The Three Types of Career Changes: Which One is Right for You?

Career changes aren’t always about jumping ship and starting over from scratch. They come in different shapes and sizes, each requiring a different level of risk, strategy, and self-reflection. Whether you’re looking for a subtle shift or a complete transformation, understanding the three main types of career changes can help you navigate the transition with clarity and confidence.

Let’s dive into the three types of career changes and explore what each might look like for you.

Type One: The Industry Shift

Same skills, different industry.

You know your work inside and out, but something just isn’t clicking anymore. Maybe you love what you do but feel uninspired by your industry. Or perhaps your field is experiencing instability, and you’re looking for a more sustainable path forward.

An Industry Shift allows you to apply your existing expertise in a brand-new environment. For example, my former client Erin was doing outsourced HR for an agency but after digging in realized that she loved the work of HR but being dedicated to one employer to improve their workforce aligned better with her values.

This type of career change is often the most seamless because you’re bringing a strong foundation of transferable skills to the table. The key to making this shift successfully? Understanding how your skills align with the new industry’s needs and effectively communicating that in your job search.

Type Two: The Small Shift

Same industry, slightly different role.

If you enjoy your industry but feel like you’ve outgrown your role or want to specialize, a Small Shift might be the best move. This change involves transitioning into a role that’s still related to your current work but allows you to refine your expertise or pivot in a new direction.

For example, my former client Laura was passionate about education but was exhausted from being in the classroom as a teacher. We branched out to see how her strengths, values, and experience could translate and landed her a job doing Program Management in an educational nonprofit.

This type of shift is ideal for those who want a change but aren’t quite ready for a full reset. It often requires additional training, certifications, or refining your skill set, but the learning curve is much smaller than a total career switch.

Type Three: The Total Switch

New industry, new role - time for a fresh start.

If you’re ready to reinvent your career entirely, the Total Switch is for you. This is the most significant type of career change because it involves stepping into a completely different industry and type of work.

An example of a total switch would be my client, Jessica. She worked for her family’s company doing a wide variety of work from administrative support to billing. And when the company shut its doors, Jessica was ready to explore what else was out there. She landed on pursuing UX which required her to take a bootcamp to develop her skills within that new field.

This level of career change often requires extensive upskilling, networking, and sometimes a step back in seniority to gain experience in the new field. However, with the right strategy, leveraging transferable skills, gaining new certifications, and connecting with people in your target industry, it’s entirely possible to make the leap successfully.

Which Career Change Is Right for You?

Before making a move, ask yourself:

? What’s driving my desire for change - boredom, burnout, lack of growth, or something else?

? Do I want to leverage my current skill set, or am I ready to build something new?

? How much risk am I comfortable with - financially, professionally, and emotionally?

Your career journey is uniquely yours, and there’s no right or wrong path, only the one that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Whether you’re shifting industries, refining your role, or diving into something entirely new, the key is intentionality, preparation, and a willingness to embrace change.

Thinking about a career change but unsure where to start? Let’s connect! Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation call here to learn more.