Do you find yourself wondering what life would be like if you embarked on a new career? Perhaps you’ve reached a plateau in yourtype: entry-hyperlink id: 6KwfV1On76fgG7cU7QrOtt. Or maybe you’ve simply grown bored with your job and are ready for a new challenge. Whatever the reason, it’s important to recognize that it’s not unusual to consider a career transition at some point in your life. But are you ready to navigate that change?

In this article, we’ll explore some of the key reasons for transitioning careers. We’ll also offer some advice about key things you should consider before any career transition planning and provide some tips to help you learn how to navigate a career change.

What is a career change?

Did you know that the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers no insight into career changes? That’s right; the agency provides no data on the number of people who change careers or how many times they do so over the course of a lifetime. According to the BLS:

“The reason we have not produced such estimates is that no consensus has emerged on what constitutes a career change.”

Despite that lack of consensus, it’s important to attempt some type of definition before we explore the career transition concept. For our purposes, we’ll define “career change” as any shift in your career trajectory that requires you to apply your existing abilities and transferable skills to a completely new job or career path. Some examples of these types of career transitions include:

• A marketing professional who transitions to a freelancing writing career

• An accountant who embarks on a career as a financial advisor

• A salesperson who opens their own catering company

In each of those examples, the employee makes a conscious decision to switch jobs and their career path. Sometimes, a person may choose to transition to a career that requires the use of similar skill sets – like the Marketer who decides to use their content creation skills as a freelance writer. At other times, the transition may involve switching to a completely new industry.

Why do people change careers?

But why do people change careers? There are a whole host of valid reasons for transitioning careers, including:

• The desire to earn more money or receive better benefits

• A recognition that your career development has stagnated in your current profession

• Better balance between your professional and personal lives

• Boredom in your current role or a lack of new opportunities in your field

• Your new career will better align with your personal passion

• Your current career path offers no new opportunities for skill development

• You’re suffering from burnout and need a change

• Your personal circumstances necessitate a change in career

Are there bad reasons to change careers?

While it’s ultimately up to you to determine when a career transition is in your best interest, it’s important to recognize that change isn’t always the right solution. For example, it’s usually risky to change careers during an economic downturn, especially when companies are slow to hire. Some other potentially bad reasons for changing careers include:

• Making a sudden career change without any plan

• Being motivated solely by the desire for higher compensation without considering other factors

• Changing jobs and careers on a frequent basis

• Switching to a new career without the requisite skills for the job

• Quitting your job or industry because you can’t stand yourtype: entry-hyperlink id: 5xEFfDbeuFEXFWTs5IEQWn

• Committing to a career change before you’ve located a new job opportunity

What should you consider before any career transition?

It’s important to weigh every relevant factor to ensure that a career change is the best possible option for your unique situation. Before you take the plunge, ask yourself these vitaltype: entry-hyperlink id: 23vDTmNDy4tJJ7u2qGABRV questions:

1. Are you committed to researching potential career options?

2. Do you have the education needed to pursue your desired career path?

3. What transferable skills do you have that you can employ in your desired job?

4. Will the new career offer greater advancement opportunities?

5. What level of salary and benefits do you need to meet your budgetary requirements?

6. Are you switching careers for the right reasons?

7. Are there available jobs in your prospective field?

8. Do you have network assets that you can call upon to help you find and obtain a new job?

9. Is your family on board with your plan for a career transition?

10. How long does a career transition take?

If the answer to any of those questions has you second-guessing your decision to switch careers, take a step back and reassess your reasons for making the change. That doesn’t mean you can’t make plans for a career change – but you may want to put off that process until you’re sure the timing is right.

Tips for a successful career transition

Once you’re committed to making a career change, it’s important to proceed with a clear plan of action. The following tips can help you approach your career transition in a logical, step-by-step manner.

1. Identify key transferable skills

Begin by identifying existing skills that can help you in your desired career. Commontype: entry-hyperlink id: ITb5d0IoVrVddSrJhR5Ma can include things like written and verbal communication, analytical abilities, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership.

2. Fill in any skill gaps

Depending on the nature of your career change, you may find yourself in need of further skill development. Check out a job description for your desired position, and make sure you possess skills that match those listed in the posting. If you’re missing any of those required abilities, take the time needed to develop those talents.

3. Activate your network

Get in touch with your LinkedIn contacts and other network assets and let them know you’re preparing for a career change. There’s always a chance that one of them will have insight into job opportunities in your new field – or can help put you in contact with people in that industry.

4. Research potential job opportunities

If you know which type of job you’re looking for, you can begin to research job openings in that field. Hopefully, you’ll receive some helpful information from your network – but you shouldn’t sit around and wait for good news on that front. Instead, focus on companies in the industry you’re targeting, search online job boards, and avail yourself of any other job search resources you can find in your area.

5. Update your resume

Before you apply for any new job, you’ll need to update your resume. Make sure it’s tailored to the position you’re seeking, focusing on relevant skills and experiences that demonstrate your potential value as an employee.

While you’re at it, make sure yourtype: entry-hyperlink id: 6740YLOdQ35lrU15DrSEH2 reflects your new career path. Update your LinkedIn profile and any social media so that you’re presenting a consistent career message to prospective employers.

6. Track your progress

It’s also vital to develop an organized system to help you track your progress. Create a checklist of things to do and use a spreadsheet or other planner to track resume submissions, follow-ups, interviews, and other activities. This can help you stay focused and motivated throughout your job search.

Don’t be intimidated by the complexity of a career transition

While major life changes can be intimidating and stressful, you can minimize any anxiety by being organized and focused on your goals. With the right plan in place, you can simplify your career transition and fearlessly move on to the next stage of your working life. Good luck with your career change!

Need help updating your resume to align with your impending career transition? Get your free resume review today!

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