It’s common for most people to change careers three or four times throughout their lives – but recently, it’s even more than that. No longer must you pick one field and stick to it for 30, 40, 50 years or more; instead more and more workers are challenging themselves to try new things and continue developing.
However, it can be rather daunting choosing a totally new area of work. Many people find they put off making a career change because of various worries. If you know it’s time for a career change but feel something is holding you back, read on for some of the key factors that could be standing in your way.
Not Well Qualified
For starters, many people hold off on applying for new jobs because they don’t think they’re qualified enough. While this is often a valid concern to have, there’s no reason for it to hold you back. These days, it’s easier than ever to go back to school without leaving the comfort of your home or office. You can utilize online learning programs to get the qualifications you require to update your resume and move onto something new, whether this is by checking out social work courses online, enrolling in an MBA, learning a specialized computer program or something else.
Timing Concerns
Perhaps you feel like the timing isn’t right to be searching for a new job right now. You might have recently renovated your home, had a new baby or settled into a new city, or you might be considering external factors such as recessions, industry job cuts, political upheaval and the like.
While it’s common for people to put off a career change because of timing concerns, it’s also important to note that no matter what’s going on in the world, businesses are almost always on the lookout for committed, passionate, motivated and loyal staff members. You may find that your new circumstances make you a better candidate for a position because you connect with business owners, customers or a product better. Alternatively, you might stand out in job interviews because you’re fresh and new to a field and don’t seem jaded like others who have been in it for a long time.
If you’re worried about how your family will cope with you changing careers, it’s best to chat with your partner and other relevant parties. You may discover them to be more supportive than you expected and to be keen simply to see you happy.
Money Worries
For many, the thought that it’s too risky to make a change, and that going after their dream job will impact their finances too severely, holds them back. Most people do start from the bottom again when opting for a new career path, so this is understandable. However, while it’s obviously sensible to consider finances, don’t just throw out the idea of a career change altogether without doing some investigating first.
For instance, upon completing research into the industry you want to join, you may find that junior roles actually get paid more than anticipated or that you could enter the field at a higher level than expected. Alternatively, you might be able to continue working part-time in your current job, while you change over to a new field and thus ensure you keep some reliable money coming in during the transition.
Another option is to chat with your current employer. Find out if there is a way for you to do something new, that you’re more interested in, without having to leave the company. If you’ve proven to be a top asset for the firm over the years, they may be keen to keep you on board. They could offer to pay for your retraining and then allow you to switch roles within the company once you’re qualified. They might also simply assign you with a mentor, someone currently working in the kind of job you’re keen to move to and let them train you up on-site.
If none of these options is possible, don’t forget that you can work toward your goals over time. Calculate how much of a financial buffer you need to have in place before you switch careers, and then give yourself a year or two to save up the necessary funds to make the move a reality.
