Changing Careers

'it's never too late to be what you might have been"

George Elliot.

Changing careers can be a two-edged sword depending on your approach. It can be even more devasting if you have been in an industry for a long time and somehow find, that you would like to explore a different path. It takes a lot of bravery to overhaul society's unspoken rule of choosing a path and committing to it, at the risk of being classified as unserious, selfish and self-sabotaging.

These consequences are valid, but can they be avoided? the answer is yes. Changing career paths doesn't have to be a dramatic change that disrupts the progress you have accumulated with time and hard work. It can be a smooth transition that puts the spotlight on the achievements and skills you have honed over time.

Before You Leap...

Changing career paths can be exhilarating, and filled with endless possibilities. However, the allure of the unknown can sometimes cloud judgment and lead to hasty decisions. Before diving in, consider these essential factors:

1. Your job is not the enemy: It's easy to blame your current role for career dissatisfaction. A lot of resentment can come from feeling like your current path is a stumbling block. However, if you carefully examine your situation, you will begin to unfold opportunities for growth or transferable skills.

2. Leverage your transferable skills: In today's interconnected world, the saying that "no knowledge acquired is a waste" has never been more true. Many skills are applicable across different industries. Identify your strengths and explore how they can be adapted to your desired career path. If you are changing paths you need all the skills you can get.

3. Information will take you places: A new path might seem exciting until you get into it. Thorough research will save you a lot of heartache. Understand the new industry you're looking into, the job market, and the required qualifications. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions.

4. Change takes time: Overhauling your career can be overwhelming. Break down your goals into smaller steps and celebrate milestones along the way.

Three Paths to a New Career

There are three primary strategies for transitioning to a new career path:

1. Lateral Move Within Your Industry: If you have significant experience in a particular industry, shifting to a different role within the same field can be a strategic career move. For example, a salesperson with a decade-long career in telecommunications could leverage their industry knowledge to transition into an operations manager or data analyst position within the same sector.

2. Leveraging Your Role in a New Industry: If your desired career path is in a different industry, transferring your current role can be a strategic move. By capitalizing on your existing role-specific expertise and transferable skills, you can successfully transition. For example, a project manager with over a decade of experience in fintech could apply their skills to a project management role in the construction industry.

3. Transitioning to a Different Role in a Different Industry: This approach requires a more strategic outlook. Identify the transferable skills from your current role that align with your desired career path. Conduct a thorough assessment to determine any skill gaps and invest in upskilling to bridge them. This comprehensive approach will increase your competitiveness in a new industry and role.