Guide to Changing Careers: How to Change Your Career

A career change is when a person pivots from their current job or field to a different job or field. Even though some career changes may involve changing fields entirely, many career changes allow you to build off of your existing skill set. Changing careers can offer a number of benefits for those who are looking to shift their professional lives, from earning higher incomes to finding a better work/life balance.

While some people make career changes on a whim, most people make this major life decision after careful consideration. Here are some common reasons that people make career changes.

1. 1. To try something new. Someone who has been working in the same career their whole professional life may decide to pursue a new career path to take on a new challenge. People who change jobs every few years may want to keep their professional life fresh or simply avoid the boredom that can come with feeling stuck in one job.
2. 2. To earn more money. Entering a more challenging field may open up the doors to earning a higher salary. Most people aren’t able to make large salary jumps by staying at the same company for a long time, no matter how compelling of an argument they may make for a higher-than-average yearly incremental raise. Changing jobs allows you to name and negotiate your salary, making it easier to make more money than you’re currently making.
3. 3. To find a less stressful field. People who work in fast-paced, high-stress workplaces or careers may transition to a new field that offers them a better work/life balance. Finding a new job—even in the same field you’re currently in—allows you to take advantage of a new culture that may be less demanding.
4. 4. Your career goals have changed. Many people’s professional goals change throughout their lives. Perhaps you’re tired of working for someone else and want to start your own business. Maybe you started out as an artist, and being an athlete is your dream job. Many people simply pursue a career change to do something that they’re passionate about every day.

A successful career change can come with a few potential advantages.

1. 1. You can develop new skills. Changing your career path periodically can help you accumulate a diverse range of skills that can greatly expand your value and abilities within a number of industries.
2. 2. You can expand your network. Every time you enter a new field, your network expands to include more professionals who have different specialties. Career changers can greatly improve their professional lives by gaining contacts in many different industries.
3. 3. You may have a better work-life balance. If you work in a job that consumes too much of your time or mental energy (even when you’re off the clock), a new job might give you more free time or flexible hours.

Whether you’re looking to find another job in your field or to break into a new industry entirely, there are some actions that people can take to evaluate your new career path.

1. 1. Give yourself a self-assessment. Write down your goals or passions along with any transferable skills that you have from working in your current industry or job. See how your professional desires align with your marketable skills. Evaluate why you want to change careers and determine whether or not it is the right time in your life to make this change.
2. 2. Update your resume. Edit your resume or CV to reflect your new career goals. Include a cover letter in your application for every job that outlines why you’ve decided to change your career and what you want to do in the future.
3. 3. Select a desired position and research. Narrow your possible career options down to a few specific fields or jobs that you can see yourself enjoying a career in. If you’ve decided you’d rather be a dance teacher than a marketing executive, figure out exactly what switching careers will entail, what training and certification you’ll need, and how much it will potentially cost. Do a job search to see what available positions are already out there, and gauge your possible barriers to entry.
4. 4. Come up with a plan of action. After you’ve researched the job boards, create an action plan, outlining each step you’ll need to take to facilitate your career switch. Your plan should address your current abilities, which skills you’ll need to acquire, milestones, timelines, and any other pertinent information to help you proceed with your job search.
   
5. 5. Contact the right people. Mine your existing professional networks for anyone who may have connections in your desired field. Reach out to these people, and ask them out for coffee. Informational interviews like this allow you to pick peoples’ brains about what your new career might look like. Don’t forget to make a good impression. One day, they may be able to connect you with someone who will give you a great job.
6. 6. Try interning or finding an entry-level position. If you’re completely changing careers, you may have to start at the bottom and work your way up. Try finding a shadowing or volunteer position in your desired field to help gain experience and build up your skillset.

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