Career changes were once somewhat taboo, as people attributed such a major shift in someone’s life to indecision or failure. A long and steady career was a sign of success during a period when stability and consistency were paramount. However, those days are largely gone, with people in their 30s, 40s and 50s now changing careers to achieve personal growth and seize new opportunities.
This evolution is clear in recent data. One study found the average Australian changes careers between three and seven times throughout their working lives, with many people having more than a dozen jobs. What’s more, an astounding 47% of Australian workers are either aware of or actively searching for new job opportunities.
While this change in attitude likely preceded the global pandemic, its impact undoubtedly accelerated the shift in how we think about our careers. From the rising popularity of the gig economy to a labour market fuelled by short-term contracts, this period caused people to question the 9 to 5 grind and reconsider whether standing still was the best move. Instead, the confidence to change careers has elevated countless professional and personal lives.
Before making your move
Learning how to successfully change careers could be one of the best decisions for your future, but you don’t want to rush into the decision. Below, we explore some of the best reasons to move, the ideal times to do so and the benefits you can expect.
Why do you want to change careers?
Reflecting on your motivation for changing careers is a fundamental step. Are you bored by your role? Did your salary not increase as you hoped? Has a new industry captured your attention? Asking yourself these sorts of questions means you’ll have a powerful indicator of your future career path. If you’re considering a career change, this will help you look in the right place for the right kind of job.
The top reasons people seek a career change
Pursuing a career change is a personal decision, but many people do so for similar reasons. Some people feel underappreciated in their role, miss learning new skills or simply lose the drive to continue working the same job. According to a 2023 FlexJob survey of 2,600 working professionals, these are currently the top five reasons for seeking a career change.
- Remote work options (50%)
- Higher pay (48%)
- Better work-life balance (46%)
- More meaning or fulfilment (40%)
- Expanding your skillset (30%)
Meanwhile, workers also consider career changes due to a lack of advancement opportunities (28%), the desire to pursue a passion (16%) or the chance to turn a side hustle into a full-time position (12%). You can’t ignore the economic climate either—people usually go where the money is.
The best (and worst) times to change careers
Making a career change is exciting, although timing your move is essential to success. If you know the area you want to move into, learning the required skills beforehand can smooth your transition. While many people look for a career change when things are going poorly, embarking on a switch following a major career milestone could make you more attractive to prospective employers.
On the flip side, changing careers at the wrong time could put you in a worse position. Leaving your job for a new career during economic downturns is risky as there are likely fewer positions available. You should also consider your decision if you don’t have adequate finances, as job hunting can be unpredictable. Trust your gut, but look for potential warning signs before quitting your current role.
How to make a career change with no experience?
Lack of experience is one of the most common concerns that holds people back from making a career change. Uncertainty can be tough, but staying proactive is key to figuring things out. As you might not be the most obvious candidate for a role, you’ll have to commit time and effort to enhancing your skills and establishing a productive network that benefits your job search.
Learning how to interview for a job where you lack experience is also an important talent. By focusing on your transferable skills, showcasing your aptitude for communication and displaying your passion for the position, you can convince hiring managers you’re prepared for the job. Hurdles are bound to arise, but speaking with conviction and understanding how your skills can address an organisation’s needs gives you the best chance of securing the role and forging a new career.
What are the benefits of career changes?
Changing careers is a big decision, but how do you know you’re making the right move? While there’s always a certain leap of faith required, a Joblist survey of 1,000 workers who changed careers in the past five years showcased immensely positive results. When asked to compare their new career to their old job, respondents said they felt:
- Happier (77%)
- More satisfied (75%)
- More fulfilled (69%)
- Less stressed (65%)
Alongside these benefits, many people who change careers discover new opportunities for advancement, enjoy higher salaries and generally feel more motivated to turn up to work day in and day out. If you feel like a change is on the horizon, exploring the best career change ideas is bound to give you the confidence to succeed.
What are the best career change ideas?
Do. your. Research.
A successful career change ultimately depends on you and what you’re looking for. However, some factors must be considered. For example, an industry’s projected growth, the potential salary increase and how the work-life balance compares to your existing path. You have to weigh up the pros and cons to make the decision that’s best for you.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of in-demand industries, with sectors like information technology, healthcare, digital media and logistics going from strength to strength. Yet, the area that will make the most sense for your career change will depend on your transferable skills, your passion for learning and your desire to thrive.
Finding a new path in the workforce can seem daunting, but there are numerous highly accessible jobs ready to enable your transformation. With hard work, solid advice, and a clear focus, switching to a new career is totally doable. At Monarch Institute, we make exploring these career change ideas easy and effective:
- Supply chain manager
- Digital communication manager
- Social media strategist
- Project manager
- Digital transformation officer
- Information technology analyst
- Cybersecurity specialist
Some of these roles require further training, education and qualifications, but if you’re passionate about a career, then the time it takes to learn the ropes should be a breeze.
Steps for successfully changing careers
Ready to change careers? Before you begin the process, these best practices will help you make the right decision for your future and ensure your professional transition goes smoothly.
Understand your options
Deciding on your next career isn’t always easy, but you can whittle down your options by assessing your skills and experience alongside your values and interests. Try the ikigai framework – it can help figure this out. Translating to “a reason for being,” it aligns your passion, mission, profession and vocation to determine a path that balances your professional and personal interests.
Know what lies ahead
Once you’ve identified a potential way forward, research what it takes to reach your ideal position. In many cases, this means studying. The online courses at Monarch Institute are one of the best ways to get up to speed. You might also need to gain work experience to level up practical skills or expand your network to land a role at a great organisation.
Create a plan
Creating a plan for your career change ensures you can take logical steps to achieve your goals. After identifying your next career path, focus on the educational or professional avenues that improve your skills and ready yourself for the transition. Then, it’s time to update your resume, craft your cover letter and set aside a budget for upskilling in case you encounter unexpected downtime.
Resign in the right way
Even if you’re eager to resign, doing it appropriately is important. This means telling your boss in person, writing a formal resignation letter and giving adequate notice. You can also offer to extend your notice period, help train your replacement and leave handover notes. No matter what, resigning without burning bridges is crucial, as you never know what the future holds.
Study for your next career at Monarch Institute
Changing careers is a big step, but the process is so much easier when you have the skills and resources to confidently make the leap. At Monarch Institute, our online qualifications are taught by industry-leading figures and designed for maximum flexibility – perfect for people heading towards a career change. Speak to one of our friendly course consultants to discover your ideal path.
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