Top Tips for Switching Careers if You Want to Start Over

The last couple of years were significantly disrupted, and one thing that did was make us think about the status quo and question what we want. For many, this leads to a yearning for a new direction with new challenges. However, switching careers may seem daunting and too unsettling. Jobs are intrinsically linked to finances, home and bills but remember; they also impact mental health and happiness. While the thought of upsetting the money and lifestyle can be scary, the benefits to mental health cannot be overlooked. If you want to start over, read on – this is your time to be brave!

Before You Leap

• Write down the reasons why your role does not satisfy you. This includes the role, the culture of the company and your colleagues. To find something better, you need to ensure you are not swapping like for like because of job fatigue – the new excitement won’t last long enough, and you will be back to square one.
• Include aspects you do enjoy and want to be able to keep. This is just as important as knowing what you are looking for. A new challenge is all very well, but if you lose positive aspects in the move, all you will achieve is a stalemate.
• Know where you want to go. This involves research. Have you already decided to retrain in a specific role, or are you just looking for pastures new in a more prominent company? As part of this, you should list the skills and interests you already have that will give you an edge when it comes to starting over.

Retraining Realities

• What will you need? If you are making a complete 360 and beginning an unrelated path, be clear on the skills you need. Can you undertake any of the training while still earning, or will you have to leave work and take the financial hit?
• Being a mature student can be daunting. If you are heading back to the classroom, focus on the positives of life experience. You will be older than your cohort, but you bring life experience. Don’t be daunted if they seem to learn faster, though; they have youth on their side – it doesn’t mean you can’t do it.
• Time management is your new best friend. If you will work to support your upskilling, then your time management needs to be on point. It will be challenging, especially if you juggle work, training, a home and children but remember the bigger picture you built. This is a limited period, and normality will return!

Resignation Ettiquette

When it comes to biting the bullet and resigning, be sure to approach it professionally. indeed.com has some great tips. Your current role is your strongest reference even for a different industry, so do not blow that bridge up no matter how you feel inside! Check your contract and use the correct notice period; resign in writing formally, but don’t be afraid to chat through things with your boss before handing the letter over. Offer to help them replace your role, thank them for the opportunities and learning and be sure to leave on good terms!