by Suman Agarwal
It’s not rare to find people looking to change careers, because their feel like their current jobs don’t complement their strengths, skills, interests, and needs. And while many gather courage to take the leap, most of them end up making mistakes that can easily be avoided.
So what mistakes do people make when trying to change careers?
Tip #1 for which mistakes to avoid when making a career change, Not Analysing Their Strengths: A common mistake that people make is not being able to identify their strengths before choosing from various career options. This is the reason many people either find themselves looking for a career change again or end up unhappy in what they’re doing. So, give yourself some time and identify your passion. This will help you make the right decision and choose the career path that excites you and builds on your strengths
To be sure that you’re making the right choice, here’s what to do:
- Find out what your strengths are. It could be great communication skills, networking skills, grooming skills, etc. For every skill, there’s a job, so, if you know what your strengths are, you can find the perfect option.
- Take personality or career tests to understand where your potential lies.
- Consider professional career change advice.
- Check if you have the career skills for the profession you’re considering.
Tip #2 for which mistakes to avoid when making a career change, Not Doing Proper Research: Before venturing into a new field, it is extremely important to understand what it has to offer and what will be expected from you.
A few thoughts:
- Seek professional help because reading about a new career on the internet may look promising but talking to a professional will help you understand things that the internet doesn’t discuss.
- Do in-depth research about industry trends because what looks like a viable option now may not be the same in five years time.
Tip #3 for which mistakes to avoid when making a career change, Making a Decision Under Pressure: While you’re considering a career change, you will come across many people who will have different advice. But what most people forget is that nobody knows better than the person him or herself. So, avoid making a decision based on someone else’s understanding of what a great career option means for you.
If needed, take a break between switching careers and think about the following
- What do I want to achieve with the career change – work-life balance, financial stability, or more?
- What are my strengths?
- What kind of job will best utilize my strengths?
- What is the range of opportunities in a particular career I am considering?
- Will I still be happy with my new job 5 or 10 years down the line?
Tip #4 for which mistakes to avoid when making a career change, Not Considering Professional Training: Unfortunately, many people think that their passion for something is the key to success. While it is true, they overlook the need for professional training. Your own strength can get you a new job, but if you’re not properly trained, you may not be able to make the best use of the career opportunity. Hence, no matter what you’re planning to venture into, opt for professional training, or doing something like a workshop to enhance your skills. This will help you gain confidence and the necessary skills vital for the job.
Tip #5 for which mistakes to avoid when making a career change, Not Having a Back-up Plan: While transitioning from one career to another, it’s important that you feel stable and ready for change. Not having a back-up plan can demotivate you a lot. This is the reason most people regret quitting their jobs and assume that their decision of making a career change was wrong all along. So consider getting a part-time job to not completely disrupt your financial stability. Or if you want to dedicate all your time to the planning of your new career, start saving money beforehand. This will ensure that you are not under pressure when taking the leap.
The biggest mistake people make while changing careers is not understanding the trends.
To make it easier for you, here is a list of the most trending careers in the 21st century:
- Data Scientist
- Software Developer
- Image Consultant
- Soft Skills Trainer
- Social Media Manager
- Digital Marketer
- Market Research Analyst
Management 3.0 is right on trend (see soft skills trainer). Sign up to become a Management 3.0 licensed facilitator. You can do it part time while you’re switching careers or full time. Spread the word of how to be a better manager and leader today!
