The thought of changing careers evokes many different emotions, and not all of them are positive. Many of us have an innate fear of change and the uncertainty which shifting careers could bring.
However, there are lots of fantastic reasons why people choose to pursue a new career. While the transition takes some work, for those ready to make the leap it is often one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
What is a career change?
We often start our careers long before we really know ourselves, and what we want out of life. This can lead to a lot of discontent later, as you realise that what you intended when you started working no longer applies to where – and who – you are now.
A career change is, to put simply, the decision to alter your current profession to another one. This is sometimes more of a diagonal move to a similar career than a radical change, but for other people, it can represent an entirely new way of working, and a shift into a brand new industry.
Deciding to start a new career comes with a lot of soul searching, and during this period of doubt and self-analysis, its important to remember that it’s completely possible to change your career without causing too much upheaval in other areas of your life. Careful planning will make all the difference between a chaotic career shift and a smoother transition.
Why change careers?
Everyone’s motivation for changing careers is different, but there are a few key factors which motivate the move. For some, changing careers is a chance to pursue a passion, and build a career which reflects their true selves.
For others, changing career is a more practical concern, motivated by changing lifestyle factors like starting a family, moving home or seeking more financial independence, in accordance with shifting priorities and life goals, or simply being bored of the rigid structure they’ve found in the corporate working environment.
Thankfully, it’s possible to make the move at any age and any stage of your career, to a number of rewarding new career paths. Let’s take a closer look at some of the primary motivators which suggest why a career change might be on the horizon!
You’re feeling bored
If you go to work every day feeling bored, tired and unfulfilled, this is something you shouldn’t ignore. Stagnation sometimes occurs in roles which were once fulfilling, or we simply realise that we’re not particularly interested in our current career path. In some cases, you’ll be able to make a few changes within your current role or current company in order to change your circumstances for the better.
Whatever you choose, it’s certainly time to start brainstorming a few new career ideas. Remember, there’s no need to immediately hand in your notice – just start searching for alternatives which motivate and invigorate you. We spend a huge chunk of our lives working, and it’s difficult to really give our all to a role which doesn’t enthuse or empower us. When you find a role or a profession which makes you feel enthusiastic again, this could be the perfect time to start preparing for your next career move.
Your plans have changed
Life is complicated, and even the most well-planned careers sometimes don’t suit our needs anymore. Maybe you’ve started a family, or perhaps this is something you plan in the next few years. Perhaps you’d like to move to a new location, where roles in your industry are scarce. Would your current role suit the life you want to live? The corporate world isn’t for everyone, and even people who once loved their job can sometimes change their mind. This is one of the main reasons why a career change could work for you.
You have a passion project
Some of us have a nagging feeling that we should be doing something different with our lives, and at a certain point, the conditions seem right for finally making it happen. You don’t necessarily dislike your current role, but it just doesn’t feel like its the right path for you to continue. If this sounds like you, then you’re probably one of the people who should be taking steps to live this passion in the working world.
Our career decisions do not have to be decided entirely by outside forces – and many early job roles were influenced by other people, rather than what we really want. Everyone has to make a living, but there are plenty of exciting ways to gain a foothold in competitive careers which may have once seemed out of reach. It takes a little creativity and imagination, but thanks to modern technology you really can build a career you love working on, every day.
Your job is too stressful
A little bit of stress goes with the territory of many professions, but as we continue through our career, this pressure can begin to feel unmanageable. Not everyone finds stress empowering and invigorating – for some, it can lead to poor performance at work and deteriorating physical and emotional wellbeing. If you find the stress of your current role too much to handle, this is another key reason why career change could suit you perfectly.
How do I change careers?
There are a few key ways to help prepare yourself for a big career change. At Skills Training Group, we take your career progression seriously and can help you access the training you need to progress further in an existing trade or move from a corporate environment to something a little more technical and practical.
With a wealth of courses and easy navigation, it’s quick and simple to find the ideal course for your current circumstances. Learners can choose from a range of new entrant courses alongside Skills Training Group’s range of pathways which encompass everything from electrician training to plumbing, domestic and commercial gas engineering and metering.
Employability is at the core of every course we offer, giving you the practical skills you need to succeed.
