Changing careers can be a daunting and exciting decision, especially if you are working full-time in your current role. However, with some planning, preparation, and perseverance, you can make a smooth and successful transition to a new field. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a career change while working full-time.
Before you embark on a career change, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to do and why. What are your strengths, passions, and values? What are the skills and qualifications required for your desired career? How do they match with your current skills and experience? You can use online tools, such as career quizzes, skill assessments, and personality tests, to help you identify your interests and aptitudes. You can also talk to people who work in the field you are interested in, and ask them about their roles, challenges, and advice.
Seeking a new career while working full time can be a full time job in itself. However you will want to truly take your time with this. Since you already have a job you can afford to not rush this process but carefully and strategically put your plan together. This is a career change and it just a role change and you owe it to yourself to make your next move your best move . Researching different fields will give you an idea of what you like and don’t like. You’ll always want to see if your skills will translate over to your new career.
Once you have a general direction for your career change, you need to research the specific options and opportunities available in the market. What are the current trends, demands, and gaps in the field? What are the entry-level positions, salary ranges, and growth prospects? How competitive is the industry, and what are the best ways to stand out? You can use online platforms, such as job boards, industry blogs, and social media, to find relevant information and insights. You can also network with professionals, mentors, and recruiters, and attend events, webinars, and workshops, to expand your connections and knowledge.
Use your network to find out more. Spend some time making a note of all the people in your 'sphere of influence' - these are the connections and relationships (professional and personal) that you have in your life that could support you with this change. It is likely that you are undervaluing your existing connections. You will have a rich sphere of people who either have direct links or know someone who knows someone. And most people are willing to help. Once you have written it all down, commit to reaching out to a realistic number of people per day/week (for example 1 person a day, 3 people a week). Identifying this rich network will open you up to numerous opportunities both personally and professionally.
When you figure out which career you want to go into your research will need to be broad. You’ll want to search the market for the best opportunities that work for you. While doing this research you can research the industry’s market and the pay within the market as well as the over all turnover for starters .
To prepare for a career change, you need to showcase your skills and achievements in a way that appeals to your target employers and industry. You need to update your resume and online presence, such as your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or website, to highlight your transferable skills, relevant experience, and career goals. You need to use keywords, phrases, and formats that match the expectations and standards of your desired field. You also need to tailor your resume and online presence to each specific job or opportunity you apply for, and emphasize your value proposition and fit.
When the thought of making a career change turns into a reality the first thing you will want to do is to update your resume and tap into or create some levels of online presence. Your resume will get you in the door and needs to be not only up to date but it needs to showcase you and your skills in the most effective way.
To prepare for a career change, you need to demonstrate your commitment and readiness to take on a new role and challenge. You need to learn new skills and gain experience that are relevant and valuable for your desired career. You can enroll in online courses, certifications, or degrees, that can help you acquire the knowledge and credentials you need. You can also look for opportunities to practice and apply your skills, such as volunteering, freelancing, or taking on side projects, that can help you build your portfolio and reputation. You can also seek feedback and guidance from experts, mentors, or peers, who can help you improve your skills and performance.
While trying to find the right role it never hurts to learn a new skill. Preferably learn a skill that’s within the new industry that you’re going to be in . Learning this new skill only makes you more competitive. This way you can leverage this new skill into the desired role you’re seeking .
Preparing for a career change while working full-time can be stressful and exhausting. You need to manage your time and energy effectively, so that you can balance your current responsibilities and your career goals. You need to set realistic and specific objectives, prioritize your tasks, and create a schedule that allows you to allocate time for learning, networking, applying, and interviewing. You also need to take care of your physical and mental health, by getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition, and by finding ways to relax and recharge. You also need to communicate your plans and expectations with your current employer, colleagues, and family, and seek their support and understanding.
Since working full time is already a heavy load , looking for a new career can only add to the load. Managing your time and energy will have to be a priority for you. Utilizing your free time to the fullest will be beneficial in taking some time out to take a break from it all. You have to understand that this will be a process and keep the end goal in the front of your brain . When managing your time and energy you have to think of yourself and yourself first. It’s ok ,people will understand if you can’t go out or talk long because that’s during your break time .
Preparing for a career change while working full-time can be challenging and unpredictable. You need to be flexible and resilient, so that you can adapt to changing circumstances and overcome obstacles. You need to be open to new ideas, opportunities, and feedback, and be willing to experiment and learn from your mistakes. You also need to be prepared for rejection, setbacks, and delays, and be able to cope with them positively and constructively. You also need to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small or big, and remind yourself of your motivation and vision.
One constant that I have found in my many experiences of change is that you can never plan for everything. Letting go of the feeling that you need to be in complete control is a helpful way of dealing with this uncertainty. Working with a coach can help you work out the final vision and an action plan with smaller, achievable steps towards this. You also identify possible obstacles and opportunities that may arise, and recognise and dismantle self-made barriers that may stand in your way. It allows opportunities for reflection, building resilience for the unexpected. And coaching can provide a lovely space to recognise and celebrate your achievements with a supportive thinking partner.