Thinking About Switching Careers? Here’s What You Need to Know

How to Change Careers

Have you spent years in your current career only to find out that you're totally not cut out for it? Realizing a need/want for a career change when you're already stable can be quite conflicting. The good news is that you can make your transition into a new career as seamless as possible with the following advice and tips.

1. You will need to earn your keep. Unless you are offered a decent position based on your current title, you will likely start from the bottom once again in your new career. However, starting at the bottom is necessary for learning the ropes of your new trade. As you learn and progress, you'll find yourself being given better duties and even better pay.

2. You might need training. There aren't many meaningful careers that don't require some sort of initial training. Prepare to spend some time working with your co-workers and managers to learn the ins and outs of your new job. Before making any decisions, ask the hiring manager about whether or not the training is paid. This could help you avoid any possible gaps in your personal bill payments and finances while between jobs.

3. Prepare for a learning curve. You might be all too familiar with your current job, and your priorities and duties might come naturally to you. In your new job, you will likely find that certain ideas, concepts, and methods are absolutely foreign to you. Depending on your duties, the learning curve might be quite manageable or it could be steep. Hopefully, you'll work out any misconceptions about your duties during your training. If you have further questions, never hesitate to take them up with your superior(s). After all, asking questions is a great way to prevent mistakes and confusion.

4. Provide yourself time for adjustment. Not only will you need time to adjust to your new career, but you'll make adjustments in other areas of your life. For example, you might initially experience changes in your ability to pay bills, the types of hours that you work, the conditions in which you work the demands of your job, etc. You can confidently assume that your new career will change the way you ultimately live your life. Don't become frustrated if you find that you're having trouble adjusting in the beginning.