Whether you’re just a couple of years into a career that you now think is a mistake, you’re comfortably mid-career or retirement is within view, making a career change can be daunting. It can also be one of the most rewarding experiences you can undertake. If you’re on the younger side, it’s an opportunity to pursue a field that suits you better without having lost too much time in the wrong line of work.
If you’re at midlife, this could be just the kind of change you’re looking for as you evaluate where you’ve been and where you’re heading. If you’re moving closer to the age where some start expecting you to sit at home and draw a pension, this might be a wonderful opportunity to work at something you love for the first time in your life. However, like most worthwhile things, this isn’t a risk-free move. There are precautions you should take before you make the leap.
Talk to People
This is part of the broader category of ‘do your research’, which is also important, but talking to people is an element of that research that’s often overlooked. If you’re thinking about switching to a new field, it can be easy to do some research online and feel like that’s sufficient. But there’s really no substitute for speaking to people in person who currently work in the field you’re considering.
Yes, you can ask people online, but how do you really know how reliable they are? It’s also important that you talk to multiple people. One person with a negative view could put you off a career change entirely, so try to seek a wide range of opinions. If one person tells you that the job market for the field that interests you is shrinking, you may be able to discount it. If 10 people tell you this, it might be time to reconsider.
Consider Health Care
One of the most difficult and stressful aspects about changing careers is dealing with financial uncertainty, including worries about medical care and costs. Work on getting this squared away before you leave your current position. You won’t be the only person concerned about these costs. High-deductible plans, high costs and inconsistent coverage affects people who aren’t changing jobs as well. Healthcare organizations are struggling too. They’re facing issues that include bad debt and complex revenue cycles.
Fortunately, payment plans are increasingly available for a variety of services, including dental, orthodontics, dermatology, plastic surgery and medical aesthetics. There are also payment plans for veterinary treatment. Healthcare organizations are increasingly embracing these because it allows them to get paid up front, and you’ll have flexible financing options. Look into these payment plans to find out how you can keep yourself, your family, and even your pets safe.
Look for Shortcuts
One of the big barriers to a career change for many people is the prospect of additional schooling. If you’re young, you’re probably still paying off loans from your last round of education. If you’re older and you’re in a better position to afford the education, you may be concerned about the time it will take. For some types of career changes, such as making the switch into a medical field, you’ll be required to go back to school and get licenses or certifications.
You can’t practice law without a law degree. However, this isn’t true for every field, and even if it is, you can still look for shortcuts. If you already have a bachelor’s degree and you need a new one, see how many of your credits you can transfer. If you do need to go back to school, find out if your current employer offers any kind of tuition assistance. For any changes that don’t require a formal course of study, look at your background to see how you could better highlight your qualifications for the new field. Do some networking as well. It might be worthwhile to consult with a career counselor, who may be able to help you with this.
Look at Your Current Field
You shouldn’t stay in a job that you hate if you don’t have to. At the same time, make sure that your desire for a change isn’t just a case of the grass being greener elsewhere. You might be able to stay in your current field and even with your current company by changing jobs. If you’re thinking of leaving a corporate job to go into teaching, you might be able to move into a position as an in-house trainer, which would also allow you to teach.
