Does it make sense to switch from one job to another mid-career? Read this article and find out if it is worth making a mid-career switch.
Many people don't consider a mid-life career change because they think it's too late. There are also many other factors that act as a barrier to change, such as - lack of confidence, clarity and goals. When in confusion, it is human tendency to contemplate for a long time. None of us can have it all figured out in the very beginning.
Yet, many successful careers have been made by those who are well into their 40s and 30s. How did they do that? There are many inspiring career change stories to learn from and take action.
Are you thinking of a switch too?
Do You Want To Make A Mid-Life Career Switch?
Let's imagine you're in your 30s, and are already thinking about a change in your career. You've had some success, but what if you could double it? What if you doubled your salary or cut your hours? What if you added to your retirement savings?
Changing careers can be overwhelming and a daunting process. Here are some pros and cons for you to think about before you make the switch.
What Are The Pros To Making A Switch In Your Career?
In short, there's plenty.
The very fact that you're here is probably because you're searching for answers. Answers to a lot of unanswered questions about a career switch. You want to find out whether it's worth it or not.
A mid career switch can be worth it when you get -
a stress-free work-life
a chance to perform to the best of your abilities
to grow in character
well-deserved promotions
financial stability
And most importantly - peace of mind
When the quality of your life improves, you stand a better chance to deliver beyond expectations and have a great career graph.
What Are The Cons To Making A Switch In Your Career?
If you are sure about the what’s and why’s of making a career switch, the very first thing that you need to come to terms with, is the fact that there will be some low tides and be prepared to face it.
For example -
You could be unemployed for a while
Utilize this time to equip yourself with relevant knowledge and skill-sets. These are valuable investments that will help you in the long run.
Stress
Once you land yourself a job, the task of proving your mettle might cause a bit of stress.
Remind yourself to calm down, it is only a matter of time before you slip into your comfort zone.
Financial instabilities
These can never be ignored, trust yourself to leap once you have saved enough.
Job stability
You will take a while before you adapt to the new environment, new people and the job culture. Remember that you will soon come around, and find your way.
These aren’t cons for life, these exist only until you settle down in your new job!
What To Take Into Consideration Before Switching Your Career
The first and foremost thing that you need to take into consideration before making a switch is whether you are doing it for the right reasons. Arriving at what it takes for you to achieve your end goal will pave the way.
Evaluate the why’s
This will open doors for new perspectives and help you decide whether to change careers or just change jobs/move departments in the same line of work.
What do you want to achieve with a career change?
Can you achieve it with your current career such as better work-life balance, better people to work with, better pay, etc.? Or have you found your passion in some other line of work?\
Is career change affordable at this moment?
Come up with workings on financial impact and possible ways to tackle a few dry weeks or months
Consider the sustainability of the new career
This is not a short-term plan. That being said, you do not need to have a long-term plan in place, but at least make sure that the new career has enough or more opportunities for you to sustain in the long run.
Consider Emotional impact
Be considerate and be nice to yourself as a career switch will have an emotional impaction you. Take the help of family, friends, and if need be, the professional network too for support and reassurance. They will keep you alive and active during the transition.
It is one thing to enjoy your work, but it is also important that it isn’t exhaustive.
What should you do before making a switch?
Here comes the main part. Taking Action!
Here's what you can do -
Start saving for dry days before you start preparing for the career change
Leverage your experience. Assess your strengths and come up with transferable skills that you will carry to the next job
Weave a nice story around the what’s and why’s of wanting to make the change. The way you narrate your experience will make all the difference
Visualise your stance and gather your resources – invest in upskilling if need-be
Tweak your resume in a way that catches the attention of recruiters and keeps them intrigued – this will help you with a breakthrough
Socialise – speak to friends and expand your network on professional platforms.
Create your brand presence. Get active on LinkedIn.
Be prepared to face the financial and emotional impact that comes as temporary baggage with this process
Apply for side gigs and treat every opportunity like it is huge. Remember that you need to start somewhere, big opportunity or small, it doesn’t matter.
Enjoy doing these, as much as you enjoy fantasizing about your new career!
Lastly, your heart and your instincts know you best.
Follow them.
Contemplating for a bit about whether a career change is the right thing for you is good, but once you know that it is, that is enough reason for you to take the steps required to make it happen.
Speak out, seek help, make the effort, and own it!
PS: You have only one life to live, make sure it’s yours. ~ Eleanor Brown