As remote working becomes increasingly the norm for many businesses around the world, there are more opportunities than ever to enter a wider scope of industries, as geographic location becomes less important.
In a survey, 32% of those aged 25 to 44 have considered a career change. Since starting their first job after college, 29% of people have completely changed fields. There may be many reasons someone may decide to change jobs. Whether it’s to enter a more thriving industry, or perhaps to do something that carries more ‘purpose’.
However, before deciding to make the decision, it’s important considerations have been made and research has been done, to ensure a career move is the best option.
What is your reason for wanting a career change?
Before committing to a career change, identifying the main reason for it, will help guide you in the right direction. Do you want to change jobs, because you’re:
Bored: It can be easy to feel that because you’re bored in your job, that you want an overall career change. However, the reason for feeling fed up with one job, can be more than just the work itself. Often, if the environment feels unmotivating and the work isn’t challenging, this can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction.
Want an increased salary: This combined with a poor job satisfaction can often result in feelings of needing a career change. Especially as you get older, frustration at not receiving what individuals feel as an adequate pay rise for their work, a career change can be the best alternative for a salary increase.
Want increased flexibility: As an increasing number of industries have adapted to remote working, therefore achieving a better work life balance seems easier than ever before. As a result, those not in an industry enabling flexible working, may be tempted to move elsewhere to achieve it, especially if they see friends/family members enjoying the benefits of increased flexibility.
Shift of goal: For several reason, an individual’s goal may change, and as a result, their preference on career choice. For example, someone might want to transition to more ‘relaxed’ occupation. Another example of a goal shift could include wanting to go from a corporate to a non-profit organisation.
How to begin your career change
Look at what you don’t enjoy in your current role
By homing in on precisely what you enjoy/don’t enjoy about your current position, you can identify what kind of role you would like to do moving forward. Before deciding to jump ship completely, consider whether you are able to do more of what you enjoy in your current job. Replacing an employee can cost companies tens of thousands. Therefore, by being honest with your HR team about your potential plan, you may find you may be offered a better opportunity within the same organisation.
Research into qualifications/skills that may be required for the future role
This is important to consider, as not only could getting the adequate qualifications for a new career be time consuming, but they could also be expensive. Some industries favour experience over qualifications, however for some, qualifications are mandatory. If possible, you may have time to gather experience, or do a qualification alongside your current role.
Look at the future of the industry
Having knowledge regarding the future of the industry helps indicate what you can expect in terms of opportunities. Looking at articles which feature industry trends will further help identify how the sector may change both short term and long term. This is important, to ensure you don’t enter a sector with expectations that differ from the reality. Sites like Glassdoor help further provide reviews for different organisations from the experience of employees.
Look at your current situation
The process of changing careers isn’t always a smooth one. Taking steps to facilitate this transition can be time consuming, expensive (if you’re doing additional qualifications), and sometimes stressful. Therefore, it’s important you have taken these things into consideration and made a plan to help facilitate your transition.
Procorre Partners work around the world on some of the world’s most ambitious organisations. Working with Procorre, our Partners receive in-depth, one-to-one support to ensure that they are able to discover, engage and excel in their projects with full support. Contact a member of our team today to find out more.
