Changing careers can be a daunting yet exciting process, especially if you’ve spent years honing your skills in one industry. But as time passes, your career path may no longer align with your goals, interests, or values. I’ve experienced burnout, a lack of fulfillment, and a need for a better work-life balance. 

All three sparked the need for a career change. 

Whether you’re looking for more satisfying work or new challenges, transitioning to a new field can bring fresh opportunities. This guide will walk you through how to go about changing careers and finding new opportunities.

Assess Your Current Situation and Identify the Need for Change

Before jumping into a career change, assess your current situation and why you’re considering a shift. Are you feeling unfulfilled in your current role, or is there a deeper disconnect between your career and your long-term goals? I’ve been through career changes multiple times, and I’ve always felt that self-reflection is undervalued.

Here are some steps to get you started: 

  1. Reflect on what’s driving your decision to change careers.
  2. Consider your personal interests, strengths, and values. 
  3. Ask yourself: "What do I enjoy most about my work? What areas of my current job leave me feeling unmotivated?" 
  4. Identify your transferable skills — abilities you’ve honed in your current career that you can apply to a new field (e.g., strong communication, project management, or problem-solving skills).

This self-assessment will help you know when to change your career and guide you in selecting a new path that better aligns with your goals.

Research New Career Opportunities

Once you've identified your reasons for change, research potential career paths to ensure you’re making an informed decision about your future. It’s essential to understand what gaps exist in your current skill set and what you’ll need to address before making the leap. 

Start by exploring industries that are growing or have a high demand for talent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in healthcare, technology, and renewable energy are expanding and offer a range of job opportunities. 

Use resources like the Occupational Mobility Explorer from the Federal Reserve Bank to learn how your current skills overlap with potential new (better-paying) roles.

I’ve found that online tools like MyNextMove.org, job boards like LinkedIn or Glassdoor, and 1:1 job shadowing are excellent ways to dive deeper into specific roles. This will give you a sense of the real-life qualifications and day-to-day requirements for your new career. 

Gain the Necessary Skills and Education

Changing careers often requires new skills and sometimes additional education or certification, depending on the field. But don’t be discouraged — there are many flexible and accessible ways to gain the skills you need.

  • Education: Start by looking into online courses or workshops to build expertise in your chosen field. If you’re considering a career in a highly regulated industry, like health care or finance, you may need to pursue more formal education, like a degree or certification program.
  • Network: Additionally, build connections with professionals in your desired field to gain advice on what skills and qualifications are most important. They may even provide mentorship as you navigate the transition. 
  • Experience: If possible, consider gaining hands-on experience in your new field through part-time, freelance, or volunteer opportunities. I once volunteered as a nonprofit social media manager to build my resume and give me a clearer understanding of a marketer’s day-to-day job.

Build a Strategic Transition Plan

Changing careers, especially in a recession, takes time, planning, and patience. To stay on track, it’s essential to build a strategic transition plan.

  • Goal-Setting: Start by setting clear, realistic goals for both the short and long term. A short-term goal might be enrolling in a course or updating your resume and LinkedIn profile. A long-term goal could be applying for jobs, gaining experience, and securing a position in your new field.
  • Timeline: When will you complete your necessary training or certifications? When will you start applying for jobs? Having a clear roadmap ensures you remain focused and proactive throughout the transition.
  • Financial Planning: A career change may involve a temporary salary reduction or a period of unemployment. Create a budget and save up for financial security so you can focus on your career change without undue stress. 
  • Support System: Talk to a career coach, mentor, or peers who have gone through similar changes. I’ve asked professional connections I trust for advice during a career change, and it’s always provided the motivation I need.

Navigate the Job Search and Interview Process

Once you've gained the necessary skills and built a transition plan, it's time to start the job search. Switching careers can be intimidating, but with the right approach, you’ll find your path.

  • Identify companies or organizations that align with your new career goals. Research their mission, values, and company culture to ensure they’re a good fit. At the very least, read their website’s “About” page and Glassdoor reviews.
  • Attend industry conferences, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals in your target field to learn about job opportunities. Don’t be afraid to reach out for informational interviews (“Hey, can I buy you a coffee and pick your brain on something?”). These can provide invaluable insights and help you make connections.
  • Practice communicating the value of your career change. Hiring managers will want to understand why you’re making the switch and how your transferable skills apply to the new role. In the interview, explain how your past experience equips you for success in this new field and back it up with examples from your work history.

Changing Your Career

Changing careers is a major decision, but it can be incredibly rewarding. By carefully assessing your current situation, researching new opportunities, acquiring the necessary skills, and building a solid transition plan, you can navigate the process with confidence.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career journey, check out our Career Quiz to discover potential new paths tailored to your interests and skills.