Stop Thinking About a Career Change: Take Action Instead

If you're thinking about a career change, you're in good company. An estimated 65% of US workers say they're actively looking for new full-time jobs. Many are looking to enter new career fields.

A new career can open up new opportunities and provide job satisfaction. It can also increase your earning potential. This allows you to achieve financial freedom sooner. But it's one thing to think about making a career change and another to actually take action.

Many people get stuck in the thinking phase, putting off making a move until it's too late. Why does this happen? What can you do today to kickstart your career change plan?

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Obstacles Standing Between You and a Career Change

There's nothing wrong with thinking about a career change. But overthinking this step can keep you stuck in the same place. Finding out why you can't seem to get out of the thinking phase is the first step to taking action. Here are some of the reasons why people overthink career changes.

Fear of the Unknown

Changing careers means venturing into unknown territory and taking a risk. It's hard to predict how things will turn out. The fact is not all career shifts lead to eventual Career Success.

Many people thinking about a career change fixate on what could go wrong. Such thoughts can be paralyzing and keep you in one place.

Leaving Job Security Behind

A stable job means financial certainty. Thinking about leaving that behind can be daunting. People worry they won't find something else or the new job will not be as secure.

You may not have the experience and qualifications employers value. Any job you find may not present the same security you currently have. That's scary, and for valid reasons!

Waiting for the Perfect Plan

Perfectionism can be a major obstacle to taking action. Thinking you need a foolproof plan before making a move can prevent you from doing anything at all.

Some people also feel they don't have enough information about their new career field. They think that their skills are not good enough for the job. These thoughts keep them stuck in the same place and unable to take any action.

Opinions of Others

Societal pressure can make it hard to take action. Thinking only of others' opinions can prevent you from taking steps to change careers.

You may feel like a failure if you quit your job and try something new. Especially when family members or friends aren't supportive. Such thoughts can stop you in your tracks.

Time Constraints

There are only so many hours in your day. People overestimate how much time they need to switch careers. Thinking that you don't have enough time to work on transitioning into a new field keeps you in the same field.

Others think they're too old to switch careers. Thinking that you'll need to start from scratch and it won't be worth the effort can stop you from progress.

Thinking About a Career Change? Take Action!

The good news is that you don't have to stay stuck when it comes to changing careers. Thinking about a career change can actually be helpful as long as it leads to action. Here are 7 small actions you can take to get this transition started.

1. Find the time

Achieving career success requires deliberate action. You need to put in the hours to move closer to your goal. Rather than thinking about making a change, schedule time to work on your transition plan.

Start by outlining your career goals in your chosen field. This way, you'll have something to work towards. And when you achieve it, it'll be easier to know that you have.

This is also a good time to develop the skills that'll be relevant in your desired career. You may even want to take a course or two to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

2. Do your research

Learn as much as you can about your desired career. Researching it will help you understand what's involved and whether it's a good match for you.

Talk to people who are already in the field, if possible. Ask them about their experiences. Find out what challenges they faced when making the switch. This will give you an idea of how hard it is to make a successful transition into this new career path.

You can also read books, blogs, and articles related to your chosen profession. Whatever resources you use, be sure that they are from reliable sources.

3. Evaluate Your Skills

Once you've done some research, assess your current skill set and see what you need to do to get up-to-speed. Thinking through this process can help you understand the steps needed.

If you're thinking of breaking into a career in tech sales, you'll need to be familiar with the tech industry. Get the customer service skills and sales techniques necessary in this field.

At this point, you should also review the job postings in your new field of interest. Analyze the qualifications listed in each post. Figure out how they match up with your current skill set. This will give you a better idea of which areas need improvement. What extra skills do you need before making a move?

You may even want to look for mentors who can provide more guidance as you pursue your career change.

4. Make New Connections

Networking is an essential part of career success. It's especially important when you're making such a big move as a career change. But only thinking about connections won't open any doors for you. Instead, try to attend events in your desired field or industry. These include seminars, conferences, and workshops.

You can also join professional associations related to your chosen field. This is a great way to meet people who have made successful career changes before. Find out how they did it and what challenges they faced along the way.

Don't forget to use social media platforms to increase your connections. That could mean sending out LinkedIn messages to ask for advice about the field you are looking to enter. This will be useful when it comes time to look for job opportunities.

5. Update Your Resume and Profiles

You may not be applying for jobs yet. But, updating your resume and networking profiles is still a good idea. While you’re still thinking about a career change, update your profile. This time of reflection is the perfect time to do it.

Your resume should reflect all your relevant skills and experience. This includes any applicable courses you've taken or certifications you've achieved recently. Make sure that it's tailored to the job you want. Employers look at resumes based on the field they're in.

Your networking profiles should highlight what makes you stand out from other applicants. Your personal statement should emphasize your interest in the industry. It should showcase any unique skills that make you a valuable asset to employers.

6. Organize Your Finances

Making a career change has financial implications. Thinking about the financial impact of a career change is essential for success.

Start by creating a budget that takes into account your current income and expenses. This will allow you to determine how much money you need to make to maintain your lifestyle. Research potential careers. See what kind of salary they offer so you can make an informed decision. Calculate the cost of any education or training needed before switching careers. Consider applying for grants or scholarships to help cover the cost.

You should also look into saving accounts, investments, and other savings options. You're going to rely on these during times when you're not working or making less money than usual. Thinking ahead will help ensure that you don't get caught off guard when it's time to make the switch.

7. Take the Leap

When you've done all the research and weighed your options, it's time to take the leap of faith. Thinking can only take you so far. Now it's time to start actually making a career change.

Start small by testing out different job roles in your desired field. You can do this through part-time or freelance work or even as an unpaid intern. This will give you an idea of what it takes to succeed in that particular industry... without the commitment.

Once you're sure that this is the right move for you, start applying for full-time jobs in the field.

Make a Successful Career Change With Uvaro

A career change is a massive move, and it's easy to get stuck in the planning stage. But it's important to take action instead of only thinking about a career change. With the right preparation, you can make a successful career change. And, you'll flourish in your new field!

As you embark on your career transition, let Uvaro be your partner. Our personalized Career Coaching can help you find the right path for you. Take advantage of our resources today. Make your dream of a fulfilling career transition a reality.

Thinking about making a career change and ready to take action? Download our Career Success Catalog today and embark on your next journey with Uvaro.