While changing careers can be difficult, stressful, and uncertain, you can at least be grateful that changing careers is easier than ever before, thanks to the internet. Using online resources, you can plan your transition, undergo education and training, and even connect with other people to find a new job. Doing the same job can be difficult for introverts, so you can check the best jobs for introverts. Here’s how to start a new career.
In-depth Analysis
Before you get started with your new career, take some time to do an in-depth analysis. Why is it you’re no longer interested in your original career? Has there been a major change in the industry, such as decreased demand, that renders it less desirable? Did you gradually lose interest over time? Are you upset with your boss and coworkers? This is a good chance to make sure you’re changing careers for the right reasons; if you’re frustrated with your current surroundings, you may be able to make positive changes without leaving the career entirely. If you’re sure of your decision, you can use it to help decide your new career.
Choosing a Career Path
Your first actionable step is choosing a new career path. You may have something in mind already, but if not, you’ll need to start brainstorming from scratch. These are some of the most important factors to consider when evaluating your options:
First, consider the salary range for professionals in this career. What do people start out making? How does that salary grow over time? Will you stand to make more money in this career than your previous one? Next, think about the possible trajectory of your career once entering this field. In some careers, you’ll remain relatively stagnant, improving over time but ultimately doing the same things. In other careers, you’ll need to invest in continuing education courses and constantly grow and change. For most people, it’s ideal to have a job that offers both upward rooms for growth (getting promotions and earning raises) and horizontal flexibility (allowing for transfers and lateral job moves). Speaking of flexibility, you may require a job that gives you more time and/or a healthier work-life balance. Working from home and setting your own schedule is a great benefit if you’re a parent or if you have other responsibilities to take care of. For many people, a flexible job is more important than a high-paying one. Personal interest. You also can’t neglect your personal interest. While your job doesn’t necessarily have to be “fun,” it should be capable of holding your interest. This is the most subjective factor on this list; it all depends on your personal feelings on this career.
Each factor’s weight will depend on your personal priorities; some will naturally be more important to you than others.
Preliminary Research
Once you’ve got a solid idea of a potential career path to pursue, you’ll need to do some preliminary research. Determine the average salaries for people in this career (in your area) and research some of this career field’s benefits and weaknesses. It’s also a good idea to talk to someone who’s currently pursuing a career in this field; they’ll be able to tell you firsthand about their experiences, and they might even be able to help you get started. You can take reference of second careers for teachers.
Online Courses
Next, unless you already have a developed skill set, you’ll need to spend some time learning new information and honing your skills. In some careers, you can bootstrap your way to mastery, relying on online guides and tutorials to learn the basics. In others, you’ll need to have an education from an accredited university or school. Make sure you understand the requirements and research learning institutions before beginning your coursework.
Professional Networking
One of the best ways to advance in any career is to build your professional network. Meeting new people, inside and outside of your chosen field, can connect you with new opportunities when starting a new career. It helps you find mentors who can coach you in your career, and expose you to new information and new experiences at the same time. Use LinkedIn and other social media sites to start growing your professional network.
Your First Job
Once you’ve got the credentials and are happy with your networking progress, you can start looking for your first job in this new career. Don’t be too eager to find something perfect; instead, work to get your foot in the door. Oftentimes, a lackluster entry-level position in a company can lead to brighter opportunities later on. And if not, you can always keep applying for other jobs at other businesses.
