A career change is not as simple as looking for a new job. It means entering an industry that is different from the one youโre currently in. The idea of trying a different field can be exciting as it will allow you to explore new opportunities and discover your full potential. However, it can also be frightening and overwhelmingโwhat if you get into the wrong path? What if you canโt handle the change?
Needless to say, changing careers is not a small feat. When not done carefully and thoughtfully, you may end up regretting your decision.
If youโre bent on jumping into a new career, make sure that you donโt do these 10 mistakes.
1. Letting money dictate your decision
No matter how lucrative the compensation package is, you might end up feeling unhappy after a while when you accept a job offer that doesnโt suit you. When you simply follow the money and disregard other important factors, you may find yourself longing for the satisfaction that comes from something else, such as career growth and purpose. Itโs absolutely fine to wish for a higher income. However, a total career change isnโt always the solution if youโre only looking for bigger pay.
2. Choosing a different career path because youโre unhappy in your current job
Some employees who are no longer happy with their jobs falsely think that it is the very nature of their job that makes them unhappy. On the contrary, it may be the work environment thatโs making them dissatisfied. Sit down and think about this: is the kind of job or industry really to blame or the environment? Who knows, you may find a new opportunity within the same industry that has what youโre looking for in an ideal job.
3. Entering a new field because your friend or someone you know seems to do well in it
Just because something works for someone you know doesnโt necessarily mean it will work for you, too. You might think that if your friend can do it, so can you. Sure, you may have the determination to learn something new, but itโs not wise to assume you can do something without trying it first and by simply observing from the outside.
4. Trying a โhotโ field without knowing if itโs a good fit for you
Some industries are booming nowadays and some of them might pay better than the one youโre currently in. However, entering an industry just because itโs โhotโ may set you up for a burnout later on.
5. Letting external factors affect your decision
Itโs fine to shift careers as long as the decision comes from within yourself. If youโre doing the career change just because someone convinced you to do so, you may find yourself longing for purpose once the hype wears down.
6. Not consulting or talking to someone about your career change plans
Shifting to a new industry is a big decision. Itโs easy to decide impulsively when youโre excited about the new opportunities in front of you. Consider talking to someone close to you about your plans. Itโs similar to therapyโwhen you talk to somebody, you might be able to dissect your thoughts better, leading to a more sound decision.
7. Not preparing for the transition emotionally, mentally, and financially
Thereโs no guarantee that your career change journey will be smooth and easy. It might take a while before you find an opportunityโand get hired for a positionโthat suits you best. You must be prepared to go through the process. More importantly, you should have a financial cushion while youโre still waiting to get hired.
8. Using placement agencies or employment search firms without researching first
Not all placement agencies are created the same. There are companies that specialize in specific industries. Some agencies work on behalf of the companies looking to hire, while some focus on really helping jobseekers. Learn as much as you can about an agency before deciding to work with one. Try to find out whether they have a history of successfully assisting career changers.
9. Expecting to experience success overnight
Letโs face itโchanging careers means that from being an experienced professional, you become a newbie once more. Employers typically prefer candidates who have experience related to their industry. So, you can expect that your job hunt will take longer. If you donโt want to be disappointed, donโt expect otherwise.
10. Jumping into a new career without self-reflection
Possibly the biggest mistake you can do as you decide to change careers is to rush into it without thinking it over thoroughly. Donโt let your emotions get the better of you. Weigh the pros and cons of shifting careers. Search deep within yourselfโwhy are you considering this in the first place? Why do you want to leave your current job and industry? If you skip this step, you might end up feeling unsatisfied again because you failed to address certain issues.
The Bottom Line
As long as you set your expectations straight and take your time researching and deciding, a career change can prove to be rewarding. When you evaluate your skills and goals well and ensure that they are aligned with the industry or opportunity that youโre looking to get into, you will eventually reap the benefits of your decision.
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Photo by BBH Singapore on Unsplash
