Key Takeaways:
- People switch careers in response to changes in the economy or technology, to find better opportunities for professional advancement, and to escape a stressful job.
- How long it takes to transition into another field depends on the role you want.
- You should consider your transferable skills and the stability of your new career among other things before making the switch.
Approximately 30% of people ages 25-44 switch careers and move into a field different from the one they entered after college.
And while somewhat common, the decision to do that can feel daunting.
Will it entail a pay cut?
Do you need to go back to school?
What if your new job leaves you just as unsatisfied?
In this blog, we’ll outline ways to make the transition more manageable because your concerns shouldn’t stop you from pursuing a dream opportunity.
Why Do People Change Careers?
People primarily change careers to:
- Respond to shifts in the economy or technology
- Find better opportunities for professional advancement, or
- Escape a stressful job
Here’s why:
Respond to changes in the economy or technology
Every generation experiences events that reshape the job market whether it eliminates some roles, creates new ones, or alters the skills employers seek.
The growth of the Internet created entire fields such as web development and digital marketing. Artificial intelligence, meanwhile, continues to change how professionals work across industries.
For some, switching careers offers a way to adapt to these shifts rather than remain in a field with few opportunities.
Find better opportunities for professional advancement
You sometimes need to leave a job in order to make more money or pursue a position that better aligns with your goals.
For example, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and earn around $42,000 annually. It’s difficult for them to advance their careers beyond that, so many return to the classroom and obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing so they can become an RN.
Escape a stressful situation
Long hours, constant demands, and hostile colleagues can take a physical and mental toll on you that’s just not worth it.
You may be able to find a better work-life balance when you change fields.
What to Consider Before Changing Careers
To effectively switch from one occupation to another at any age, you need to prepare. You can do so by considering the following:
- Your transferable skills: Think about how your existing abilities apply to your intended profession. If you previously worked as a journalist and want to become an account manager at a public relations agency, you could highlight your experience managing deadlines, communicating with a range of people, and turning complex information into clear, compelling messages.
- Education or credentials needed: Some jobs require a specific degree or licensure. Would you be willing to go back to college? What would the potential costs be?
- Salary and stability: Investigate the long-term outlook of the new career to ensure it provides the benefits you want, such as higher pay.
- Length of the transition: How long it takes to change fields depends on the role. For example, switching from teaching to physical therapy could require three or four years of graduate school to gain specialized skills. On the other hand, if your new job doesn’t call for a particular certification, and you position yourself well, you could make the transition in just a few weeks.
- Your current role: If you need additional education or credentials, can you change fields without leaving the pay and benefits offered by your existing role? Or would the transition require your attention full time?
Best Jobs to Consider for a Career Change
The best career-change job hinges on your reasons for switching fields in the first place.
Inessa Hood worked as an elementary school teacher then in the finance department of an engineering firm before an ovarian cancer scare helped her recognize what she actually wanted to do: nursing.
“I considered nursing as a career path for years but convinced myself putting the resources and time into another degree would set me back,” Inessa explains. “However, through everything, I discovered I’m capable of anything through hard work and determination.”
She decided to apply to the program at William Jewell College in Kansas City, Missouri, and finished her prerequisites through Portage Learning. The accredited institution offers online, self-directed college courses that transfer to more than 2,800 universities across the nation, allowing Inessa to flexibly further her education at a more affordable price point.
Now a graduate and in a nurse residency program, Inessa says people should change careers if they feel called.
“I am so excited to serve my community,” she states.
How to Change Careers (Step-by-Step)
The following steps can help you switch fields successfully:
- Do your research
Think broadly about your life and how you want to live it.
What career would best support that picture?
Once you identify your intended profession, look into what it actually entails by scouring resources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and job descriptions. You can also connect with those in the field through LinkedIn and ask them questions. - Gain experience
Shadowing professionals or volunteering in your desired field shows your commitment.
You could also register for a course.
For example, if you want to become a dietitian, enrolling in a nutrition course, such as the one offered by Portage Learning, helps you gauge whether you like it enough to make a change. - Obtain education
Sign up for the training, professional certifications, or degree programs you need to transition careers. - Rebrand yourself
Potential employers will likely ask why you want to take a new path.
Create a compelling story that explains your reasons for making a change. It should highlight your passion for the profession and how your previous experience provides a solid foundation for it.
Update your resume and cover letter as well. - Apply for jobs
Keep a positive mindset throughout the process.
When you encounter an obstacle, remember your reasons for switching careers.
It will take patience, but if you devote the necessary time to networking and gaining the relevant skills, you’ll be able to achieve your goal.
Should You Switch Careers?
The average adult spends one-third of life at work.
That’s a lot of time to devote to a career that no longer feels right.
While moving into a field different from the one you entered after college raises questions about money, education, and whether you’ll actually be happy, careful planning can help you discover the answers — making the transition feel less daunting and more achievable.
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