Career change: How to get started? 9 tips

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You’re not the only one wondering about how to begin a career. The Great Resignation, which saw a 20 percent increase of mid-career resignations between 2020 and 2021, began in 2021 as more people began to reconsider their career goals. This guide will review some tips on how to begin a career and provide you […]

You’re not the only one wondering about how to begin a career.

The Great Resignation, which saw a 20 percent increase of mid-career resignations between 2020 and 2021, began in 2021 as more people began to reconsider their career goals.

This guide will review some tips on how to begin a career and provide you with motivational stories of celebrity successes.

Find out what you are interested in
List your experiences
Learn new skills
Job Options Research
Select your choices
Explore a different career field
Be Flexible
network
Job Application

1. Find out what you are interested in

Start by doing some self-reflection. Think about your interests and natural talents.

You can also ask yourself what you dislike about your job or would change. You can visualize the perfect job by writing down your interests and goals.

2. List your experiences

You will need to start a career by getting a job. You’ll need to update your resume in order to pursue a different career.

Compare your skills and experience with the job market. Explore your strengths and see if they can be transferred to your future career.

3. Learn new skills

You might not possess all of the necessary skills or experience to change careers. This is especially true if you’re in a completely different career field. It’s a great idea to dedicate some time towards learning new skills. It may be necessary to enroll in some classes to help you make the switch.

4. Search for job opportunities

To start a career or pursue new endeavors, you need to do research. Find out more not just about your chosen career but other areas in which you could succeed.

Look at the job description, website of the company and current employee’s experience.

Self-employment tax is different from what you pay in a normal job. If you are considering going it alone, you should keep this in mind.

5. Limit your choices

Try to reduce the list to just a handful of career options and positions that you feel are most in line with your goals and skills. You can use a test to assess your career or make a list with pros and cons of the various careers.

6. Consider a different career path

You can test out a career without committing to it. You can learn about careers by volunteering in the field, or even shadowing someone who is in that position.

7. Flexible

Flexibility is one aspect of starting a career that can be challenging. Open your mind to the possibilities and be prepared to adapt your schedule, your tasks and your salary.

8. Network

Whatever field you decide to enter, you can benefit from networking. Building relationships and connecting with others in the new field will help you understand what you can expect on the job, and may even introduce you to prospective employers.

9. Job Applications

It’s now time to apply for jobs. Do not be discouraged if you are going through a change in career. Instead, make sure to use the unique experiences that you have gained and communicate them with employers.

How do you start a career?

A new career is about changing careers, regardless of whether you are moving to a different role or industry. It’s a great opportunity to take on new challenges and explore different paths. You can also earn more money, or even pursue a long-held dream.

While pursuing a change in career can be stressful, it also has many advantages.

Being challenged

If you’ve been in the same career for many years, but feel unchallenged by it, then perhaps a change of careers is needed. A career change can be a great way to expand your skills and knowledge, and you’ll also get the chance to work in new environments. You will meet people with different backgrounds and experience new challenges.

A new goal

We all want a sense of purpose, and this is especially true when it comes our career. A new career can help you find new meaning in your job and motivate you to try something different.

A renewed sense of purpose at work can help boost productivity and make you happier. A 2019 study found that happier workers were 13% more productive.

Increase your salary

A higher income is associated with a greater sense of well-being, and a more fulfilling life. A career change can be a great way to improve your salary. When starting a career, you can leverage your previous experience to get a higher salary.

Start by evaluating your compensation to see what you could achieve and if a raise in pay would be sufficient.

Find a healthier work environment HTML0

Your work environment can sometimes influence your decision to change careers. Unhealthy work environments can cause stress, reduced productivity and burnout.

You may not be happy in your workplace even if it is healthy. You can find a healthier workplace and better fit for yourself by changing careers.

Changing your schedule

Starting a new job can help you improve your daily routine, whether you have a regular 9-5 schedule or a more flexible one. You may be able to change your work schedule or have a more flexible job depending on what career you decide.

Things to think about when beginning a career

There are a few things you should consider before making a complete career change.

Career change motives

It’s crucial to know why you are looking for a change of career. Knowing your motivations can help determine if a career change is right for you.

Before exploring new career options, ask yourself these questions:

What is your motivation for changing careers?
Do you feel tired of your career?
What are your future goals?
You think that you are more qualified in another area?
Are you satisfied with your compensation?

If you want to know how your location affects you financially, you can use our Cost-of-Living Calculator.

Financial plans

It is important to be financially prepared when changing jobs. A financial plan can prepare you for the possibility that you may not have work during a transitional period.

Look at the emergency savings you have and your upcoming expenses. Determine if you are able to go without work for several months or if your present job is better.

Experience required

Each career has its own requirements for experience, just like when you first start working. Research the career field to determine if you have sufficient experience for a change.

Ask yourself if you have the time and are willing to work extra to acquire new skills.

Change in routine

It is common for people to get into a habit and adjust to that routine. When choosing a career, you should also consider whether or not you’re willing to alter your routine.

If you are starting a career which requires night shifts, it may mean a change in hours, commute, and sleep schedule.

Five celebrities who have successfully changed careers

Even if you’re starting your career later in life, you’re not the only one. Many famous people have also been in this position. Consider these celebrities that have changed careers.

1. Julia Child

Julia Child, the legendary chef and author of French cuisines didn’t begin her French cooking ventures till later in life. Julia Child worked as a typist, research assistant and CIA CIA before publishing her first book at 49.

She developed a passion for cooking when she moved from New York to Paris.

2. Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani shows anyone who is considering a career change that they don’t need to stay with their first choice. Giorgio Armani studied pharmacy at Milan University and then joined the Army.

After working at a hospital for military personnel, he switched to a career as an apparel salesperson. This led to him designing clothing.

3. Retta

You probably would not have known that Retta was preparing herself for a career in white collar work by attending medical school. Retta’s acting skills and her stand-up humor probably weren’t developed from her pre-med courses. She took the leap of faith to leave her chemistry post-college job and pursue a life in acting.

4. Colonel Sanders

Colonel Sanders shows that you can take many paths to success in your career — as well as enjoy some finger-lickin’ good fried chicken.

He changed careers many times before he created his KFC restaurant empire at 65. After working as a farmer, an insurance agent and enlisting with the U.S. Army he finally achieved success by sharing his chicken recipe.

5. Vera Wang

Vera Wang is a great example to follow if you are worried about making a major career change. She was a ice skater before she became renowned for her wedding dresses.

Vera Wang started ice-skating as a young child, and she competed at national championships. She was disappointed when she did not qualify for the Olympics but her frustration brought her her first job in fashion at Vogue magazine where she discovered her love of fashion.