Change can be daunting when it comes to careers. From being unhappy in your current position to facing unemployment, starting over is never an easy feat. But it doesn't have to be overwhelming; new opportunities await!
However, switching careers doesn't have to mean starting at the bottom. A "bridge job" can help facilitate an easy transition.
Make a List of Your Current Skills
Switching careers can often seem like taking a leap into the unknown. Before making your decision, it is wise to reflect upon and evaluate your current skills and interests before selecting an area of specialization for your new venture.
Your current career may have reached its potential and advancement is no longer feasible; or perhaps your interest in one industry has grown, prompting a desire to move into that sector.
Make a list of both your current and desired career skills, to identify any gaps that need filling through additional education or on-the-job training. Also consider any nonprofessional experiences you've gained such as volunteering or participating in nonprofessional activities that might prove useful later.
Look for a Bridge Job
Bridge jobs might not seem like progress in your career path at first glance; indeed, some might view them as taking you down an unwise path; but these temporary lateral moves may provide just what's needed to advance you further down your chosen career path. Such jobs provide time and money to develop unique credentials for new fields as well as networking opportunities that may present themselves later on.
Taken up as an option by people wanting to transition careers, taking on temporary retail or service industry work such as waiting tables or driving for rideshare companies is a common way of transitioning. But during a recessionary job market, taking this route may make it harder to land interviews and secure new roles without income coming in from outside sources.
If you find yourself in this predicament, it is crucial that you put aside your pride and look for frontline jobs until a more suitable opportunity presents itself.
Make a Plan for the Future
Successful career transitions take hard work, so the best way to manage it is to divide the process up into smaller steps and break it down gradually. Doing this helps alleviate some of the burden while simultaneously helping keep you focused and consistent in your efforts.
Before leaving your current job, it is also crucial that you begin building relationships in your new field. This will provide essential support should you switch careers within your own company.
Research indicates that switching departments within an organization can have detrimental effects on both productivity and morale, with switching employees typically performing much worse than their stable-mates. Good leaders should encourage open lines of communication with all team members while considering redeployment options if their current roles don't suit them, saving valuable talent while increasing overall morale across their company.
Make a Plan for Continuing Education
Continuing education is crucial for anyone hoping to advance in their career. Attending professional events to meet new contacts or taking online courses to acquire new skills can give you an edge against competitors and land more lucrative job offers.
Some fields, like nursing or teacher training, have specific education requirements that must be fulfilled in order to enter them; as a first step to entering these professions. But for those looking to switch careers altogether there are other alternatives - from boot camps and online courses to graduate degrees that will prepare them for new industries.
Planned career transitions can be key to your success, as well as alleviate any unnecessary anxiety or confusion later. Take some time to assess both current and potential skillsets; establish what support is needed; and create a timeline that fits with your goals.
