When you first entered the workforce, you might have decided on a certain industry. You gained the necessary education and skills to pursue your chosen career path all the way through your 20s. Now that you’ve reached your 30s, you have started to wonder if it was the right choice.

Landing a role that best suits your skills and interests takes some trial and error. According to the #IMadetheSwitch survey, 88% of Filipinos will consider a career change if it means finding the best job for them. If you’re no longer growing in your present position, try making the switch.

Are you worried that shifting careers isn’t possible in your current situation? You’re not alone as 63% of the respondents in the same survey expressed concerns about changing career paths despite having the skills to do so.

Key steps for a successful career change

Rest assured that it’s possible to transition to a new role regardless of the stage of your career.

Think about why you’re shifting

While you might know that you have outgrown or loathe your present job, you want to be clear on why you feel that way. This is important or else you’ll end up hating the next job too—so what would have been the point of all your effort then?

Ask yourself questions about why you want to transition to a different field of expertise or if this new career make your professional and personal lives better. By going through this exercise, you will be fully aware of the pros and cons before you make the leap in your career.

Be ready to take a few risks

A career change is the perfect opportunity for you to learn something new. However, you must be practical about the risks involved too. Be aware of how you react to unknown factors, how you face a lack of stability, and how risky you’re willing to be.

Figure out what you’re getting into

Do your homework about this new role and what it entails. See if you’re going to be able to use your professional brand, connections, and skill set to make a successful shift. Get into the specifics of the duties and responsibilities that are required for the position.

Many people think that it’s enough to follow your passions and all will fall into its perfect place. What this entails is starting over from scratch, which leads to lower chances of achieving career fulfilment. It’s better to pivot into a job that leverages your existing career capital.

Reach out to your professional network

When you’re new to an industry, it helps to have someone who will vouch for you. Make time to network with people in your preferred field. For instance, you might attend a virtual event that connects you to experts or you may ask your colleagues to introduce you to professionals they know.

Prepare what is needed for the change

Maybe you lack the skills needed to become an appealing candidate for your new role. Find out if you need to get a license, take up classes, or sign up for certifications for it. Sometimes, all you need to do is take an online course to attain the basic knowledge and skills necessary.

In some cases, you’re required to have advanced education so you’ll have to decide if this investment is worth it. Other things you have to think about are child care and so on, even if you’re going to be working from home. Juggling your job with tutoring your kids is going to be a major challenge, after all.

Break out of your career rut

Some people stay in an unsatisfying industry or job because they lack the confidence to switch. If you constantly tell yourself that you’re not who an employer is looking, ask what you’ll accomplish by staying in your present role. Never allow uncertainty to stop you from trying something new.

Plan for your next move

Create a plan with the ending in mind. Think about what your main objective is and the ideal timeline you wish to achieve. Once you’ve figured that out, note the major milestones, such as the things you need to learn or the people you have to meet.

The next step is to list the weekly or daily tasks that allow you to reach these milestones. As you accomplish these assignments, you’ll gain the confidence and momentum you need to make your dream a reality. You’ll also know exactly what to do the moment you clock in every day.

Monitor your progress

Track how you’re doing and what you have to do next to keep the pace. Remind yourself when you have to follow up on important stuff. A spreadsheet is enough for gathering and computing data, but there are other tools to help you with that too.

Revamp your professional brand

Ensure that you make sense to your new target audience. Make it easy for them to access you to increase their interest in you as an employee. Subtle hints will not work so you want to be upfront with the change on your social profiles, your resume, your cover letter, and elsewhere.

Some of your competitors, especially those who have been in the industry for a while, are going to look good on paper. You want to stand out despite being a newbie to the field, and the best way to do that is by highlighting how you’ll add value to them.

Check your finances

Jumping into a new career is going to be a challenge financially. If you have enough money in your savings account, you will survive a resignation even without a new job. When the case is different for you, keep your present position and look for a vacancy during your spare time.

Get help with switching careers

Have you made the choice to change careers? In that case, you have to remember the steps listed above. You may also get assistance from a staffing firm like us at Remote Workmate. We specialise in connecting virtual professionals to employers from around the world.