Is it Time for a Career Change?

What is a career change? 

Simply put, a career change is a move from your current job to a different type of role. For example, you may currently be working in IT and decide you want to pursue a new venture in baking. This would be considered a career change. 

Why do people change career? 

The reasons why people decide to change career are varied. Everyone will have different reasons for their change, and some might be making more drastic changes than others. These are some of the most common reasons people often cite for changing careers: 

• Improving work-life balance 
• Increasing salary 
• Pursuing their passion 
• Working with new leadership 
• Seeking a new challenge 
• Career advancement 
• Burnout 
• Work flexibility 

People change careers because they want something different in their work lives. This could be for better job satisfaction, more money, less stress, or simply to follow a passion. Sometimes, it's about finding a better work-life balance or adapting to changes in the job market.   

There are also more personal matters for changing careers, such as becoming a stay-at-home parent or suffering an illness.  

Should I change career? 

If you relate to these common reasons for changing careers, then it could potentially be the right time for you to make the move. It is a big decision however, so it’s important to focus on the pros and cons that could come with leaving your current role and entering a new one. 

Here are some potential pros and cons of changing careers: 

Pros: 

• Increased Job Satisfaction: A new career can align better with your interests and values, leading to greater fulfilment. 
• Skill Development: Learning new skills can be exciting and open up future opportunities. 
• Better Work-Life Balance: A career change might offer more flexibility or less stress. 
• Higher Earning Potential: A new field could provide better pay or benefits. 
• Personal Growth: Embracing change can build confidence and resilience. 

Cons: 

• Likely Probationary Period: Starting a new job often comes with a probation period, which can feel unstable. 
• Potential Increased Anxiety: Adjusting to a new role or environment can be stressful. 
• Starting Over: Building a reputation and network in a new field takes time and effort. 
• Financial Risk: There could be a pay cut or loss of benefits during the transition. 
• Skill Gaps: You may need additional training or qualifications when starting a new career. Our online qualifications hub can help you with this. 

If you are considering a career change then it’s likely that you would have thought about these pros and cons already, at least subconsciously. While it may sound scary when you look at it on paper, it’s also important to note that these are potential cons, along with potential pros.  

Depending on how the role you move into aligns with your goals and skills, it’s highly likely that the pros will outweigh the cons. 

How can I change career? 

If you decide to change career, you first need to decide which career path you want to pursue, and what you want to gain from this change.  

There are thousands of online quizzes online with the goal of helping you find out what role you should move into, this could be a good start. If you’re looking for more bespoke advice, then a careers advisor may help you to discover what will align best with your goals. 

Once you know what career you want to move into, then it’s wise to start reviewing the potential job opportunities to see if the move will be viable. Look at job listing platforms like Indeed, Reed, or Total Jobs and see what’s available within roles that interest you. 

You may notice that you are missing certain skills, knowledge, or qualifications required to move into your new role. Before you start applying for jobs, it’s a good idea to gain the skills and qualifications you need in order to show hiring managers that you have done the necessary research, and that you’re well prepared for the role. We have a huge range of online qualifications available on our website, including free Level 2 and Level 3, 100+ short courses, paid courses, and apprenticeships. 

Once you have decided which industry you would like to work in and have acquired all the skills needed to make the change, you can start applying for roles! Remember to research the role and industry, speak to employees in the current role, and stand out from the crowd to secure your move.