Making the Leap: How to Kick-Start Your Career Change

I recently looked up some stats on career change, and I was quite alarmed (although not surprised) by the results. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workforce 2024 report, employee engagement among European workers was as low as 13%, with one-third of respondents stating that they are currently seeking to change jobs.

The reasons for people wanting to leave their current job vary: lack of progression opportunities with their current employer, lack of or poor flexibility, poor (if not toxic) culture / management, or pursuing a career change. The latter is the focus of today’s article – partly because, as a career coach, this is a highly recurring theme in my conversations with clients, and partly because it is something I have gone through myself.

Getting a new job does not happen overnight.

Throw in a career shift as well, and you’ll need significantly more time, energy, effort (and patience!). So, if this is something you have been thinking about but have never been able to take action on because you didn’t know where to start, please stay with me for a couple more minutes. Here are a few ideas to help you make your very first step toward the career shift you are pursuing.

Be clear on what you are seeking to change.

This is important for a few reasons: knowing what you are seeking in your new role allows you to direct your efforts effectively, ask the right questions of prospective employers, and confidently communicate your expectations.

Do a skills audit.

Once you are clear on what you want to achieve with your next move, think about how your current skills and experience align with it. The more you depart from your current role, the more you’ll need to think laterally rather than literally. This means identifying transferable skills or less obvious experience that can showcase how you can add value.

Address necessary development areas.

It’s essential to be realistic and acknowledge any skills or knowledge gaps that you need to address. In these cases, consider whether you need formal training / qualifications or should build relevant experience. If the latter, explore all options: seek ad hoc projects or ‘side of desk’ activities, take on new responsibilities or do things differently in your role, consider secondments, volunteer opportunities, or even starting a side hustle.

Ask for support.

If what you are looking for is an internal move to a different area / department, be open with your manager about what you’re looking to develop, and ask them to advocate for you when relevant opportunities arise. Your manager has greater visibility of upcoming projects and can make a case for you. Don’t expect others to know what you want – tell them. As a prior manager once told me, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get”.

Address the root cause first.

Some issues can only be resolved by working on yourself, as otherwise, you’ll most likely face the same problem wherever you go. For example, if boundary setting is an issue for you, because you struggle to communicate your needs or say no, this will likely lead others to expect everything from you all the time. For this not to become a repeat pattern, you need to learn how and when to confidently advocate for yourself first.

Be ready to work on your identity.

If you’re planning to make a significant career shift or seek a large step up in responsibilities, you’ll need to shift your mindset accordingly. This may mean overcoming some self-limiting beliefs, such as thinking you’re not good or experienced enough. You can’t expect others to believe in your capabilities if you aren’t confident in yourself first.

Leverage your network.

To those who, like me, have an immediate allergic reaction to the concept (I personally blame the networking events aspiring graduates were told to attend to land a coveted job in the City), hear me out. This isn’t about enduring hours of small talk with strangers in a ‘speed dating’ style. Rather, it is about nurturing existing connections and seeking new ones with purpose and genuine interest. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, such as introductions to people or signposts to relevant job opportunities. Do it in the way that feels right for you, there is no one-size-fits all here. To give a personal example, I have learnt that smaller events and one-to-one conversations are what works best for someone of an introverted nature like me.

Everything happens for a reason.

This is a personal perspective and may not resonate with everyone, but I believe that when things don’t go a certain way, it’s often for the best. For example, a few years ago, I reached the final interview round for a role I was determined to get. To say I was disappointed when I didn’t get it is an understatement. However, shortly afterward, I was invited to interview for a role that aligned far better with my values and long-term career ambitions. As difficult as that initial rejection was, I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. You can also use this perspective to find positives in less-than-optimal situations. Every role will provide opportunities to learn, so take them (and showcase them to prospective employers) even if you know the job you are currently in is not ‘the one’.

Know thyself.

While this comes last on the list, I believe it’s the most crucial step. Being fully aware of your values, beliefs, motivators, interests, strengths, and areas for development is what can truly enable you to make the right decision. Be curious, both about yourself and about what is out there that could align with what you are seeking.

I hope these ideas can provide some helpful reflection prompts to those of you who are thinking about the next steps in their careers. Don’t forget that you don’t have to do this on your own. If you feel stuck and are interested in finding out how I can help you gain clarity around what you really want and make a plan for making it become a reality, then get in touch for a free no obligation call.

.