People spend years establishing a career. Most of the time, the dedication and effort work out, leading to success and profitability. Sometimes, however, your choices when you were young don’t mesh with who you are or want to be. Also, societal shifts and advancements can leave some occupations obsolete while opening possibilities for others. For example, the rise in the virtual office background and an unprecedented pandemic caused an increase in remote work opportunities.
Switching industries or careers is not as easy as it sounds. You must put as much effort into finding and securing a new position as you have in developing your current career. That said, it is still possible to switch industries, regardless of your current position; you just need to know how to go about the transition.
1. Researching Other Job Fields
Why do you want to make a switch? Is your industry facing threats from technology or other advancements, or are you tired of the same old 9-to-5 job?
Regardless of the motivation, you don’t want to swap one job for another without researching the field first. If you are thinking of a switch because tech is threatening your position, you don’t want to switch to another job facing a similar threat.
2. Learning a New Skill
Sometimes, you may want to stay in the same industry but move ahead from your current position. Earning promotions means proving you are capable within the current environment and can take on more responsibility. You can improve your attractiveness for promotion by learning how to incorporate a virtual office background into virtual meetings and environments. You can also show your worth by learning a new skill and taking continuing education courses.
3. Setting Realistic Goals and Expectations
While age is just a number, you do need to consider your age and the time it takes to start a new career. Some transitions can result in quick lateral moves, but others take more time and dedication. For example, if you are a retail office manager, you can transition into several other positions fairly easily, especially when they deal with customer service in retail or business settings. However, going from being a retail manager to a neurosurgeon is not as straightforward or likely. Not to say you can’t aim for the stars, but since it takes between 14 and 16 years to become a neurosurgeon, you may want to focus on something a little more doable.
4. Developing a Transition Plan
You don’t want to quit your current job or industry before you have a plan and position lined up. You may have a vision board in your office background, but remember that all transitions must have a basis in reality. A realistic transition plan should span one to several years with real and attainable goals mapped out.
5. Networking
Don’t underestimate the power of friends and connections. To change your industry, you must network. When switching careers, having a group of professionals in your desired field to help you out means everything.
If you want to change your career and industry, talk to a career advisor and find realistic options. Also, be open to advice from other professionals and friends.