Changing careers in a few steps: tips and tricks

Feeling the need for a change in your professional life, but the thought of finding a new job is unsettling? No wonder. But, as you know, this should not hinder your progress toward your dreams.

Remember that any change is easier when we know our options and what we want to achieve.

For example, when looking for a new job, paying attention to a few questions is helpful. Of course, it is unlikely that you will be able to combine work with a hobby, like playing all Bollywood games and making money. Unfortunately, playing casino games, guitar, or origami folding will not provide you with a comfortable life.

Determine your career and life goals.

Lists can work wonders. Really. When you see items thought out and handwritten in front of you, you can be more realistic about some things.

Make two lists for a more precise understanding: your career goals and your life goals.

Items that overlap will help determine the way forward. If such lists are complex, ask friends and relatives what is essential to them. It’s possible that some things you didn’t know how to formulate, but you think the same way. Or, on the contrary, you will realize that they are not your thing, and that will guide you.

Research the job market

If an analysis of your goals shows that you need to change jobs to achieve them, it’s worth starting to probe the job market. But, first, it is helpful to keep your hand on the pulse to understand what stage in your development, where you can grow, and what skills you need.

Identify the professions that might interest you, and separately write down what aspect of them appeals to you. 

• Free schedule? 
• Demand? 
• Meeting interesting people? 
• Helping people? 

Evaluating and comparing things visually is much easier than in your mind.

Talk to people who are already working in the field you like.

You can’t know for sure if the job you want so badly is right for you. Talking to people who work in the field can help you look at what seems like a dream a little more practically. For example, learn about the downsides, the challenges, and the skills you need to succeed. 

Determine how you will gain new skills

There are professions that you can’t do without a second college degree. There are those for which one or a few short special courses are enough. Sometimes online training can provide many opportunities. Sometimes, the only way to get new skills is as an intern or assistant at your dream company or on a team with a seasoned professional.

Be resourceful. Look for the most effective ways to learn, combine, learn and practice.

Recall your professional successes.

Undoubtedly, you have new knowledge to gain. But don’t forget that many skills and qualities you’ve already developed in your old job are needed in almost any company. These are the same skills of presentation, project management, teamwork, and perhaps – public speaking or management.

Sell additional competencies.

Have you remembered what you’re particularly good at? Now use those skills to present yourself favorably in your new job. In a significant career change, you are in the business of selling additional competencies.

Be persistent, and don’t get tired of explaining to recruiters the advantages you have that experienced professionals in your chosen field often don’t have.

You were a journalist, and you’re going into PR – you know ideally who you have to work with. If you were performed as a secretary, but you go into sales – special in contracts and get along with people. Think about it. After all, not just because you want the job.

If you’ve reached “the ceiling” in your career

Consider a change of scale: Consider a startup or your own business

Never forget that the ceiling of one apartment is the floor of another. It’s the same with a career. You’ve had some success in your current position, and you’re enthusiastic and ready for achievement – so why not apply that to other scales? 

Perhaps your desire for a more responsible position and the job will lead you to your own business. At least allow the thought to occur and see how it resonates in you. Then, perhaps a plan of action will follow the idea.

Develop your brand

How often do you hear “successful lawyer” or “brilliant marketer”? That’s what they say about people who have taken care of their name. Speaking at industry events, running their expert columns or blogs, successful contracts, and high performance are all components of a personal brand. For an employee “with a name,” promotions, new horizons, and other recognition benefits will come much more quickly and easily.

Relate yourself to the corporation

Sometimes, noticing injustice on the part of the management, it is helpful to put yourself in his place. The head of any department should always act in the interests not only of his subordinates, but also in the interests of the company as a whole. 

Your vision will not always coincide with the personnel policy, and only by moving into management’s shoes will you understand what is holding you back. However, this practice often leads to insights and allows you to move closer to promotion.

Consider transforming into new projects, implementing new initiatives, and horizontal growth.

An HR manager bored in a line position can continue their career as an employee responsible for internal communications while remaining in charge of the former department. In large companies, the transition into a related field, or even changing it altogether, is almost always well accepted. 

For example, having passed a specific career in operations, it is possible to move into HR, PR, or marketing and continue your development there. It is called horizontal growth. It allows the company to replace vacant positions with loyal and reliable employees who already have a thorough background and are well acquainted with the specifics of the organization.

Remember, we don’t live for work – optimize your time and free up time for your family.

Very often, we sacrifice personal time and interests on our career path. And almost always, the family suffers from it. Need I say that skewed in the wheel of balance can have a negative impact on other areas of life? In that case, even a brilliant career will not make you happy. 

To avoid this, do not forget to give time to loved ones, and since there was a pause in the promotion of work, use it correctly. After all, besides family, there is health or hobbies, which often also lack time. Still, these aspects can significantly improve the quality of life.