How to Make a Career Change When You Don't Know Where to Begin
This corona news craze reminds me of being a journalist in my 20s.
I’d get so pumped about nationally breaking news and tight deadlines. Many of us reporters found the surge of newsroom energy infectious.
But after working in this field for a few years, I realized there was too little pay for me and too much work to get done.
The thrill of cranking out articles and the gratification of telling untold stories wasn’t worth it anymore.
So I switched gears to working at a university. Each time I’ve moved into an unknown career space, the fear kicked in. But I never talked myself out of it. I never had any regrets.
I’ve learned to embrace the itch to move on and to use the inner nudge to switch jobs when I was called to be in a certain position at an ordained time.
We sometimes wait it out knowing it’s not going to get any better, but we can get pretty good at convincing ourselves otherwise. I get it. I’ve been there too.
I’ve told myself things like: the promotion is coming, the workload will become more manageable, the bonus makes it worth it or the slow pace will pick up.
Ask yourself: is the switch and hassle worth it? The easy answer is often, no.
Oftentimes, it may not seem like it. It boils down to what you value and what you’re willing to give up. For me, it always ended up being worth it.
Check out these 8 steps to help you transition to a new industry:
1) Do your research. Before assuming you know what it’ll take, get credible information on what would be required. Go beyond Google and actually talk to someone. More on how to do that here.
It’s common with my clients that once this step is taken, the information gathered ends up being more enlightening than they realized. It can alter the next steps in their transitions.
2) Brainstorm on your transferable skills. This can be hard to do on your own. It’s not usually obvious, but often you have experience that can be translated to a different field.
3) Consider whether you really need that certification or degree. Do not assume a degree or certification is required. Do your research and, as mentioned, ask someone.
Sometimes there’s a similar job that doesn’t require additional education. I see clients jump immediately to the idea of pursuing additional education.
It's often because of our ingrained mindset when it comes to the association of education to success and obtaining certain jobs.
Or because it makes us feel more qualified. It’s an ideology passed on to me by my parents that maybe you can relate to.
4) Get creative. There’s often similar professions that require less schooling that can still put you in an area of interest and provide equal, or more, gratification.
Like being a doula versus a nurse midwife or becoming a code developer instead of a computer engineer.
5) Stop focusing on why it can’t work or how it will be too hard to transition. Instead, refocus your energy on how you can make it happen.
6) Imagine what your life could be like if you pursued your idea and moved into a field you enjoyed.
7) Go back to #5.
8) Take one small step this week to explore a career or business idea that’ll provide you with a more fulfilling life.
I get how switching to something different can be a big decision.
Paying for a degree you may no longer use directly or forgoing years of professional experience in your field is humbling.
What's your happiness worth?
Do you want to continue waiting until retirement to pivot your life’s trajectory and begin making time for the things you enjoy?
Entering a new industry, or going back to school to make a transition, can be challenging – period – despite the timing. That’s not going to change so why not take the leap now? It may never be a “good” time.
Waiting only prolongs the journey to a potentially more fulfilling life.
Share this with someone who needs it. We all need support from each other more than ever these days.
If you're seeking assistance with repurposing your skills to transition careers, reach out to me for a free 45-minute breakthrough call.