I’ve known several people who’ve experienced the dullness of their first career. I’ve also known several who’ve succeeded in their first careers but now want to explore other fields as well. Either way, they’ve moved on to new pastures, which is a new career. In my blog, I talk about whether a career switch is a right move, and how one must prepare for it.

What is a career switch?

A career switch refers to changing a position from the current role to another. This could have more than one meaning:

• Switching your role in the same company – For example, moving up from senior Google Ad expert to Google Ad Head of Department.
• Taking on a new role that differs from your current profession or skill set – For example, a Chartered Accountant becoming the General Manager of a Garments Retail Company.

There are several reasons why professionals decide to make a switch:

• To evolve as a professional as the skills have further grown.
• To gain a more flexible work schedule.
• To advance within the company where one works.
• To earn a higher CTC.
• To travel to a better location for work.
• To reduce the stress and pressure of the current job role.
• To work under new leadership or feel more appreciated.
• To gain a higher role, preferably in the leadership domain.

How do you know that the career switch you are making is the right move? There can be several factors to consider before making that move, because once you do, there may be no turning back. So, you want to be sure of the steps you take while you change from one position to another in your career.

Making a career switch: is it the right move?

If you are making a career switch, it should be for the right reasons. Many people have simply shifted their positions because the current one was too stressful. The reason is valid but what is the root cause of the stress? Is it possible that you may experience the same thing in the next role that you take up?

I knew a person once who changed his job because he was frustrated in his current role. A few months later, he felt the same way in the new role, and hence, had to take up therapy to understand the root cause. After many sessions and a lot of introspection, he realised that the underlying cause of stress is lack of self-belief and confidence. He believed for a very long time that whatever he achieved was by mere luck. He believed that his skills had nothing to do with the work he did and that his job was basic but he could not perform. He was also afraid of making mistakes, which led him to believe that his current and new roles were not the right fit for him.

This is why understanding your true reason for a career switch is important. The reason should most often be that of a positive connection. Here are some of the reasons why you need to do a career shift.

• You like experimenting with new challenges and love to challenge yourself to achieve new heights.
• Your values at the age of 22 are different now at the age of 35 or 40. For instance, working in a relaxed environment rather than the daily rush and hustle.
• You don’t want to work 24×7 but also wish to have time for other activities like traveling and fulfilling other responsibilities and obligations.
• You realize that your passion lies in another position. For instance, a chef becomes an influencer, a pilot turns to advocate fitness as an instructor, an actress turns to start her e-commerce business, and so on.

There can be many other reasons which are necessary for you to address. Once you understand that a career switch is necessary, your next step is to learn how to make that switch.

Steps to take while making a career switch

Some people may want a career switch but may not know which field to pick. Here are a few steps to help you understand.

Step 1: Evaluate your skill sets and interests

If you do not know which career to choose then start evaluating the skills you have and where else your interest lies. Remember that this is the most crucial step, for which you may require a more comprehensive approach like the 360-degree Astro Profiling program.

• This program involves giving you a complete understanding of yourself and how the future looks for you.

• You will be able to get more clarity on the events that are taking place in your life.

• You will also be able to gain self-awareness and understanding of your natural instincts and skills, which is very important to know when deciding on a career path.

Step 2: Check for the prospects of your new career path chosen

Is the career path that you select filled with prospects? Does it lead to a promising future? Can you make it work? So, make sure to keep a list of different career options before you decide to take the leap.

Step 3: Devise an action plan and career mentoring

Career mentoring is a necessary tool in your toolkit. Along with devising a plan, your career mentor will help you understand the different ways to tread on your new career path. At Krescon Coaches, we have expert and accredited Career Mentoring Coaches with the insight and foresight to see you through this significant point in your life.

Step 4: Meet the experienced and senior professionals in the field you pick

You can get an incredible set of insights and career advice from professionals in the same field you wish to pursue. Their career advice can shine a light on the direction you need to take.

Step 5: Check for necessary skills to learn

Check any new skills that you need to learn and sharpen for the new career path. This can help you gain the confidence you need to prepare for the job. Be it an employee, staff or leader, your skills will give you the confidence to keep going and sustain job satisfaction.

Making a career switch can get overwhelming, especially if you do it alone. Krescon Coaches is your accountable and reliable partner when it comes to career mentoring and other valuable services.