5 Considerations Everyone Should Have Before a Career Switch
5 Consideration to Have Before a Career Switch
Introduction
A career switch is not something to be taken lightly. From a completely different working environment to new skill sets, the change can be jarring for anyone. With the right help and advice, a successful career switch can bring along increased job satisfaction, new skills and even a larger paycheck.
Many others have taken this very same path. In 2019, 4,500 individuals changed courses via the Career Conversion Programme alone. This goes to show that many others have taken this very path and that sometimes, it’s perfectly fine to make the switch.
Whether you are considering a switch due to circumstances at work or other personal reasons, changing course for a career requires some hard questions to be answered. This way, you can ensure that you’re ready for whatever that lies ahead.
5 Consideration to Have Before a Career Switch
1. Begin with Asking Yourself Why
When considering a career switch, it is important to understand the push and pull factors clearly before coming to a decision. Be it a need for a challenge, better prospects, or experiencing something new, your driving motivation can be multifaceted. Take a step back, re-evaluate the values that are important to you, and seek out available opportunities that match your criteria.
Upskilling can be a good way to find out if the industry or role is the right choice for a switch. In addition to gaining knowledge and skills required for the job, you will also have a clearer picture if the decision to make a career switch is the right one.
5 Consideration to Have Before a Career Switch
2. Planning Your Finances for the Long Term
A career switch will often involve plenty of numbers. For those who have families and other commitments, your finances are extra crucial factors to consider.
As a newcomer, bear in mind that you are likely to start at a lower salary rung. At least 58% of workers were willing to take a pay cut to secure a career switch, according to a report by Indeed. While this might result in a temporary setback, it’s important to stay positive and treat this as part of the learning journey. By balancing the risks and the rewards, a career switch might just be the right decision to make.
5 Consideration to Have Before a Career Switch
3. Keep Up with the Skills in Demand
A new career choice usually dictates new skill sets that may differ from what you possess. It can be daunting, but there are programmes in place to help ease the transition. Here’s how this career coach left her job to set up her own home-based business.
For those looking to pick up new and useful skills, From healthcare to information and communications, there are a wide range of programs that lead to plenty of in-demand jobs.
5 Consideration to Have Before a Career Switch
4. Put Your Networks to Work
No man is an island. That is especially true if you are looking to venture into the unknown with a mid-career switch. Having an indispensable network of professional contacts will become very helpful in such times of need.
Consider the people you know. Could they be in a position to offer you insights, advice, or even job opportunities? Are they in the industry you are trying to break into? Having conversations with these contacts will give you more knowledge about what you are getting into.
5 Consideration to Have Before a Career Switch
5. Take Control
Thinking about a career switch is a daunting task, and having concerns is understandable. Take full advantage of the resources available and give yourself the best chance possible. If you require personalised advice, Skills Ambassadors from the Skills & Training Advisory Services are always ready to lend a helping hand.
By focusing on what you are looking for and equipping yourself with the tools you need — making a career switch can be an empowering learning journey. Have a positive mindset, be open to change, and you will be taking the first step in the right direction towards a better future.
Next Post
Skills and Jobs of the Future:
The Jobs of the Future