How to Change Careers (When You Don’t Know What to Do Next)

Changing careers can feel like diving headfirst into a pool where you can’t see the bottom, especially if you’re unsure where to start. Whether you’re unhappy in your current role, looking for new challenges, or simply seeking a better work-life balance, switching careers can be a powerful way to reset your professional life. But how do you make the leap without knowing what direction to take? Let’s explore how you can know when it’s time to consider a career change, the steps for a smooth transition, and how SkillUp can help you confidently navigate the process.

When Should You Change Jobs?

Recognizing when it’s time to move on from your current job can be tricky, especially if the salary and benefits are good or your loved ones don’t support the idea of you moving on. If you’re feeling unsure, the following signs may indicate it’s time for a change.

When You Dread Going to Work

If you wake up every day with a sense of dread or you experience the Sunday scaries, it’s a strong sign that your job isn’t right for you anymore. While everyone experiences bad days, consistent feelings of anxiety, stress, or unhappiness about work suggest that something deeper is going on. You spend roughly one-third of your life at your job (or around 90,000 hours), so it shouldn’t leave you feeling drained or unfulfilled.

When You Feel Apathetic About Your Work

Feeling disengaged or indifferent about your tasks is another red flag. If you’re going through the motions without any real connection to the work you’re doing, it might be time to seek something more meaningful. Career satisfaction often comes from feeling challenged and motivated by your tasks. Apathy can erode your performance and diminish your job satisfaction, which makes it clear that it’s time to explore new opportunities.

When the Salary Isn’t Worth It

A good paycheck can make staying in a less-than-ideal job seem tolerable, but at some point, you may ask yourself if the money is truly worth it. If your mental or physical well-being is suffering, or if you feel that no amount of money can compensate for how unhappy you are, then it’s a sign that a career switch could lead to more than just professional improvement; it could also better your overall quality of life.

When You’re Not Making an Impact

Many people want their careers to have a purpose beyond just earning a living. If you feel like your work doesn’t have any positive effect on others or society, you may decide you need a new job. Seeking a job that aligns more with your values or provides you with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully can bring a new sense of fulfillment.

When You Dream About New Opportunities

If you frequently find yourself daydreaming about new career paths or even hobbies that could be turned into professions, it’s a sign your current job may not be the right fit. Listening to your inner voice and exploring these ideas can lead to a more satisfying career path. Don’t ignore these thoughts; they might be pointing you toward the change you need.

When Your Job Affects Your Personal Life

If your work consistently spills over into your personal life and leaves you with little energy or time for family, friends, or hobbies, you may need a career change. A job that drains you mentally and emotionally can have long-term effects on your relationships and personal happiness. Achieving a better work-life balance can be one of the best reasons to make a career switch.

How to Change Careers

Making a career change can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to start. The key is to take it step by step and focus on building a foundation for a successful transition. Let’s explore some practical strategies to help you move forward.

Get a Strong Support Network

Changing careers is a big life decision, and having a support system in place can make all the difference. Whether it’s friends, family, or career mentors, a strong network can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability as you navigate this change. They can also serve as a sounding board for ideas and offer practical advice from their own experiences.

Evaluate What You Really Want

Before you jump into a new career, take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Ask yourself what aspects of your current job you dislike and what you hope to find in a new role. Are you looking for a better work-life balance, higher pay, more creative freedom, or the chance to work in an industry that excites you? Understanding your priorities will help you find a career path that aligns with your goals and values.

Research New Careers

Once you have a better sense of what you want, start exploring career options that fit. This may involve researching industries, job roles, and the skills required for those positions. Online resources like SkillUp’s career guides can be a great starting point, helping you discover professions that match your interests and goals. You can also reach out to professionals in fields you’re curious about and ask for informational interviews to gain a clearer picture of what the work is like.

Watch Out for Analysis Paralysis

Researching career options is important, but it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of endless analysis and never actually make a decision. Avoid getting bogged down by too much information or waiting for the “perfect” career to appear. It’s better to take small, practical steps toward your new path than to overthink every detail. At some point, you have to trust your instincts and take action.

Create an Action Plan

Changing careers requires careful planning. Once you’ve decided on a direction, outline the steps you need to take. This might include further education, acquiring new certifications, networking, or even saving money to manage the transition. Setting small, manageable goals will help keep you on track and make the process less daunting.

Consider Additional Training

Depending on the career you’re moving into, you may need to reskill or upskill to gain the necessary qualifications. This is where programs like SkillUp can be incredibly valuable. SkillUp offers resources for both reskilling and upskilling. Whether you’re looking to switch fields or improve your skills in your current industry, these programs can help you become more competitive in the job market.

Make Connections

Networking is an often overlooked component of any career shift. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people working in the field you’re interested in. Building relationships with industry professionals can open doors to job opportunities and mentorship, both of which are critical for success during a career transition.

Fine-Tune Your Resume & Interview Skills

When changing careers, your resume should highlight transferable skills that apply to your new field. Focus on the skills and experiences that are relevant to your target job, even if they’re from a different industry. Additionally, practicing your interview skills can boost your confidence and help you articulate how your past experiences prepare you for your new career. Be prepared to explain why you’re making a career switch and how you can add value to a potential employer.