Considering a career change? You are probably asking yourself many questions about the idea. Questions such as “Is this right for me?”; “Am I too old for a career change?”; “Is it even realistic?”
Well, you would not be alone. There are many questions you and others in the same career-crossroads would be asking themselves.
Something such as a career change is not a light or easy decision to make. After-all, you are considering a major life change and those are difficult to do.
Yet, it does not always have to be stressful – as long as you approach it from a calm manner and take your time to gather all the facts surrounding the change, you can walk into it with greater confidence. In order to get there, all you need are some answers to certain questions, and a strong plan in place.
So let us jump into it. What are the questions you should really be asking yourself?
The question of whether it is too late to have a career change should never even cross your mind! It is never too late to be happy and feel fulfilled in the work you do. Nor is the question on whether a change is realistic. Of course it is, keeping in mind however, depending on the change you choose, it will depend on the obstacles you will face. Obstacles, however, are not dead-ends, they are simply road blocks you need to cross over.
But, how do you go about answering the above 10 questions? Well, a good career coach will of course help and guide you along this path, however, if this is not something you want to invest in, then you will need to be able to have the tools yourself to answer them.
Here are ways you can find out information about the desired career you want to enter and what is required to make it happen.
A mentor will guide you in making an informed decision. The best would be to find a mentor who has years of experience behind them.
Finding others in the industry you are considering can become very useful assists. They will be able to provide you with relevant information about the job and industry and even provide introductions to hiring managers.
You can take a career aptitude test to see what careers suit you best. There are many to choose from, it is a matter of finding one that is detailed enough in its questions and answers, such as Career Hunter. However, they are not always free. Why don’t you start with our own free quick test to get the ball rolling – here
Research the industry and market value. A sight such as Australian Government Labour Markets Insight can help.
Do not forget, we at My Career Angels are specialised in career change management and will be there to guide and help provide the answers to the 10 questions, help organise a detailed career plan and much more. If you are interested in learning more, then why don’t you reach out for a free, zero obligation call with us. You can request your call here.
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How do I know if changing careers is the right decision?
Start by thinking about why you want to make a change. Is there something about your current job you’re no longer enjoying, or are you looking for better opportunities? Think about what you want from your next role, what matters to you and whether a different career could be a better fit for your skills and goals.
Do I need to start from scratch when changing careers?
Not necessarily. You might already have skills that are useful in another industry. Things like communication, problem-solving, leadership and managing projects can apply to many different roles. It’s worth looking at what you’ve already learnt and how those skills could help you in a new career.
Can I change careers without experience in the new industry?
Yes, depending on the role you’re interested in. Some employers are open to candidates with transferable skills, even if they haven’t worked in that industry before. You could also look into entry-level roles, short courses, volunteering or projects that help you gain relevant experience.
Should I complete further training before changing careers?
It depends on the job you want to move into. Some careers require specific qualifications or licences, while others may accept the skills and experience you already have. Before signing up for a course, check job ads and industry requirements to see what you actually need.
How can I prepare financially for a career change?
Start by looking at your current expenses, savings and financial commitments. Research what you could expect to earn in your new career and whether you’ll need to pay for any training. It’s also worth considering how you’ll manage financially if it takes time to find a new job or if you need to accept a lower salary initially.
Is it too late to change careers?
Not at all. You can consider changing careers at different stages of your working life. What matters is finding a path that suits your skills, interests and circumstances. It’s worth looking into what the change would involve, including any training, financial commitments or time needed to make the move.
Can a career coach help me decide whether to change careers?
Yes. A career coach can help you work out what you’re looking for in your next role, recognise your transferable skills and explore career options you might not have considered. They can also help you understand what’s involved in making the change and put together a practical plan that suits your goals and circumstances.
My first job in Australia was through the help of one of the My Career Angels consultants.
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