Never before in the world of work have there been so many widespread changes currently being experienced by those in employment. Remote working, hybrid work, online and remote training, and everything is in the cloud. The jobs market is in constant flux, and for those who are thinking of making a change, it is worth thinking it through and making sure that it is a thoroughly considered change.
This article will provide you with six simple tips to reduce the risks related to any career changes that you are thinking of making.
Know the trending sectors
One of the first things that it is suggested is that you spend time researching and reading if you are in the market for a new job is to know what is actually available. Specific sectors currently have positions for all levels and are actively recruiting to meet ongoing demand. The cyber security sector and truck driving and logistics management are a few examples of such in-demand jobs and trending sectors. It’s a suitable place to start because regardless of whether you are a truck driver or understand cyber security, such growing sectors will always have the ancillary spin-off and related jobs. So, any job boom is worth knowing about and analyzing to see whether you could fit in somewhere. Yet, for the more specific trending sectors like social work, you may need to consider an Online MSW Program to enter the profession.
Having done this basic research means that you begin the process with realistic expectations. It will be a self-defeating process should you set your sights on a job or position that is simply not suited to your qualifications or simply isn’t available.
Take a moment to think it through.
Before moving from any job, ensure that it’s actually what you want to and need to do for your career and family life. A bird in the hand is definitely worth two in the bush, and as such first investigate and decide whether you can make changes within your current career sector. We all go through tough times in our jobs and don’t make any rash decisions when faced with such tough working times. Think it through, breathe and take a moment to decide before you leap. If you can retrain within a role or move roles while staying with the same company, you could save time and money.
The main reason for any career change has been the need to achieve a more even work-life balance, even for those working at home. It is critical to decide what it is that you and your loved ones and family need from the job or career. Do you need the financial return only, or is there a sense of joy and achievement that comes with it? These are the questions you need to have answered before you decide to change careers.
Start something on the side.
For many, the career itch or need for change may simply be driven by the fact that they don’t have something to do that they enjoy. Their work-life balance may be skewed, and a fantastic way to positively adjust this balance is to start a hobby and then see if your passion really lies where you think it does, monetize this hobby. Whether it’s selling homemade scented candles or gardening, if you’ve been thinking of doing it for money, then now is the time to start. If there’s no conflict of interest and you only do it on your own time, you won’t even have to get permission from anyone. Simply make quality bespoke products, and the internet will provide a marketplace.
One of the fastest-growing career and employment trends is for those looking for something extra or different to do; to start a side hustle. Something that you can do while still in your current job, but to make sufficient income to possibly expand and do this whole time. Remote writing, dog walking, or offering your specific skills to other businesses after hours – as long as this isn’t contrary to the agreement you have with your current employer and doesn’t interfere with your’ day job’, then it shouldn’t be a problem.
Once it takes off, that may be the time to pen the resignation letter you had planned or access the savings to take it to the next level. Alternatively, it will be a lesson learned and hopefully some genuine fun, which will allow you to appreciate the current job and make the most of your free time.
Seek advice from a mentor or professional career coach
Once you have an idea of the changes you’d like to make, speak to someone knowledgeable. If you’re part of significant concern, then seek out the HR practitioner and ask all the questions you can as to any lateral moves or career opportunities that there may be available in the company.
There are several avenues to get career advice and assistance in a career change, and the first port of call should be the internet. Free webinars, chats, and forums to discuss how, why, and when to change a career are available and will provide you with some of the best insights about your planned career change.
Regardless of how high and what position you hold, getting advice from recruiters (or others in the industry that you are interested in joining) is a straightforward way to ensure that it is what you think it is. Ask questions, read articles and industry-related magazines. Being curious and prepared to learn no matter your life stage or your current career will guarantee your success. The best way to build your confidence is to ask all the questions you have and thus deal with any uncertainty and anxiety about the change.
Employers now use social media to find the right employee fit, and recruiters are always on the hunt online for the proper personnel. You must ensure that you are primed and ready for this. In today’s highly connected and social media-aware business environment, not keeping your social platforms up to date with what’s going on in your career and job space can be seen as a failing. Keep it up to date and if you’re looking for a change, then make it known and share it. The options and possibility of someone contacting you through social media such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook are higher than the traditional means of the past. Social media will be the best way to network and create connections to get you in the door, and then once the move has been secured to develop long-lasting relationships with like-minded professionals.
In the same vein, ensure that the social media you have represents you to the best of your ability and be mindful of what you post on all mediums and platforms as once it’s out there, there’s no way of knowing who will get access.
You can also use social media to check other employee reviews and Payscales for the jobs you have your eye on.
Your social media will thus form a critical component of your career change, and it is suggested to update, clear out and link up online as you start the career change process.
Have a medium- to a long-term plan
Making a move for an improved career is about the medium- to long-term, and as such, it is advisable to have a plan written down that can be referred to and adjusted. Changing a career is a big step, and as such, it must be something that you put down on paper or have electronically, so it becomes real. It may not be something that you can realize in a month, a year (or maybe longer), and as such, it requires dedication and commitment, and the best-proven way to do both of these is by following a plan.
The preceding five tips will provide most of the detail for your career plan. Still, it must essentially include an overall aim, the reason you want to change careers, the process you intend to use to get there, how long this will take, and what you need to do in training and skills development. Make it as detailed as you need but be sure, to be honest, and if you’ve planned, then work the plan to completion, and you’ll be surprised at how seamless a career move can be.
Making a career change can be stressful and a callous process. Many stays in a thankless job for years simply based on the fact that they don’t have a clue as to what the first step is. This article has provided six simple tips that will make this process more streamlined and less likely to cause you too much anguish if followed. Finding a new career can be fun and exciting if it’s not rushed and there is no pressure.