Career changes can be quite overwhelming, especially if it’s in a completely different field than what you are used to, but it doesn’t mean that it can’t be done. In the era of the Great Resignation, many have reevaluated their priorities and are on the search for jobs that will better fulfil their needs. Sometimes, these jobs are outside your comfort zone, and you may start to doubt whether you’re qualified for them. Remember that growth happens when you step out of that bubble and embrace the challenges that come with it. Here are a few things to consider if you’re planning to switch careers:

 1. Motivations and deal breakers - Dig deep and try to understand what keeps you motivated. It could be the short commute, the company culture, the working hours, or the flexibility of having a hybrid arrangement or option to work from home. After taking note of these, you should also take note of deal breakers which could be something that may cause demotivation in the long run.

 2. Make an inventory of your transferable skills - More often than not, we don’t realise that some skills we already have can be useful in the next job. If you’ve been working in the same industry for quite some time you could lose sight of what you’re capable of doing as they may just seem like daily tasks. Try to think of every task that you feel confident in and relate them to a skill. Being able to list down your skills coupled with the success you had with them is one key to letting your future employer know what you can contribute to the team. Some of them include time management, project completion, problem-solving, communication, leadership and critical thinking.

 3. Do a lot of research - It’s always helpful to read and be informed about the industry you want to be a part of. Check out their social media accounts, blogs, and company reviews. Being informed helps in preparation for job interviews, too. It might also be beneficial to talk with a trusted mentor who could give you a different perspective on things.

 4. Give yourself time - There’s no one-way route when switching careers. It could take a few months to a couple of years, which is completely acceptable. Use the time to invest in YOU, and consider doing things like taking up short courses to gain more knowledge. They say, ‘the journey is more important than the destination.’ As long as you’re acting on your dream and doing things to make it happen, you’re already on the right track.

5. Be kind to yourself - Rejections may come but it’s best to remember that it’s a part of the process. Remind yourself not to stop trying and that success stories don’t happen overnight.

Keeping these things in mind could help give you a good start on the kind of mindset to have. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and explore where you can flourish. Interested in being in the IT and Digital space? Check out our live jobs here for more information. Your dream job may still become a reality. Wishing you the best of luck!