Home » Need a change? Tips on how to shift your career’s direction and ensure a seamless move to something new

Need a change? Tips on how to shift your career’s direction and ensure a seamless move to something new

by Tia

If you’ve ever had the impulse to quit your job on the spot and move onto something new, you’re not alone. People have been doing this for decades, but the difference today is that they are no longer just thinking about swapping the familiar for the unknown, they are actually doing it – in droves.

“Some claim its learnings from the pandemic, others believe it’s a newfound energy for putting your passions and personal growth first. Whatever it may be, people young and old are choosing to leave their tried and tested careers for something else – and many are leaving without even knowing what their next step will be,” explains Caroline Kilbey, Head of Strategic Relations at Strider Digital.

No matter the reason, transitioning from a familiar path to one that is entirely new can be highly intimidating. It is also by no means a straightforward decision and requires careful planning and thinking to get right.

“Transitions of this kind aren’t just about doing something different,” says Kilbey, “a change of career often involves a full lifestyle change. The new direction could see you earning less money initially, working different hours and dealing with a completely different workforce. However, as long as career transitions are approached with intention, clarity and a willingness to work hard, they can be everything you hoped for and more.”

Sharing her knowledge of the subject, Kilbey provides a few essential tips on how to navigate this shift successfully:    

  1. Be sure that it’s time for a change

Everyone has good and bad weeks at work. The business world is filled with ups and downs that can often leave you dissatisfied and irritable. But there is a difference between a couple of bad weeks or months at the office and the constant feeling of unfulfillment, with every workday leaving you with a feeling of dread.  

“Most people who decide to make a career transition say that the feelings and want for change are unmistakable and cannot be confused with a not-so-great period at work,” says Kilbey. “Generally, people who seek a drastic change have a hunger for growth, a thirst for a new challenge, seek a better work-life balance or come to the conclusion that they entered their current industry or job for the wrong reasons.”

Whether your career decision may have been imposed on you or if you ended up taking a job that was great for paying the bills way back when, you’ll know when its time to stop and move on.

  • Figure out what you’d like to do next

You may already have a vague idea of what your next step could be, or you may not. Either way, you shouldn’t let the fear of the unknown derail your plans. A great place to start is by reflecting on your values, strengths, weaknesses and interests. Where do your passions lie? What makes you tick? Is there something you’ve always wanted to do?

“Once you’ve figured out your new direction, it’s important to start considering how this could fit into new roles and industries,” says Kilbey. “Research is your best friend here. Take time to explore your options, look into potential new careers, make an effort to network with professionals in the fields that interest you and get your reading hours in to fully understand what your transition may entail.”

If inspiration is thin at first, get informed and find out exactly what is happening within the job market in your area. See if any of the needs or trends align with your interests, goals or work-life balance plan. But be sure to consider a long-term job outlook when you are doing your research. After such a big leap, you want to make sure you’re making the right choice, and remove the eventuality of having to make another big move soon after.

  • Evaluate your skillset and be willing to upskill

“Once you’ve settled on the new path you’d like to follow, it is important that you look at how it could fit within your current skillset,” says Kilbey. “Thereafter, you’d need to look at the additional skills you may need and figure out a plan on how to bridge that gap.”

A great place to start is to look at the latest trends and competencies that recruiters are looking for in the new area you’d like to join. You can also look at job descriptions from various employers and touch base with recruitment agencies to discuss things like transferable skills, which can include writing ability, leadership qualities, emotional intelligence and even technical skills like proficiency in Excel or InDesign.

“And if you find that your new direction will require you to develop more job-specific hard skills, like proficiency in a range of software programs for example,” concludes Kilbey, “it is crucial to consider the value of certifications, online courses and the like. However, it is advisable that you complete at least one of these before you apply for your new role, to avoid any kind of disappointment.”

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