Are you feeling a little stuck in your career? Does the thought of crafting yet another cover letter and meticulously filling out yet another job application have you sighing heavily into your morning coffee? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Many people feel like their future lies on one side of never-ending monotony, but the truth is that it doesn’t have to be that way — patience and careful planning, changing careers and reaching job satisfaction can absolutely be within reach.
What to Consider Before Making a Career Change
Making a career pivot can be a daunting task, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. There’s no right answer to when to make a career pivot but before you make the leap, it’s important to consider the following: your current financial situation, the skills you already possess, your desired career path, and the resources available to you.
It’s important to assess your current financial situation and consider how to best manage your resources. This could mean taking on a part-time job while you pursue your new career or taking advantage of training programs and on-line courses. There are a variety of resources available to help you make a successful career transition.
Before making a career change, it’s important to assess the skills you already possess and how they can be applied in a new field. Many of the skills you have developed in your current job may be transferable, so take the time to evaluate your current skillset and identify which ones can be applied to a new career. Additionally, consider the resources available to you to help you develop new skills like project management skills.
Kayla Newcome, Regional Vice President in the staffing industry, during our conversation with her for the Beers and Careers Podcast, shares great advice to those who are going through career pivots:
“Be the person that you want to work with, and you want to work for and so focus on being excellent every day at what you do. And I think in turn that will inspire others to that same level of greatness.”
Finally, it’s important to identify your desired career path and research the industry. Take the time to understand the job market and the qualifications needed to succeed in your chosen field. This research will help you determine the steps you need to take to make a successful career pivot.
How to Develop a Clear Plan for a Career Change
You may feel overwhelmed by the thought of starting over in a new career path, or you may worry that you don’t have the skills or experience to make a successful transition. But with the right plan, you can make your career change a success.
The first step is to create a plan for your career change. Start by mapping out your desired career path and identifying the skills you need to pursue it. Research job postings in the field and take note of the qualifications required — this will help you determine which skills you need and how best to acquire them. Then, set goals that will help guide your progress towards achieving your new career aspirations.
Create a timeline for yourself by breaking up large goals into smaller, achievable tasks — this will make it easier to stay organized and motivated as you work towards making a successful transition into a new career. Additionally, consider working with a mentor who can offer advice from their own personal experience or provide guidance through resources like books, online courses, workshops, or seminars.
Do I Do Productions Owner/Operator and Sales Executive, Rocco De Rosa, shares his insights on the Beers and Careers Podcast about relying on people during his nonlinear career and how he wished he had listened earlier on:
“I had around me good teachers and there’s value in going to school and getting exposed to things that maybe you don’t have in your in your own backyard. So there’s value there, but I had all of those things, and I was already a self-starter and I thought I didn’t need someone to tell me what to learn or how to think, or you know what to study, I knew what made me motivated. I wish that a big part of me, at least for the first part of my life that I had done that (accept the support from others) and not put myself in the position that I was.”
Finally, give yourself time to adjust and be patient with the process — it can take months or even years to make a successful career pivot, so don’t get discouraged if you face some challenges along the way. Change is never easy, but with the right plan in place and a positive attitude, you can turn your dreams into reality.
Exploring New Opportunities & Networking
With the right strategies and resources, you can successfully take the leap and explore new opportunities. Joining professional organizations, attending networking events, and connecting with professionals in the field can all help you make key connections and learn valuable industry insights.
Additionally, consider seeking out informational interviews — these are great ways to get a better understanding of what it’s like to work in your desired field. With an informational interview, you can ask questions about day-to-day tasks, career paths, challenges they faced when making their career change, and advice on how best to pursue your new desired career path.
Speaking to a career counselor can also be beneficial, as they can help you create a plan for success and provide resources to help you along the way. With their guidance, you’ll have the confidence and clarity needed to make a successful career pivot.
The Right Way to Make a Big Career Transition is possible — it just takes time and effort. With patience and careful planning, you can create a plan that will guide you towards achieving your goals and turning your professional life dreams into reality.
Understanding the Benefits of Making a Career Change with Beers and Careers Podcast
Making career changes can be a daunting prospect, but the rewards can be immense. If you’re feeling stuck in your current job, or if you’re simply feeling the need for a change, the Beers and Careers podcast can help. From understanding the benefits of making a career change to how this change impacts people’s lives, the Beers and Careers podcast covers it all. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, the podcast can help you make an informed decision about your career path and how to make the most of it. So, if you’re feeling like you need a change in career, why not listen to the Beers and Careers podcast and get the advice you need to make the leap?
