You want a higher salary or better benefits, but in the same field Seeking better compensation without changing your career path (completely valid to do so! You deserve it).	Significant life changes, blurring career goals Major personal life changes, such as starting a family, prompting a reevaluation of your career goals.👶

 

I need a career change but don’t know what to do!

First rule? Don’t panic!

You’re in the right place. Being unsure about what career is best for you is totally normal – and very common.

Being in the wrong job can lead to a loss of confidence though, so let’s figure your career change out – together.

I like to think of life as a big house, or a big building. We enter lots of different rooms, experiencing different things, looking for the one we feel most comfy in. Right now, you’re coming out of one room, standing in the corridor, wondering which door to go through next.

Unlike what we’re told to believe, standing still for some time isn’t a bad thing – at all. It’s alright, you can afford to lose a day or two. You’re in the hallway of life!

You could spend half your life trying to figure out how to find a career you love, but without the right tools and guidance, you can get lost and start to, well, PANIC!

 

8 tips for changing careers (that have actually worked)

1. Self-Reflection

What is it about your current career that isn’t satisfying your ambition? Before embarking on this journey to your dream job, take some time to analyse WHY it is that you’re not fulfilled, HOW you got here, and what your values are (that you can then align with the right career). What do you enjoy doing?

2. Goals

Right now, forget about skills, experience, qualifications, and all that jazz. Just think about what your genuine goals are. What makes you happy? What do you want to be doing? Do you want to be helping people, doing something manual, or building an empire? Focus less on physical goals, and more of how you want to feel. What do you want to get out of your career?

3. Skills

Ok, now it’s actually time to analyse your skills. Don’t panic if technical skills are lacking. Everything can be taught!

4. Research

Now you have a good idea of what your skills and goals are, have a little dive into what industries are out there, and what different roles might suit you. There’s a whole sea of possibilities out there waiting for you to explore. From creative to analytical, from nurturing to adventurous, there is something for everyone (even though they might be hiding sometimes).

5. Experience

Now you’ve got an idea of what it is you might want to move into while changing careers, it’s time to get your foot in the door. Have a look at what’s out there. Look for opportunities to gain relevant experience in your new field, such as internships, volunteer work, or freelance projects. Doing this will not only enhance your skills but show employers how keen you are to work in their field.

6. Support

The career change journey is not one that should be travelled alone… It’s important to rely on your support system, whether it’s mentors, career coaches, or trusted friends and family members. They can cheer you on and provide valuable advice, encouragement, and perspective as you navigate your career change.

7. Flexibility

The thing is, right now, you might not know anything about what career is going to make you feel content. That’s O-K! It’s important to keep an open mind and not rule anything out – you never know. Elvis went from being a trucker to, well, Elvis. Don’t pigeonhole yourself!

8. Networking

My favouriteeeee! Don’t let go of your network just because you’ve decided to call it quits. You never know who knows who! Also, branch out into your new field of interest and try to make some industry connections (this can help you get some experience too). Attend networking events, join industry-related groups, and connect with people on platforms like LinkedIn.

 

How to write a cv for a career change

Focus on your transferable skills

Things like communication, leadership, problem-solving, time management, customer service, technical knowledge, and project management. These can be easily transferred and might be preferred by an employer over someone who might have more experience, but needs those transferable skills.

Strong emphasis on your character

When you might lack physical experience in a new field, it’s worth emphasising the kind of person you are, AKA the kind of person they’d love to have on their team. People usually don’t mind training you up if you have experience being a great team player.

Highlight all and any relevant experience

Now it’s time to showcase any of your previous roles or projects that might demonstrate your ability to excel in your new field. Point out accomplishments and responsibilities that align with the requirements of the potential role.

Address gaps in employment or experience (and address the elephant in the room – your career change)

Rather than avoid the topic, the interview is the best time to talk to an employer about why you’re changing careers. A lot of people will see it as a very confident and respectable thing to be doing (to make a scary change to pursue your own happiness!).

 

Final thoughts

Changing careers is a big step, but it can also be an exciting new chapter in your life. It’s completely normal to feel a bit unsettled when thinking about making such a significant change. But remember, finding happiness in your work is so important because it affects every other part of your life.

You’ve already taken the first step by seeking advice and exploring your options. By following the tips and steps I’ve shared, you can approach your career change with a sense of confidence and clarity!

Whether you decide to find a new job in the same field or embark on an entirely new career path, take your time to reflect on what truly makes you happy and fulfilled.

Think of this process as a journey. You’re moving from one room to another in the big house of life, searching for the space where you feel most comfortable and excited. It’s okay to spend some time in the hallway, figuring out your next move.

Trust yourself, be patient, and lean on your support network. You deserve to wake up each day excited about your work and to feel valued and inspired by what you do. So here’s to your next adventure – may it lead you to a career that you love and a life that makes you happy!