How to Change Your Career... Even During a Pandemic
Our world is going through massive changes. We have all felt it in one way or another. Some of us may be feeling slightly displaced while others may feel displaced entirely. When faced with adversity (a global pandemic in this case), we often are forced to reimagine ourselves and our situations. Whether you’re someone who feels life is too short to stay complacent or are someone who was laid off, you are faced with an opportunity to change careers and control your professional future. I want to put an emphasis on “opportunity” because it’s so important to perceive it this way in order to maintain a healthy mental state, attitude, and outlook on the future. If you’re wondering how to change your career, keep reading.
Why do people change careers?
Joblist's Midlife Career Crisis survey reports on the top five reasons people change careers:
Better Pay: 47%
Too Stressful: 39%
Better Work-Life Balance: 37%
Wanted a New Challenge: 25%
No Longer Passionate About Field: 23%
Not to be forgotten, COVID-19 has led to a suspected loss of 40 million jobs. This will most likely pivot some of those people to consider a whole new career path.
What are the benefits?
That same Joblist survey reported that even when people who changed careers took a cut in pay, they received emotional gratification, less stress, and a more fulfilled work environment. On average, those who changed careers for the sole purpose of better pay received nearly $11,000 more. Another interesting finding was that 50% of those who made a career change found it made a positive impact on their personal relationships.
How to make a positive career change:
Of course, even with the data backing the many benefits of changing careers, there is a possibility that this change could make you worse off. To help decrease the chances of making a poor career change, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Evaluate your current situation. What are your reasons for considering a career change? What are your goals?
Decide what your interests, passions, and skills are. This will help you navigate in a career direction that’s suitable.
Make a list of ideal career paths and make pros/cons lists for each. This will help you narrow down your list by what is the most appealing.
Do research. Acquaint yourself with the career path or paths you’ve chosen by understanding what day-to-day tasks would look like, the average salary, and growth opportunities, and the steps needed to enter the field.
Choose one career path. Base this decision on an evaluation of what you’ve put together over the previous few steps.
Expand your skillset. Don’t be afraid to commit some time to take online classes or enrolling in a program for professional development. Taking this step will often set you up better for entering your new career.
Shadow the job and find a mentor. This is a great way to ensure you will enjoy your days in a new career path and a mentor will help you along the way.
Be confident. As you’re searching for new jobs, know your worth. Get excited about the opportunity and it will show when talking to hiring managers. When you put in the work and show passion, that goes a long way.
Conclusion
If Who Staffing can help you in any way with your new job search, please feel free to reach out to start a conversation or go here for more information about us. If you’re interested in learning about our job opportunities, check out our job board.
