How to change careers: 5 ways to make the leap more doable

If you’ve ever hesitated about taking a turn in your professional life because you aren’t sure how to change careers, you’re in good company. Changing careers can be a scary but necessary step for those seeking greater fulfillment in their work.

Maybe you feel like you aren’t being challenged in your current role or are simply losing interest in your industry. Whatever the case may be, the prospect of a new and different job is likely exhilarating. However, finding the right role is a tall order.

The best way to consider a career change often means considering your unique job history and skills alongside your vision for the future. Before you decide to make a change, though, there are some general tips that can help you make the leap.

When is changing careers the right choice?

Some people daydream about taking on a new career but aren’t sure whether it’s worth the risk. Maybe you aren’t sure if now is the right time, or you feel like you’re already too far into your career and worry about ageism.

A few signs that it might be beneficial to change careers include the following:

• Feeling disengaged from your typical tasks
• Experiencing a lack of growth in your profession
• Feeling stuck and struggling to see a path forward
• Feeling like your work is unimportant or that you lack purpose
• Feeling no motivation to work
• Lacking work-life balance
• Instability from mass layoffs

Other factors like a hostile work environment and a lack of future opportunities might be reasons you should quit your job. They aren’t necessarily reasons to leave your industry, however, as those things vary by employer.

How to change careers: 5 ways to make the leap more doable

Changing jobs can be daunting, but it’s also common. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the baby boomer generation (1957-1964) held an average of 12.7 jobs throughout their working years. 

Job switching is becoming even more common with younger generations. According to a recent Gallup poll, 21% of millennials (born 1980-1996) reported changing jobs within the last year. This is more than three times the number of non-millennials who changed jobs during the same time frame.

Once you’ve decided that changing careers is in your best interest, you might feel lost on where to start. Below are a few ways you can begin career planning for the transition and take your next steps.

1. Find your ideal career path

It’s possible that you know you want to change careers without knowing the career you’d like to pursue. Choosing a career is the first step in being able to take the leap. Use these steps to help you narrow down the opportunity pool:

• Self-reflection: If you’re unsatisfied with your current career or job, think about why you don’t want to stay so you know what to avoid in a new role. Take time to identify aspects of your work that you enjoy and those you dislike. This will give you a better sense of what you’re looking for.
• Self-assessment: Think about your professional capabilities, interests, and personal values. Identify your strengths and weaknesses along with your passions and hobbies. Even if you don’t have years of experience in your chosen industry, you might have transferable skills that could catch the hiring manager’s attention. Consider using a career aptitude test to find out what types of roles might fit you best.
• Research: Once you have a better understanding of what you’re looking for, it’s time to research industries and career fields that fit the bill. When choosing a new career path, it’s important to consider the following:
  • The growth outlook for roles in the industry (you can find this out by using resources like the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Typical salary ranges and benefits
  • Whether there’s significant job stability in the industry
  • Paths for career growth into upper-level roles

If you’re still feeling lost, search for lists of the best jobs for a career change to get ideas.

2. Develop your skills 

After you’ve determined your career aspirations, you’ll need to understand the skills required for jobs in that industry. If possible, you should try to develop some of these skills before applying to roles. This shows recruiters that you’re eager to learn. It can also help you get a job with no experience.

Evaluate the hard and soft skills required in your new industry, and seek additional education or skill enhancement to upgrade your resume. Consider online courses, professional career development workshops, and certifications relevant to your new field. Upskilling is one of the best ways to stand out when making a career move.

3. Get your foot in the door

When switching careers, one of the hardest parts of job searching is waiting for and getting responses. It can be tough to get your foot in the door at a company you’d like to work for with little or no relevant experience. 

Sometimes the easiest way to get around this barrier is by learning how to network and connect with people in the industry. A few ways you can do this include the following:

• Attend networking events in your area
• Connect and engage with industry professionals on LinkedIn
• Attend and engage with relevant webinars
• Volunteer for causes relevant to the industry

Personal connections can often lead to valuable job leads and referrals. If nothing else, these connections can become mentors in your search.

4. Consider when to resign from your old post

Many people question how to change careers while still working their current job. There isn’t a universal ideal time to quit your current role. This decision is a personal one and may be influenced by your financial situation.

Some people may argue that you should wait until you negotiate a job offer in your new career path to hand in your resignation letter. Others advise quitting your full-time role sooner so you can put all your energy toward learning skills for your desired role. You could also take a middle road by switching to a part-time job while you search.

Ultimately, you have to do what’s best for you, your stage of life, and the resources you have in place.

5. Set realistic goals

It’s important to manage your expectations while job hunting. Recognizing potential obstacles up front helps you better prepare and can increase your chances of a successful career transition. 

For example, instead of aiming for an equivalent high-level management role in a new industry, you may need to consider a mid-level or entry-level position to garner some experience. 

Rejection is also part of the career change process. You’ll likely face a few closed doors on your journey, and you’ll need to know how to deal with rejection. Keep in mind that all rejections are learning experiences. Remember: Each one brings you one step closer to the right opportunity.

How to change careers without going back to school

There’s a common misconception that switching careers requires going back to school. That’s not always the case. There are plenty of learning opportunities career changers can utilize without paying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

A few alternatives to going back to school include the following:

• Online courses: There are loads of online course platforms and boot camps available that offer education on all kinds of skills and careers. Find one that pertains to your ideal job, complete it, and list it on your resume. Bonus points if it comes with a certification!
• Apprenticeships: Apprenticeship programs offer paid on-the-job training so you can learn new skills in a hands-on way. Industries that commonly offer apprenticeship programs include construction, health care, and financial services.
• Internships: Internships are opportunities to get hands-on experience for entry-level jobs. Such programs often provide a well-rounded view of a company and its operations by placing interns in a support role. Internships may be paid or unpaid. Recent research shows that roughly 41% of internships are unpaid.

One major difference between being an apprentice vs. an intern is that apprenticeships can last as long as it takes to receive a college degree (three to four years, depending on your industry and necessary certifications). Internships are typically short term, often lasting for months instead of years. However, there are some internships that last longer or that you can negotiate with a potential employer.

Job search dos and don't: how to land a new job you love

If you’ve been in your current role for a while, you might feel rusty when it comes to job searching. Here are a few tips to help you start your search and find a job you love.

Job search dos when changing careers

• Update your resume to include your most recent experience
• Cater your resume to your new career industry and job descriptions by placing your relevant skills near the top
• Take your time on each job application. If there’s a spot to upload a cover letter, write one, even if it’s not required.
• Learn how to prepare for an interview. This usually includes doing research on the company’s values and services. It can also involve completing a mock interview with a friend or writing out answers to common interview questions.
• Follow all directions carefully

Job search don'ts

• Don’t solely rely on “easy apply” buttons or one-click applications
• Don’t speak negatively about your current employer or team
• Don’t exaggerate your skill set or be dishonest about your past work experience 
• Don’t ignore the opportunity to ask the hiring manager questions about the role or company
• Don’t discuss money or vacation benefits unless the interviewer brings them up

When and how to try career change coaching

Because career changes are unique and personal situations, it can be helpful to enlist the help of a career coach or counselor to guide you through the process. The purpose of career counseling is to help you find a satisfying profession that uses your talents. Career coaches can give you seasoned career advice and help you polish your resume.

Career coaching and career counseling differ in a few ways:

• Career coaches focus on long-term goals that account for your personal values and strengths
• Career counselors help people with short-term goals such as preparing for an interview or researching a different career
• Career coaches are often recognized by an official organization such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF)
• Career counselors often hold undergraduate or master’s degrees in a relevant field such as psychology, business, or human resources 

You should consider enlisting a career coach when the following are true:

• You’re looking to make a big professional change such as switching careers 
• You’ve been applying for months and aren’t receiving the response you’d like
• You need help discovering the best career options for your skills and personality
• You struggle to build the confidence you need for interview opportunities

Are you ever too old to change careers?

You may feel as if changing careers (or jobs) is a non-option if you’re further along into your career. You might worry about age discrimination or think you’re too close to retirement for a company to invest in you. The truth is, though, you can change careers at any age as long as you’re willing to put in the effort and preparation.

It may look different to make a career change at 50 than it would to make a career change at 30, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less possible. Making a career change later in life can still lead to better mental health, new learning opportunities, and a chance to infuse passion into your work.

If you feel hesitant about making a career change because of your age, consider working with a career coach. Your situation is the exact kind of challenge they’re trained to help people walk through.

Learn how to change careers with a personalized action plan

Figuring out how to change careers can be stressful no matter your stage of life. It’s important to incorporate self-discovery during your career-planning journey.

BetterUp helps clients gain clarity regarding ultimate career goals and aspirations. Working 1:1 with a coach can help you develop a personalized action plan to overcome obstacles and insecurities. This can help you move forward with confidence. 

Career clarity starts with finding your best-fit career coach.