If you’re 30 and thinking of changing career, you wouldn’t be the only one. You’ll likely feel like you’ve been in the job you are in currently for a long time, and you’re simply ready for a change. After all, you’re still likely to be working another 30+ years.
Whether the passion has faded in your current job, or you don’t enjoy it like you did when you first entered the job, perhaps it’s time to change careers altogether, and finding something fresh to get stuck in to?
But changing career isn’t as simple as a click of the finger is it? Below, we’ve put together some advice on what you should consider before you make the jump – it could be more enjoyable than you think!
Consider every factor
Many of use, after doing the same job for years, can grow weary of the everyday tasks that have to be done. If you don’t like the everyday tasks you perform in your job, look specifically at what parts of it demotivate you. You could well find that your gripe is with other factors e.g. salary, location etc. as opposed to disliking the role itself. If you come to the conclusion that it is indeed the ins and outs of the job, then we would suggest it’s time for a change.
Identify transferable skills
Understanding the skills you have acquired over your years at work can also help you to realise just how many transferable skills you have to offer to another industry or career. So write down a list of all of the skills you could easily transfer to another job, and then start researching jobs where those roles might come in handy. These skills could be easily adapted to another job, and could make your career change faster too. List your strongest skills and assess them to see if they will be beneficial for your next career move.
Making a literal move
You may not have to look to a different industry altogether if you are unhappy – perhaps moving to a different company would be the game changer? For many people, sometimes a dislike to your role has come from an experience within the company, as opposed to disliking the physical job and its responsibilities. For others, you may feel like you gleamed everything you can from your role, and are looking for a new challenge entirely. One option might be to look at your current company and see if there is another department you could see yourself working in. Or, you can see a career advisor if you are really stuck on how you want to change your career path.
Go back to school
If you’re thinking of changing your career altogether, but you don’t feel that you have the necessary skills for your preference, maybe going back to school could be an option? Yes, it’s a scary option to take when you have adapted to steady income each month – but you can gain a lot from going back to school. For example, you can gain more social skills and it allows you to widen your knowledge in an areas of interest. More education can help you to better prepare for your chosen career path – but you have to be sure you’re making the right choice.
Never settle
If you are desperate to move away from your current job, don’t settle for the first job that comes your way. Remember that this is a big step for you – but is it the right step to take, or have you given in to the fear of being out of a job for the time being? Have you explored every option to make sure it’s the right route to take? Consider the factors and make sure this is actually what you want to pursue.
Success doesn’t happen overnight
A career move can be tough for a number of reasons – like the feeling that you are starting at the bottom all over again. Don’t be discouraged if you feel like you’re not over-performing in your new role – if you’re enjoying it, make time to improve on some of your skills so you can achieve better results. Stay positive, and with a lot of hard work, you could be looking back in 5 years time reminiscing about the greatest career move you ever made.
