Perhaps you’re itching for something new, or your current gig just isn’t doing it for you anymore. Or, let’s be real, you’re just ready to shake things up. After months (or maybe years) of thinking it through, you’ve decided it’s time for a career shift. Big move! But before you take the plunge, here are three mistakes you’ll want to avoid to make the process easier.
Thinking You Have to Start Over
If you’ve worked hard to build your career, the idea of starting from scratch can be terrifying. But guess what? Most career transitions aren’t as dramatic as they seem. In fact, 14.5% of people who change careers do so to move up, not start over. So, you don’t have to toss all your skills out the window.
Your career toolkit probably includes a bunch of transferable skills that can make your transition a whole lot easier. A good place to start is by looking over your job description and listing the skills you’ve developed. What’s versatile? What could work in a totally different role? You’d be surprised how much of it can translate to a different career path.
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Let’s say you’re a customer service pro wanting to become a project manager. Think about it: Your experience dealing with clients, solving problems, and working with people from different departments can help you a lot in your new role. You’ve already got more in your corner than you realize.
And if you’re worried about not having all the perfect skills lined up, don’t sweat it. Instead, focus on developing adjacent skills: those related abilities that build on what you already know and make it easier to learn new stuff. If you’re great at graphic design, web design isn’t a far stretch. Your eye for detail and understanding of how visual elements impact user experience will make the transition much easier, and you’ll tackle websites confidently in no time.
Believing You Need to Go Back to School
Some folks believe that grabbing a new degree, whether a master’s or a bachelor’s, will magically solve their career dilemmas and land them their dream job. Spoiler alert: that’s not always true.
Sure, if you plan on becoming a lawyer, you’ll need a law degree. But for many other fields, you’ve got a lot more flexibility. Thinking about jumping from teaching to digital marketing? No need to drop everything for a marketing degree. A knack for creating engaging content and managing projects can be just as valuable. In areas like digital marketing or project management, practical skills, certifications, and hands-on experience often hold more weight than a new degree.
So, what’s the best way to gain relevant experience without heading to school? Volunteering or side hustles can be a great way to expand your expertise. Managing social media for a local charity or working to promote an event could help you build your portfolio and network at the same time. If you want to dip your toes in freelance writing or consulting, that’s another excellent way to showcase your talents to potential employers. You don’t need a new diploma to show you’ve got the chops.
Burning Bridges
We get it: leaving a job can be a mix of relief and excitement. But no matter how ready you are to move on, don’t forget that your relationships matter. Future employers will care about how you handled that exit, and a bad track record can make it tough to land that next opportunity.
The business world is smaller than you think, and you never know when you’ll cross paths with an old coworker or need their reference. That’s why staying on good terms is so important; it keeps doors open and your reputation solid.
One way to avoid burning bridges is to stay professional throughout your career shift. Show appreciation to your team, leaders, and even potential employers for the role they’ve played in your journey. A lasting impression goes a long way, so make sure to smoothly hand off responsibilities and leave on a high note.
Long-term success isn’t just about getting the next job; it’s about growing your professional network, even after you’ve moved on. Your connections can open doors to new clients, jobs, mentors, you name it. Spending time cultivating those relationships now will pay off down the line.
Switching careers is a big leap, and feeling a mix of excitement and nerves is natural. But remember, this is your chance to take control of your future. With the right approach, it can be one of the most rewarding steps you’ll ever take. Stay focused, be strategic, and believe in the value you bring. Rooting for you!
Forbes
