If you feel burnt out at work, uninterested, and wholly bored with what you are doing, then it is time for a change. For some, the change is as small as going to a new employer. For others, it means changing the industry and what they do entirely. You may want to step up into a more interesting career or step down so that you can enjoy more of your personal life instead. At the end of the day, where you take your career is up to you. So long as it lets you live your life meaningfully and feel more fulfilled, it’s a great step.
Types of Career Changes
Career changes can come in all shapes and sizes.
New Job
If you find yourself annoyed, burned out, and frustrated, first see if it’s because of your employer and manager. A poor manager that makes your life difficult can turn even a dream job into one you hate. The first step if you aren’t sure where you want to take your career, in this case, is simply looking for a new job. Take the time to find a better workplace and see if you can negotiate a higher salary for the best results.
New Career in the Same Industry
If you want to be doing something else, but are happy to stay in the same industry you are currently working in, then know you’ll need to retrain, but you will have the benefit of having an existing network to help you land your first job.
New Career in a Different Industry
Suppose you want to make an entirely new career change. In that case, you will need to retrain and network again. Starting a second career in some career paths is going to be easier than others, particularly if there is already a shortage. However, there is usually a licensing requirement where there is a shortage. Nurses are in high demand, for example, and so are teachers. Both positions need you to earn a degree and pass a state exam before you can even start the job-hunting process.
How to Change Careers in Five Steps
Identify the Steps
The first step to changing careers is identifying what you need to do to reach your goal. With roles like nursing, this step is going to be very straightforward. You’ll need to earn a BSN and then pass the NCLEX exam, and then you can start job hunting. In this case, though the path is straightforward, there still will be options. You can take the degree online, part-time, or accelerated.
This tip works for any career, though it may be more difficult for some than others to identify what you need to do to get where you want to be. If you are ever stuck, try reaching out to someone in the role you want to ask how they got there, and then work backward from there.
Get Retrained
The second step is to get retrained. This could mean going and earning a full degree, or it could be as simple as earning a certificate. In roles that require a license, like nursing, you will need not just to find a degree but one that is accredited and will let you later work in the state you live in.
As this is your second career, always see if you can fast-track your efforts. A hybrid nursing bachelor degree can be completed in just 15 months full-time, which is far faster than taking on the BSN from scratch. Accelerate your education if you already have a degree and the prerequisite courses. It’s how you can put your previous efforts to good use.
Earn Certifications, Licenses, and Anything Else That Applies
Earning certifications, licenses, or anything else that applies to your new field is a great way to show hard evidence of your new skillset. It will also be a legal requirement in careers like nursing. You cannot even start job hunting until after you pass the state exam.
Earning additional certifications for many will simply mean taking tests and otherwise proving your skills for those in a new industry.
Network
Finally, network! Networking is important no matter what role you are working towards. When it comes to building up a new network, start with your university or program educators. You may also want to consider going to networking events, networking online, and committing to involving yourself in the industry by attending conferences and more. All of this will help you get noticed and help you build a network that will help you with your goals.
