School district leaders continue to worry about student readiness for higher education and future professions. This is especially true of traditionally underserved populations, where less than 8% of those surveyed knew what to do after high school. 

Most students feel underprepared or lack the resources to discern a definite career path. Many may succumb to family or peer pressure and pursue a field they later regret choosing. Some feel stressed about changing their career paths, even if the grass is greener on the other side. 

They may undergo a mid-career crisis or a slump that becomes difficult to get out of. It can be daunting to act on the idea of switching career paths for most people. Fear of failure, uncertainty of the future, and doubts about earning potential can make it difficult to move forward. 

If you’re in a similar crisis, this article is for you. Here, we will discuss three useful tips that can serve as a foundation for a career change. Keep reading to understand when and how to leap. The sooner you develop the right mindset, the easier your transition will be.

Identify if a Switch is Needed 

The first step in making a career change is to identify whether it is truly necessary. At times, you may do better in the existing role. In this case, staying where you are makes sense.

Introspect the reason for a change, and decide whether it is worthwhile. This step is crucial because you want to be sure that other factors are not responsible for a slump in your career. 

For instance, your workplace is not allowing you the scope to grow. Your skills may go undervalued or you may be experiencing a poor work-life balance. A slump may also be the result of a misalignment between your and your employer’s values. Be thorough with the evaluation to make a realistic choice. 

If these are the reasons behind your sense of professional dissatisfaction, then you simply need to find a more dynamic workplace. Apply for the same role in different companies and assess their work culture. Sometimes, a lack of purpose and procrastination can also lead to job dissatisfaction. 

If that’s the case, then you need to adopt steps that eliminate distractions, break tasks into smaller parts, and create personal deadlines and priorities. However, studies have found that an increasing number of US workers are unhappy with nearly every aspect of their jobs. 

If you can relate, it’s time to change your profession entirely and start anew. Putting this off to the future will have you trapped in a vicious cycle of dreading Mondays and living for the weekends.  

Research and Acquire Relevant Credentials 

Let’s say you’ve been working as a network manager in the telecommunications sector. The burnout and monotony have become intolerable for a while. 

After much-needed soul searching and assessment, you’ve realized that it’s time to pursue your dream of helping people. Roles that fit your life goals would be available in the healthcare field, particularly nursing. 

Now, a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN program would take four years to complete. As a mid-career option, this may seem too tedious. Instead, you can choose an online accelerated BSN course which can be completed within 16 months. 

Do keep in mind that such courses will take a lot more focused effort given the short completion time. The good news is they will help you serve your community in a meaningful way much quicker than conventional programs.

What’s more, your salary potential is also high after pursuing such programs. According to Online ABSN Programs, average salaries in nursing start over $85,000. We have just given an example for better understanding. 

No matter which field you choose to switch to, conduct proper research. Acquire the required credentials and certifications followed by work experience. Remember that there are no shortcuts. Accelerated courses may be available to help you save time but buckle up to double your efforts and study hard. 

Do Not Rely on Your Existing Network 

Job hopping in itself has become a defining feature of modern-day work. Career experts today even believe that it is no longer a red flag and could be the best way to advance in one’s profession. 

If employers are willing to overlook job hopping in their pursuit to hire the best talent, it’s surely safe to change professions. This means you can no longer rely on your existing professional network to seek help, guidance, and references for future jobs. 

The answer is straightforward: your current connections are likely to be deeply rooted within your old industry. Your present circle will not be able to offer the necessary knowledge, influence, and encouragement needed to navigate a new career path. 

The third step toward a professional switch would be expanding your network strategically. Actively seek out connections and mentors within the new industry for guidance and support. When you approach different folks, tailor your communication to highlight a genuine interest in the new field. 

Social media is a good place to find the right people and include them in your network. Brush up your LinkedIn profile, and start connecting with other professionals in the new industry. 

Between April 2023 and March 2024, job growth in the US has been weaker than what was initially reported. The labor market has cooled down in varying degrees across industry verticals. 

As a student pursuing your studies or approaching the end, some foresight in this context can help. It can help you make the right career decisions at the right time. Being prepared means you will not hesitate when you need a change. Also, you won’t waste time doing something that you actually do not want to do.  

If your career slump coincides with this situation within your industry, that’s all the more reason to consider a new profession. Just do your homework, consult with senior professionals, and make a clear resolve. It’s never too late to steer your life in the right direction, professionally or otherwise. 

In Conclusion

Switching career paths can be challenging at any stage in life. The goal is to avoid this by making a wiser decision from the start about which career to pursue. The professionals at Educate. Radiate. Elevate. guide their students to choose a career that is fulfilling and stable. Donate to E.R.E. so that we can help more under-resourced students with career planning.