6 Tips on How to Change Your Career in the Right Way this Year
- Author: Bryan Miller
- Posted: 2024-04-06
The decision to change careers can be challenging and exciting. You may be excited about starting a new fulfilling professional journey. On the other hand, you might face normal risks and challenges with any career change. If you are undecided about changing your career, be sure that the feeling is not unusual. The following are the tips you need while changing your career this year.
Determine Why You Need the Change
Take enough time to reflect on why you need to move into a new profession. You might decide to make the change to get a more fulfilling career, career stagnation in your current job, or seek a position that will not be as demanding as your current one, among other reasons. The reflection can help you know why you need to make a move and make the transition easier.
2. Start Planning for Your Desired Career
After knowing why you need the career change, start scaling down your options and settle on one that provides you with the satisfaction you are looking for. Choosing a new career can give you a sense of direction and the energy you need to start on the right foot. It will also help you imagine what you will gain from the new career and the benefits of making the bold move. The energy you get at this stage will enable you to do everything else you need for a successful career transition.
3. Start a Side Project while Still in Your Current Job
One of the best ways to test out your new career is starting it out as a side job. For example, you may have plans to start working as a web developer. After acquiring the right skills, it would be a great idea to start providing the services as a side project to gain experience and understand the market's requirements. You might need to create a personal website or create a landing page for your services.
The side project can be beneficial in several ways while making the change. It will enable you to practice what the industry requires, provide you with information to boost your portfolio, and gain expertise that employers will check when gauging your skills. After completing each project, ensure to include it in your resume. Include the objectives of the project and the tools that helped you accomplish the goals. You may also add screenshots of the project on the portfolio if possible.
4. Take a Break from Your Current Job
It can be challenging to continue being effective and productive in your current job while building a new career. Hence, it would be best for you to take a break from your current position, if you can afford it, to have enough time to concentrate on acquiring new skills and working on your portfolio. Although not many people can afford this, the time off can enable you to achieve a lot that you need for the new industry. It may be wise to ask for leave or some days off from your current company and spend the time working on your career. Whatever time you get from your employer can significantly help your plans. Then, plan how to approach your employer concerning the time off and have some savings to spend while away from work.
5. Don't Make Hasty Decisions
A career change needs careful execution and enough time since it is not easy to tackle. You will need to concentrate on your current job as you work towards making the shift. Having sufficient time will make the process easier for you. Don't feel pressured into getting a new job in a few months. Take your time, acquire the skills and expertise you need, and become better in your new role.
6. Avoid Underselling Yourself
After entering the interview process, negotiate hard and don't undersell your potential. While you might not have enough experience in the new industry, you will still bring value to the new organization. The first thing you should do is find out the salaries for people in the positions you desire. You may justify your negotiations by talking about your skills, certifications, and average wages for similar posts in the industry. Additionally, avoid making the negotiation into a bargaining forum. Make your value known and defend your salary wisely.
While making a career change, you may experience excitement and challenges, typical for all who go through that road. The above tips will make the experience easier for you to transition to a more fulfilling career.
