Source: iStock/gorodenkoff
The average person changes jobs an average of nine times during their career, and there are many reasons why someone might want to change the role that they work in. For example, they might want to pursue a more challenging career path, be looking to earn a higher salary, experience a better work-life balance or simply want to explore new interests.
However, you might be in two minds about whether or not a career change is the right decision for you. Read on to find out how to tell if it's time to consider a career change.
Consider your reasons for a new career
Before you begin the process of looking for a new job, give yourself some time to assess why you want to do that:
- Boredom or lack of satisfaction: If you don't find satisfaction and meaning in what you do during your working day, your thoughts will most likely wander to other employment opportunities.
- Money and benefits: Salary and benefits are often a primary reason why many people start a job search. Perhaps through communications with friends within your industry or after reading articles on the internet, you've determined more lucrative opportunities do exist.
- New interests: Many people make career changes throughout their lives as new interests and passions develop.
- Job sustainability: Perhaps you see that new technology may replace your position in the future or even shut down the company that employs you.
Steps to take when considering a career change
If you’re certain you want to take the leap and change your career, consider the following steps to make a change:
- Communicate with your management and Human Resources team about your desire for a more challenging position. Most companies don't want or expect employees to work the same job for decades. An open dialogue may pave the way for the perfect opportunity within the same place of employment.
- Plan by researching the job or industry you may want to pursue. Read forecast articles on the industry's future as well as reviews from employees already in similar positions. Glassdoor is a helpful resource for finding out what it’s like to work in particular organisations, giving you a good overview of what to expect if you switch to a new type of company.
- Enhance your skills by taking relative courses and seminars, or by shadowing someone who works in the type of role you’re interested in. This will not only improve your skills, but also provide you with hands-on experience in that type of work.
- Make sure the timing makes sense. If your current job still offers more learning opportunities, you may not want to pursue a new position so soon.
- Clean up your social media accounts to make sure they don't reflect negativity regarding your current position.
Read our blog on how to find a job in another industry for more advice on how to conduct a successful career change.
Does your CV reflect the qualifications you'll need for a new job?
Your CV particularly represents an important tool when considering a position in a related field. For example, if you currently work in the oil and gas industry, you may want to consider making the switch to obtaining a position in renewable energy.
To prepare for such a career change and make sure your CV reflects your readiness, you'll first need to determine what type of position you want. You will then need to prepare by honing your skills and education. High-level jobs in renewable energy jobs such as solar project management, energy consultant, or wind farm developer often require experience or qualifications in related fields such as Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or Renewable Energy.
We can help you with your career goals
Making a change in your career can be very exciting, especially if you have a plan in place to help you make the transition.
Here at Airswift, we have more than 40 years of experience servicing the energy, process, infrastructure, mining and technology industries.
With our unrivalled global presence, understanding of tax regulations, labour and payroll, we can support you at every stage of the recruitment process.
Get started today! Register with our job board and set up alerts for notifications tailored to your job search.
This post was written by: Rob Jones, Recruitment Director at Airswift
