A career change is a nerve-wracking decision, let alone a life-altering process. Whatever the reasons for your career change, it’s always smart to do research and follow a series of career steps for success while making the transition.
Before you drop the old and pursue the new, here are a few things to keep in mind before making a career move:
Hold your horses
With unemployment on the rise and businesses resorting to remote jobs to keep them afloat while ensuring their employees’ safety, it’s tempting to look for a career at the quickest opportunity that is least affected by external circumstances and crises, like the current pandemic.
If time permits, evaluate and analyze the decision behind the switch. There are many factors that affect a career change. Will you stay with your current job while transitioning? Will you be financially sound if you don’t?
While impulsive decisions involving jobs and careers are not usually advisable, this applies more so in the middle of a crisis.
Research your new chosen career path
A dream job is not always a pragmatic choice, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t doable. Take the time to look into career resources, the nature of the job, and expected salary ranges. Consider reaching out to professionals who are currently in the industry you want to pursue. If you want to start your career in Canada, you need to find companies employing foreign workers in Canada (recruter des travailleurs étrangers au Canada) from different cultural and professional backgrounds.
Feasibility and profitability
A career that you’re passionate about and pays well is every professional’s dream. Some find this early in life, but for the majority, it either comes late or not at all. It’s usually one or the other, and rarely both.
With that in mind, research whether your new chosen career path is achievable and profitable. Ask yourself whether there is a demand or need for the role you’re seeking. Are job opportunities for this position readily available? Is this job practical and sustainable? If so, will this new career be financially rewarding?
Asking these questions will give you a more comprehensive feel for the pros and cons and a deeper idea of what to expect with this career change.
Identify your end goal
It’s important to identify what’s most important to you when choosing your career. When you first mulled over the idea of a career change, you probably had certain goals in mind. Were you aiming for more free time? Higher pay? A job that you genuinely enjoy? Identifying your goals for the career change allows you to manage your expectations.
Do a dry run
After you’ve settled on what you believe is the best new career for you, do a dry run with your selected new field. Take an internship or volunteer for a position with a company related to your chosen career.
Immersing yourself in this new field will give you hands-on, industry-related experience (which you will need when you start your job applications) and an eagle-eye view of what to expect when you switch to this career.
Whether you’re beginning a new career or leaving one field for another, expect challenges. Preparing in advance will give you the advantage of understanding the obstacles that may lie ahead and a strategy for how to overcome them. When all is said and done, and you’re right where you hoped you’d be, it will all be worth it. Good luck!
Aubrey is a passionate writer and a contributor. She likes to write about career development and job tips in hopes to provide valuable information in the industry.
