Thinking of Pivoting Into A New Career?

Making a career change can be daunting. You may have spent years building up your skills and experience in a particular field, only to find yourself at a crossroads, feeling burnt out, and wondering if you should stay the course or make a change. If you’re feeling stuck in your career, you’re not alone. A recent study found that 50% of Americans are unhappy with their jobs, and only 13% feel engaged at work. If you’re longing for a career change but don’t know where to begin, here are five steps to help you make a successful pivot:

  1. Define your goals.
    Before making any changes, it’s important to set, define, and understand your goals. What are you hoping to achieve in your new career? What are you lacking in your current role that’s urging you toward something different? What do you want to achieve in your career? Are you looking for more responsibility, a higher salary, or more flexible hours? What are your interests, skills, and values? Do you want to work for a company that shares your values? Do you want to make a difference in the world? Consider your values when making a career change to ensure you’re happy and fulfilled in your new role. Once you know what you’re striving for, you can start to look for positions that will help you meet your goals.
  2. Research your options.
    Now that you’ve defined your goals and have an idea of what direction you’d like to take, it’s time to actually research your options. There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing a new career. Use resources like job search engines, LinkedIn, and networking sites to learn about different roles and companies. Some of these resources even offer suggestions that you may be a good fit for based on your current skill set, and even recommend skills to build into your repertoire to help you pivot into a new field. You can also talk to friends, family, and colleagues to get their perspectives. Sometimes it can be challenging to consider the breadth of your own expertise, and discussing your goals and options with loved ones can provide insight you may not have previously considered.
  3. Consider your finances.
    As you research what options are available, it’s important to take a look at your financial situation to determine what’s right for you. Making a career change can have a big impact on your finances. If you’re considering a lower-paying job, make sure you have a plan in place to cover your expenses. Can you afford to take a pay cut? Do you have enough savings to tide you over during the transition? You may need to make some sacrifices in the short-term, but it’s important to make sure you can still cover your basic needs.
  4. Get some experience.
    If you’re changing careers, you may need to get some experience in your new field in order to be successful in the roles you’re applying for. This can be done through internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs. Consider taking courses or getting on-the-job training to make the transition. Gaining experience will not only help you learn more about your new career, but it will also make you more competitive when you’re ready to apply for jobs.
  5. Devise a plan.
    Making a career change can be overwhelming, so it’s important to have a plan to help guide you through the process. Start by breaking down your overall goals into smaller ones that you can realistically achieve. Then, create a timeline for each goal. For example, if your goal is to find a job in your new career, you might set a goal of applying for 10 jobs per week. Finally, don’t forget to give yourself some grace. Making a career change is a big undertaking, and it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly. It can also be a stressful process, so it’s important to have a strong support system in place. Who is your support system? Talk to your family and friends about your plans, and look for a mentor or career coach who can help you through the transition. At Browning Associates, we provide professional career guidance until the end of your contract term giving you every chance of success.

Pivoting into a new field can be a big decision, but it can also be a great way to rejuvenate your career and achieve your goals. If you’re considering a change, take the time to evaluate your goals, skills, and values to ensure you’re making the right decision for you, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Browning Associates. We’re here to help you fulfill your purpose and find your path!

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