Many people find themselves in a situation where they feel stuck in their current job and unsure how to make the leap to a new career. While the fear of the unknown can be crippling for all of us- it’s just human nature- you really don’t need to worry about making the transition. In fact, a career change might be exactly what you need to discover (or reignite) your passion, and finally, find fulfillment in your work.
Embarking on a career change can be daunting, but with the right guidance and tools, it can also be the smartest move you ever made. Actually, changing careers is easier and more convenient than ever with career training centres, such as Pitman Training.
So whether you’re looking for a change due to burnout, a desire to pursue a long-term passion, or simply seeking a new challenge, this guide will provide you with the information you need to make a successful move.
Signs It’s Time for a New Career
You may already be seeing the signs that you would benefit from a career change, you just don’t recognize them. Taking time to assess your current situation- and analyze whether you are suffering through any of these signs- will let you know whether now is the time for you to change.
1. You Are Tired Most of the Time
One of the first- and earliest- signs that it’s time for a career change is when you feel tired most of the time, unable to concentrate, and feel like your body is aching. Other strong signs include constant but dull headaches, muscle tension, and migraine headaches. You may feel these sensations even when you are off work. These are the signs that your body is telling you you’re in the wrong career.
2. Your Job Is Lowering Your Confidence
You constantly doubt your decisions when you are in the wrong job. This is the effect of poor emotional and mental well-being taking its toll on you. If you feel your old confidence has been ebbing away. When you no longer recognize the person you’ve become in the workplace. If you are constantly daydreaming or Googling other jobs. These are all big red flags that something in your life needs to change. Quite possibly your current job.
3. You Are No Longer Passionate
Passion is a strong indicator of engagement in current tasks and activities. When you are passionate about your job, you will want to contribute by presenting ideas and being more active. However, if you feel you no longer have anything to contribute to your company, it can be a sign it’s time for a new career. Whether in your job or outside, if you feel that you no longer have the energy to become passionate, it is a clear sign for a career change.
4. Your Friends and Family No Longer Recognize You
Family and friends can often pick up on the signs before you are fully aware of them yourself.
When your friends and family mention that you are fidgety, easily distracted, or short-tempered, it can often be the stress and frustration from your working life bleeding into your personal one.
If the people closest to you notice a difference in your attitude, demeanour, behaviour, and happiness, then it is a telltale sign to change your career and opt for retraining if required.
Is It Too Late to Make a Career Change?
When you are in your 40s or 50s, you may have built up a few decades of experience in your current job. You may even be an expert in the field. Some people might even tell you that you are crazy for thinking about a new career. Like you are throwing away the time you invested so far.
This is a false economy. Like throwing good money after bad.
If you suffer any (or all) of the signs above, something needs to change. Whether that be how you relate to your job, or the job itself. As Einstein famously said: “insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”.
Although changing careers in your 30s, 40s or 50s may be challenging, your many years of experience can bring something valuable to your new career. They weren’t thrown away; they have been investments in yourself and your life experiences that you can bring to your new job. Complemented by any new technical skills you need to learn or to re-train for.
But there are a few questions you need to seriously consider before making any change:
- Are you ready to handle the financial change if you have children at home?
- Will you continue to make enough to cover your expenses and mortgage?
- What are the necessary new skills for your new career, and do you require retraining?
- Will the career change really make a positive impact on your mental health?
If you find yourself asking those questions, and agreeing the career change is both possible and beneficial, it is time to take your first steps.
How to Make a Career Change
You know what you need to do; now, how to do it.
1. Analyse Your Interests and Skills
First and foremost, you need to analyze your current interests and the skills you have gathered. This will help you to make the right decision and choose your new career wisely. Similarly, by understanding your current gathered skills, you can make a plan to leverage them to find a new job. This will help you understand whether you need new career training. Then, you can take the necessary steps to retrain yourself.
2. Build Your Profile
Staying in the same career for a long time means your old profile will be outdated. Many things will have changed in the job industry, so you must align yourself by building your profile, such as your CV, cover letter, portfolio, and maybe even a social media profile.
3. Research and Apply for Jobs
Once you have analysed your interests and skills and built your profile, researching new jobs will be the next step in order to change your career. This new job should be aligned with your skills and interests. You would want to make a strong impression on your new job, which is why you need to ensure that you are passionate about it. These days, most vacancy announcements are made through online portals or company websites. You will need to track the latest vacancies and apply to them accordingly.
Retraining for a Career You Love
Sometimes the skills you have gathered over a long period may be outdated. For instance, your typing speed will not be relevant in today’s age. Similarly, if you are a coder, new languages or systems may have been developed and required for your new job. In such cases, it is vital that you retrain yourself.
Change careers with Pitman by undertaking new career training from our courses and diplomas. Contact us now to learn more about how to make the right decision to change your career.
The first step can feel like the hardest. Why not take yours today?
