The world we live in is different, in so very many ways, from the world which existed 50, 40, or even 30 years ago. This is no less true of the job market than anything else. In times gone by, people were expected, for the most part, to pick a career and stick with it – loyalty was valued more highly, perhaps, than dynamism or even sometimes (dare I say it) ability. However, since the advent of neoliberalism, global job markets, and the internet, it has never been easier, more beneficial, and encouraged to switch up your career: here’s how and why.
The benefits of switching careers
Higher salary
Often, people are surprised to find that they can earn more money by switching to a career in which they have less (or no) experience, but such is the system of markets that we live in. According to Forbes, 75% of hiring directors are struggling to find the right talent (and would be willing to reward it if they could find it), so it’s often worth re-training even from a purely financial perspective.
Career progression
One of the benefits of a career change, especially if it’s to a field linked or adjacent to your current job, is that it could unlock paths of upward mobility not necessarily available to you in your current job or even economic area. This means that even if you would be taking a hit now (training time, salary reduction, and so on), it might be worth it in the long run if it raises your career ceiling higher.
Reduced stress
An overly stressful career can – and this is no exaggeration – ruin your life. It can affect your mental health, your marriage, your friendships, and your relationship with your kids, and that’s before we’ve even got onto the physical issues. So, if stress from work is something you feel creeping into non-work areas of your life, maybe it’s time to consider a career change.
Having more flexibility
It’s also certainly worth acknowledging the astonishing potential difference in both the length and flexibility of hours between different jobs, and factoring this in when deciding whether to stay on the track you’re currently on. Especially if there’s been a change to demands on your time like a new addition to the family, or a need for increased flexibility, a different career could let you meet these needs without giving up work.
Feeling more fulfilled
It can be difficult, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to be able to step back and really reflect on how fulfilled your job is making you feel. If you can, try to take a step back in the form of a short break, or even just keep a daily log of your job satisfaction, or do a self-assessment. If, upon reflection, you aren’t satisfied with your job (and remember, how you spend your days is how you spend your life), consider changing things – you could change your whole experience of life.
How to successfully switch
Assess your current role and capabilities
To change careers, you’re going to need to sell yourself to a new prospective employer. To do this, it’s important you have a good understanding of your value as an employee and what skills you bring to the table. Take time to reflect on what these are (remember to include soft as well as hard), and how they might transfer into a new job or field.
Explore your interests
If you can afford to, take the time to make a properly informed, driven decision on what career you’d like to move into. If you can’t afford time off to reflect, one good idea is to keep a career interest journal for a month or so while deciding where to move, so you can keep track of your developing interests.
Look into the job market and research job requirements
Naturally, you may not be able to move straight from a career you like into your dream job: there are practical considerations to take into account as well. The two biggest are as follows.
Firstly, does the market want me to do this job? Look into the fields you might be interested in, and potentially reconsider any with near-to-full employment. Conversely, it might be worth doing some research the other way round – are there any industries desperate for workers (and therefore likely to pay well)?
Number two: Am I qualified to do this job? Many jobs have legal standards that must be met before you’re allowed to engage in them professionally, and even if they don’t, you need to be able to set yourself apart from the pack a bit, so make sure you know exactly what a successful career switch would entail.
Develop new skills
Luckily, the development of career-based skills has never been easier. If you wanted to switch into a career in healthcare, like nursing, for instance, the internet enables you to undertake an online BSN degree for non-nurses, rather than the logistics of traditional on-campus study making it nearly impossible. Similarly, there are many more apprenticeships and graduate programs for those retraining later in life than there used to be, so make the most of these and diversify your skillset.
Expand your professional network
It’s always worth making as many connections as possible in the world of work; they will keep you plugged in to trends in the job market, alert you to new opportunities, and potentially even inspire you to switch into an entirely new line of work. As such, it’s important to stay on top of your networking, and go to as many events, talk to as many people, as possible – really immerse yourself in it.
And remember, overall, to go with your gut. If you feel you need change, try a change – the benefits are enormous. Just remember to go about it deliberately, thoughtfully, and optimistically.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.