How You Can Make a Major Career Change

You want to break into a new market. You’re ready to totally overhaul your career. Where do you start?

Think about these ideas before you dive into the deep end.

Identify Your Goals

When it comes to making a career change, it’s essential that you know what you really want. If you’re going to make a decision to pivot in your field or even to switch to a totally new field, you need to know what you’re up against and you need to know if the pay-off is worth the risk and the effort.

Start by thinking specifically about what your end goal looks like. Are you looking for more flexibility in a career? More interpersonal connection? More pay potential? As you ask yourself questions about what you really want from your career, figure out if making a major career change is the only way to accomplish those goals. You might discover an alternate path that could work just as well if not better.

Follow Licensing Requirements

Another important thing to think about when it comes to making a career shift are the necessary licenses you may need to acquire. Many industries have stricter licensing requirements than others.

So, you need to make sure that you are actually prepared for a career in a new field with the necessary qualifications.

Do your homework beforehand to weigh the opportunity cost and to figure out which licenses are essential that you get, and which ones are more optional. Doing this research will help you set a plan for yourself for acquiring necessary licenses and then making your career shift.

Use Your Time Well

While it’s important to strive to always use your time well, it’s especially important to pay attention to your time usage when it comes to making a career change. When you’re thinking about making a major pivot, time is of the essence.

Before you actually quit your current job to start your new one, you need to manage your time well so that you are able to do your homework beforehand. When you are prepared and know what you’re getting into, you’ll be much better able to have a successful career change.

Don’t be afraid to try something new! You spend way too much time at work to get stuck doing something that you don’t like doing. Get out there, go after your dreams, and see what you can do!

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