You’re considering a career change. What are the most important things to consider?

When contemplating a career change, several key factors merit consideration. Firstly, assess your skills, interests, and values to ensure alignment with the new career path. Research the job market and industry trends to gauge demand and opportunities. Evaluate potential challenges and risks associated with the transition, such as financial implications or required retraining. Seek advice from professionals in the desired field and leverage networking connections for insights and opportunities. Additionally, consider the long-term prospects and potential for growth and fulfillment in the new career. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision and embark on a successful career change journey.

Knowing what looks like the reason for wanting a change and understanding your reason for change are two different things in my lived experience. I thought I wanted a change because of my boss and my tasks. Actually, it was because the role wasn't what I thought it would be. I wasn't having the impact I wanted. Digging into this can be hard. But doing it well will support the successfulness of your career change, tremendously. 😊

You might be surprised by what is available to you, with the right help! Have you ever heard someone say "If I had only known ..."? It's often followed by "my life would be so much better now." OR "I would have done things differently." You could search long and hard for a new career yourself and find one that might be suitable. But there may be a much more suitable opportunity for you that would be much more rewarding - and you just don't know how to find it. For a change as important as this, I highly recommend reaching out to someone you can trust that has a much better view of what might be available. It can make the difference between a new challenging career and a new dream career. Sharing the Shoulders of Giants!

I always caution career changers when they are choosing to use an online tool. The responses do not define you. If using an online tool, make sure you take your time to understand the information it's giving you. Does it sound like you? If not, then ignore it. Any career suggestions given are just that, suggestions. People of all personalities, interests, values, etc., find stimulating and enjoyable careers in all places. Don't use the outcome of such tools to pigeon hole yourself. Use as much information as you can gather to find the right career path for you.

One of the difficulties of starting a job search is being convinced of your added value, so that you can then convince others. Some recruiters and Human Resources managers fear that the habits you've acquired over the years will prevent you from adapting to a new way of working and a different corporate culture. It's up to you to show them how you'll be able to detach yourself from your current company and how you'll adapt to a new corporate culture and the expectations of a new employer. It's up to you to give them proof of your ability to adapt.

As the weeks, and perhaps months, of searching go by, your motivation can waver, and routine can take over. After all, you always know what you're going to lose, without knowing what you're going to find in a new company. Professional coaching can help you stay on course. It can help you remember what no longer suits you in your current job and keep in mind that your needs and aspirations have evolved in recent years. In the same way, coaches are good people to talk to about what would happen if you stayed with your company for another year, two years, five years...

Remember all the times you've already managed to change and leave what used to be a comfortable situation. It's only human not to want to take unnecessary risks. But if the risk is the dissatisfaction of stagnating in your professional life, is it really the right choice for you? Especially as you've certainly already experienced making difficult decisions to leave something or someone, while recognizing that it was for the best? Think, for example, of getting divorced or selling a house in which you've been happy... All difficult choices which, in retrospect, proved to be worthwhile for your own personal development .

If you're considering a career change and don't know what to do or how to go about it, talk to those who've already done it. It can be a long process and having a great support team around you will help you stay motivated and focused on achieving the change you want to see in your career. You might find it helpful to talk to a careers counsellor, coach, or investigate the online tools that are currently available. There's support out there for everyone! 😊