Time For A Careers Switch? Avoid These 4 Mistakes
Originally Published Nov. 2, 2015.
In case you haven’t noticed, there’s an increasing number of people changing careers. Last year, Americans began quitting their jobs in droves. Many left and entered into new industries, changing their career trajectory entirely.
And if you spend any time watching business-based reality shows, such as Project Runway, Shark Tank, or The Pitch, you’ll quickly realize many of the cast members have one thing in common—they’ve also switched careers. But take note: while many people say change is good, there are a few common mistakes that people make when taking a leap into uncharted waters.
Check out four common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Not creating a career strategy and action plan
Making a successful transition from one career to another is not an overnight process. You’ll need to create a career road map that identifies where you are now, where you want to be in the future, and the best strategies for successfully launching your new career. Your assessment process should also identify the sacrifices and the mindset you’ll need to develop to make it all happen. Does your new career align with your values, strengths, and interests? Do you need to take a pay cut? What about health and retirement benefits? If your income increases or decreases, what are the tax implications? Create a three-month, six-month, and 12-month action plan to close any gaps. Your plan should include SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, and timely) goals and key action steps such as enrolling in courses to develop the skills and experiences you need for your new career, creating a monthly budget for irregular income, building relationships with influencers in the industry, and navigating potential roadblocks.
Not finding a mentor or support network
Whether you’re making the switch from employee to entrepreneur or from one career to another, you can’t do it alone. A mentor, sponsor, or support network, such as Score, can help keep you accountable and provide the tools and resources needed to thrive in your career.
Not promoting your transferable skills
Sure, your old work title or role may be a thing of the past, but your transferable skills may be the key to setting yourself apart from the competition. Transferable skills are the competencies that can be applied across a variety of roles. This includes soft, technical, and analytic skills.
Not conducting thorough research on your desired career
Before switching careers, do as much research as possible. Set up a few informational interviews with people in your desired industry. Attend industry-related events. Read articles and scroll through online industry forums to gain insight from professionals working there. Do you need a professional license or degree? Does your new employer cover continuing education courses? What are the day-to-day challenges faced by people currently working in the industry? What about work-life balance? These things are typically not included in a job description, so learning about the nuances beforehand can help you make a well-informed decision.
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