Looking to change careers? Here is where to start

Are you wondering whether it is time to change your career?

Before making the leap, it is important to distinguish between if you are looking for a change of job or a change of industry. This initial step will be the basis of your plan to reach career satisfaction.اضافة اعلان

A change of job is an easier task than that of a career change as the skills gained in the industry are still useful. A career change, on the other hand, could come with a learning curve, one that can be hard to master.

According to Muna Essa, a local Human Resources manager, there are three questions that can help kick start your journey to finding your ideal career path according to you needs. 

1- Is your job negatively affecting your mood, self-esteem, or health?

Believe it or not, you can actually get physically ill from having an excess amount of psychological pressure at work. While people generally brush off dissatisfaction, believing that the consensus is that everybody is frustrated with their jobs; experiencing moodiness, exhaustion, and anxiety should be taken seriously.

Encountering occasional problems from work is no issue. Constant symptoms, however, are not healthy. Thus it is important to take note of how your job is impacting you both mentally and physically.

2- Are you doing it just for the money?

Reaching a sense of satisfaction in your life through work is an important feeling. Although monetary success is an important part of any job, internal satisfaction does not necessarily come with it.

A career change, on the other hand, could come with a learning curve, one that can be hard to master.

Think of what you are doing and why, if money is the only factor, assess weather that is satisfying enough for you, if not, jot the answer down as that can be a marker of needing change.

Career changes could come with a pay cut, depending on the career path you pursue. If you are an expert in a certain field, a career change could reposition you to become an entry-level employee coming with a significant pay cut.

3- Do you dream of a different career?

This is not referring to the answer you gave in elementary school when asked what you want to be when you grow up. Rather, it is more believing that you would be better suited doing something else, something that would fulfill your passion.

Deciding to change your career is not a minor change. It should be a decision taken with research, review, and planning  considered prior to execution.



After concluding that a career change is a go, there are five steps listed below which should help you make a smooth transition:

Assess your interests and skills

If you do not have a specific career in mind, assessing your interests and skills is a good starting point. Review your recent experience, whether that be volunteer work or previous roles you successfully carried out.

If there is a skill you feel especially attracted to, it could be worth trying out to see if it is a fit.

Research career options

To inform yourself on potential career options, brainstorm jobs and industries that would be compatible with your skills and values.

If this is challenging, reach out to others in your professional network. You can seek guidance through career counseling, which enables you to discover more about your personality and your place in the current workforce.

Taking advantage of opportunities where you can job shadow, volunteer, or intern will help in deciding if the industry is a good fit as well as give you experience that makes you stand out from other candidates.

By using online resources that at your disposal, like Indeed and LinkedIn, you can find potential career positions and make a shortlist to research. Taking this preliminary step before diving into thorough research will help you narrow your focus.
Reaching out to those in the career you are eyeing is another insightful option. Employees can offer a better and more realistic view of what a job in your chosen career can look like, including the hidden challenges that might not pop-up till after.

Make an action plan

After you have conducted the research and narrowed the focus of your career change to a specific occupation, it is time to consider how to achieve that goal.

Throughout the process of making your action plan, make sure you have a secure source of income. The old trick of keeping your current job while searching for a new position in your spare time is a solid way to keep paying the bills while moving forward.

Taking advantage of opportunities where you can job shadow, volunteer, or intern will help in deciding if the industry is a good fit as well as give you experience that makes you stand out from other candidates.

Rebrand yourself

Technology simplifies this step substantially. Use social media platforms to show current work that extends beyond your formal job title by posting your progress in the field, including trainings and workshops you are attending.

Expand your network by following industry experts and forming connections in the field you are hoping to enter.

React and engage with posts you find relevant to become noticed as an engaged member of the community.

Take the risk

Lastly, you need to take the risk.

Go through with job seeking and attending interviews. If breaking into the field is difficult, apply for roles at startups where you can learn about different aspects of the job in an intimate setting with a few employees. Take part in small projects and gain experience.

The beginning may be difficult but remember experience comes with time. Every step you make takes you closer to your goal.


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