Changing careers doesn’t need to add stress to your life.
In fact, if your current job is unfulfilling or feels like a dead end, transitioning careers may be exactly what you need to be happier.
Entering a new field is an exciting step, especially if your current career has hit a plateau. You’ll learn new skills, advance your professional development, and build new work friendships along the way. It’s normal to be nervous — but the longer you wait, the more time you may miss out on finding a job you love.
Learning more about common career change ideas is a great way to learn about the current job market and interesting in-demand positions. You may discover an interest in a field you haven’t previously considered or build the courage to pursue a career you’ve always wanted.
Here’s a breakdown of various roles that don’t require extensive experience, along with requirements and salary ranges to help you better understand them. Whether you’re changing careers at 50 or early on in your journey, there’s something out there for you.
10 best career change jobs
Just because you’re starting fresh doesn’t mean you need to get a master’s degree or go through years of training. Numerous interesting jobs only require a few courses or some hands-on experience. And with remote opportunities opening doors around the world, your new dream job may even be just a few clicks away.
Here are 10 exciting jobs for career changers and how to land them:
1. Fitness trainer
If you enjoy working out and helping others reach their fitness goals, consider becoming a personal trainer. You can take ownership of your schedule and work alongside clients to help them address their concerns and achieve healthier lifestyles.
Fitness instructors can work indoors at recreation centers or outdoors in local parks, and they might work 1:1 with clients or lead group sessions. It all depends on preference and expertise.
Although many fitness instructors obtain a bachelor’s degree in fitness or healthcare-related fields, it’s possible to get a job through a short certification program and build a client base on your own. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), fitness trainers and instructors earn a median salary of $45,380 in the US, and the rates grow higher with experience.
2. Massage therapist
Massage therapy is a great field to work in if you enjoy the wellness space and value helping others. Massage therapists work hands-on with clients to apply pressure to soft tissues and joints to reduce pain and enhance relaxation. And these professionals can work freelance, part-time, or full-time to achieve a personalized work-life balance.
According to the BLS, massage therapists earn a median salary of $49,860 per year. The BLS also reports that to become one, you need a license or certification, depending on the state — but most programs are relatively short. Then you can open your own practice or work in spas or recreation centers.
3. Social media manager
If you’re an avid social media user and love making content, turn it into your job. Social media management is an incredibly diverse career path, with some professionals working for marketing agencies that create content for various clients and others for specific companies in-house to create on-brand content.
Responsibilities depend on the size of the company and how many people are on the team. As a social media manager, you’ll manage various tasks, such as planning photoshoots, scheduling content, and communicating with clients and customers. Glassdoor reports that social media managers earn a median salary of $53,166, and specialized knowledge can help that number grow.
4. Yoga teacher
Becoming a yoga teacher is a wonderful new career path if you practice mindfulness regularly or want to escape the busy corporate world for something that promotes relaxation. Yoga instructors can find employment globally, from busy, bustling cities to remote retreats off the beaten path.
According to Glassdoor, yoga instructors earn a median salary of $55,140. In most cases, you need to become a registered yoga teacher and complete a minimum of 200 hours of training, according to Yoga Alliance. And you can practice various specialties with yoga, making it a diverse field with opportunities for continuous growth and improvement.
5. Copywriter
Copywriting is a fulfilling career option for those who enjoy expressing their creativity through the written word. Copywriters create articles, blogs, and web content to help brands reach their target audience and build awareness. Some also work on product descriptions and ad copy.
According to the BLS, writers and authors earn a median of $73,150 annually. There are countless ways to become a copywriter, and they don’t all include additional schooling. Some people get degrees in English, communications, or journalism, while others may gain relevant experience through writing blogs and building their portfolios.
6. Software developer
Software development is an enriching career for those interested in working with computers. People in this position work alongside clients to identify their needs and develop software solutions to meet them. Employers look for creative candidates who are excellent at problem-solving and understanding common programming languages.
Although many jobs prefer candidates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees, you can become a software developer with short certification programs and a strong portfolio. These positions are often more about the skills than the education. And the BLS reports that software developers earn a median annual wage of $124,000, making it a high-paying and prestigious career choice.
7. Sales
Sales skills include exceptional communication and a can-do attitude. People in these positions need confidence, good presentation skills, and empathy to understand customer needs and sell products and services. Sales and retail jobs are great for fostering helpful transferable skills, making them a great way to transition into higher-level customer service positions.
Sales associates often don’t need previous experience, making it an easy career change that pays well. There are numerous sales jobs out there, from retail associates to insurance agents, so you can choose a specialization that interests you. According to the BLS, advertising sales agents earn a median salary of $58,450, but pay varies by industry and experience level.
8. Event planner
If you’re the designated event planner in your social circles and love creating memorable experiences, you may have the creative eye necessary to make it your job. Event planners set budgets, curate cohesive designs, and work with various vendors to bring their visions to life. They can work in-house for large companies or go freelance to work with clients, with specializations like weddings and corporate events.
Although event planning doesn’t require a formal education, taking a short certificate program can build your confidence and budgeting skills. And building a portfolio with imagery of past work is an excellent way to attract new clients. The BLS reports that event planners earn an annual median salary of $52,560.
9. Chef
Becoming a chef is an excellent career change job for food enthusiasts who want to share their passion with the world. Chefs work in restaurants or private kitchens, developing the skills and artistry for a wide range of cuisines. To become a chef, you can attend culinary school, receive specialized on-the-job training, or teach yourself through experience.
Although most chefs work in restaurant kitchens, you can consider becoming a personal chef if you prefer a more relaxing work environment. With more experience, you could also bring your talent on the road with a food truck or even open your own restaurant. According to the BLS, chefs and head cooks earn a median annual wage of $56,520.
10. Childcare workers
Being a caretaker is a huge responsibility, but it’s highly rewarding for the people who love it. Childcare work is a fulfilling option if you’re looking for new career ideas that allow you to interact with children and guide their development. These professionals are responsible for brainstorming engaging activities, preparing nutritious food, and supporting parents when needed.
Childcare workers can work full-time and live at home with the family, find employment at a school or daycare, or go freelance as professional babysitters. You don’t need a formal education to become a childcare worker, but taking training courses for first aid certification can be helpful. According to Glassdoor, childcare workers earn a median salary of $34,998, but it can grow higher according to your experience level and where you work.
Reasons why you might want to change careers
Knowing when it’s time to make the leap to a new industry is tough — and you might not have a lightbulb moment that tells you it’s time. But there are a few different reasons why trying something new might appeal:
- Higher earning potential: Although you might love your current job, you might’ve reached the ceiling for how much you can make in the role. Finding a new career could mean better compensation at another company.
- More passion: If you’re in a position with incredible earning potential but you aren’t passionate about the work, you might find yourself languishing and wishing your contributions were more meaningful. Moving into an industry that emphasizes social or environmental change, for example, might supercharge your motivation and improve your well-being.
- Improved work-life balance: Some industries operate at lightning speed, and fast-paced environments aren’t for everyone. If you’re prone to overwork or feel like overtime has become an expectation, a new position with better work-life balance might ease the stress.
8 tips for making a career transition
Changing careers is a huge leap — but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile. Proper preparation and research can ease the process and help you feel more confident in your choice to leave your current job for a new one. Here are eight tips to keep in mind when switching careers to increase your chances of succeeding:
- Reflect on why you want a change: If you’re looking for a change, take the time to ask yourself why changing industries or roles seems like the right choice. Are you hoping to find better work-life balance or more meaningful contributions? Have you learned that management isn’t for you and you’d prefer to focus on your own tasks? Knowing what you’re seeking will make it easier to find.
- Conduct market research: Try to choose positions with lots of job openings in your area. Learn about common roles and responsibilities and salary expectations so you know what to look for.
- Make a plan: Once you know what your ideal new job requires, figure out how you’ll transition by writing a plan. Determine if you need to upskill with a certificate or bootcamp, how you’ll network, and what companies you might want to work at. Try conducting informational interviews to learn more about the industry you’re interested in.
- Build a background: Starting from scratch does require some elbow grease. Gain relevant work experience, achieve certifications, and build a captivating portfolio before applying for new positions. The more experience you gain prior to applying for new jobs, the better your chances you’ll have of landing one.
- Adjust your cover letter and resume: Chances are, your previous documents don’t list the skills and experience you need to apply for roles in a new field. Write a new professional cover letter and resume that clearly demonstrates your qualifications and skills to stand out from the crowd.
- Practice: If you land a job interview, research common questions and strengthen your communication skills. Learn what people in this industry are looking for, and highlight those attributes in your answers. Do a mock interview to make sure you feel confident walking into the real thing.
- Work with a coach: There’s a chance you don’t know what direction you want to pursue, or that you need professional support navigating your new industry. A career coach offers the guidance you need to successfully make a change. They can help you find your strengths and weaknesses, identify the things that truly interest you, and work through roadblocks as they arise.
- Be patient: In the beginning, you might receive more negative feedback than positive. That’s okay — it’s all helping you learn. Remember that you’re making a switch to serve your future and that persevering in the present is necessary to get you there.
Unlock the life you deserve
What defines a successful career is subjective. Some people may find climbing the corporate ladder and becoming a manager fulfilling, while others dream of having a job that provides a flexible schedule and better work-life balance. You might want to change careers at 40, and you might be okay to stick with the same company forever. It’s up to you.
No matter what new job you decide to take, the choice is yours. And with a little research, you’ll have the knowledge under your belt to find the right path for you. Looking at career change ideas is an excellent way to discover opportunities outside of your current role — even some you may not have considered before.
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