Your cart is currently empty.
For many, career transition is an opportunity to reconnect with your passions, purpose, and values. Studies show that most people change careers 5-7 times in their lifetime, so you're not alone in seeking to pursue a career change.
Whether you're in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, transitioning back to work after parenting, or moving from military to civilian life, making a change in profession is an opportunity to grow and redefine success in a career you're passionate about.
Change can feel overwhelming, but it provides the perfect opportunity to take control and design a career that truly fits your goals and career ambitions. If you've asked yourself, "What should I do for a career change?" This article offers advice on how to make a career transition, overcome challenges, and capture new career change opportunities.
When you first start looking for a career change, it can feel overwhelming. It's a big decision, often driven by personal, professional, and financial factors.
Here are some common reasons why you might consider a career change:
If your current job leaves you feeling unfulfilled, unappreciated, or exhausted, it's natural to start exploring other options. 81% of workers cite dissatisfaction with their day job as their primary reason for a career change.
Exciting fields like artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and remote work create new possibilities daily. For example, if you're curious about these growing industries, now could be the perfect time for a career shift.
In today's employment marketplace, there are many more opportunities than before to work in a career that pays well, that you're happy in, and that fits your lifestyle goals. With a rise in work from home or hybrid working initiatives and full-time or part-time job roles, finding a job that suits you has never been easier. In fact, 79% of people who change career path find better pay and more fulfilling opportunities.
Life changes, like starting a family, moving house, or prioritising your health, can make you rethink what matters most in your career.
Maybe you've dreamed of turning your interests into a career. Take inspiration from Jeff Bezos, who left a high-paying Wall Street job to start Amazon. His bold move shows how chasing your passion can eventually lead to extraordinary results.
While the practical reasons for a career change are important, emotional and psychological barriers often hold people back from making a career change they otherwise know would be a great decision.
Why? Because our brains are wired to seek safety, and the unknown can feel dangerous and risky. The fear of failure and pressure to make the "right" choice can create self-doubt and uncertainty, keeping you in your comfort zone.
But the truth is, no career path is perfect. Successful people take risks, make mistakes, and adjust along the way. Instead of waiting for the "right time," take small steps. Research your options, build new skills, and connect with people in your desired field. Growth happens outside your comfort zone, and every small action brings you closer to fulfilling your career goals.
Changing careers is a huge undertaking, but it can be much more manageable by breaking it down into small, practical steps.
Here are some practical steps you can work through for your next career change:
Before you begin a job search, take some time to reflect on and assess your skills, interests, and values. What do you enjoy about your current work, and what do you want to change? Identify your transferable skills—these strengths can apply to different roles, such as communication, problem-solving, or project management.
This self-assessment is crucial to determining what you're good at and what kind of work environment or company culture best suits you.
Once you've identified your interests and transferable skills, dive into the field you're interested in. Research the industries, companies, and roles that align with your goals and interests. Look for patterns in job descriptions to determine what qualifications are required. By doing so, you can get an insight into industry expectations, challenges, and opportunities that can guide your transition.
Now that you know where to go, it's time to set specific goals and create a plan. Break down your long-term career change into smaller, actionable steps. Be specific about what you want to achieve. Create a monthly milestone for yourself and track your progress.
For example, your goals might include updating your CV, completing a relevant online training course, or contacting three people in your desired industry for informational interviews. Setting clear, achievable milestones will keep you on track and help you stay motivated.
If you're looking for a new job and your research reveals that you're missing key skills or certifications, now's the time to invest in learning. This might involve taking courses, attending conferences or workshops, or earning a certification to make you a more attractive candidate.
For instance, if project management is your goal, e-Careers offers courses like PRINCE2 (a popular project management methodology), widely recognised in many industries. You could also attend workshops or webinars from professional organisations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) to gain practical insights.
Networking is often the most powerful tool during a career transition. Contact people in your desired field through LinkedIn, professional associations, or networking events. Building relationships with those with experience in your new industry can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and advice. Consider informational interviews to learn more about roles you're interested in.
Once you've gained the necessary skills, it’s time to update your CV and LinkedIn profile. Focus on your transferable skills and highlight accomplishments from your previous role that can apply to your new career. You may need to tailor your CV for each specific job you apply to, so use language that matches the current job description to ensure you're getting noticed by recruiters.
When you start getting job interviews, you must be ready to discuss your career change clearly and confidently. Hiring managers may be curious about why you're transitioning, so frame your story to highlight your transferable skills, new qualifications, and enthusiasm for the new field.
Maintaining strong self-esteem is key. Believe in the value of your past experiences and how they translate to your new role. Practice answering common interview questions and be prepared to explain how your past experiences will bring value to the role.
Career changes can take time, and it's not uncommon to face rejection or unexpected hurdles. Stay persistent and keep refining your approach. If one job opportunity doesn't pan out, learn from the experience and use it to improve your next application or interview.
Be open to entry-level or contract roles, as they can serve as stepping stones to your desired career. You might find that starting smaller in a new industry gives you the experience you need to advance quickly.
Finally, once you've successfully landed a new role, take time to celebrate the milestone. It's a major achievement, and you've worked hard to get there. Reflect on the journey, acknowledge your progress, and use this positive energy to hit the ground running in your new career. Your adaptability, resilience, and willingness to learn will serve you well as you grow in this exciting new phase of your professional life.
By following these steps and staying focused on your long-term vision, you can make a smooth and successful transition to a new career, no matter how big the change may seem.
Below is the Checklist template for transferable skills and goals.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_uzLdSbB1d4BJQlf01hGHC45y3y0Ne5pCOBpdK0Bobg/edit?usp=sharing
Changing careers isn't just for new graduates; it's a journey many go on at various stages of life. You've probably thought, "I want a new job, but I don't know what to do next." Whether you're in your mid-30s, 40s, or approaching your 50s, the prospect of a career shift can be both exciting and intimidating.
To help guide you through this transition, here's some specialised advice tailored to different age groups, interests and life circumstances:
At 35, you've likely gained some experience and may already question your current career's growth potential. The good news is that you're still in an excellent position to make a successful transition. With the right approach, you can navigate this transition with confidence.
Here's how: Assess your skills, try side projects or freelancing to test new roles, and set clear goals with timelines for your career change.
At 45, you have more responsibilities and a deeper sense of what you want from your work. Career changes at this age require careful planning, but they are possible with the right approach.
Here's how: Reflect on your work-life balance and job satisfaction values, to guide your career choice. Leverage your experience and seek flexible opportunities in industries that value expertise, such as project management, consulting, or teaching.
Many people at this stage have valuable life experience and transferable skills that are an asset and set them apart. By 50, you have likely worked in a management or leadership role, making you an important part of a future senior leadership team. You likely have a clearer sense of what you want regarding work-life balance, fulfilment, and personal goals.
Here's how: Leverage your connections in your professional network for advice and opportunities, and consider updating your skills through career change programmes that will utilise your experience. Look for flexible roles, like remote work or consulting, that align with your experience and offer a new challenge.
Taking time off to raise children doesn't mean you've lost valuable skills—if anything, you've gained many new skills! Parenthood enhances your multitasking, problem-solving, and organisational abilities - assets in any career.
Here's how: Update your CV to showcase relevant skills or projects from your career gap, start with freelance or part-time work to ease back in, and tap into your network for family-friendly job opportunities.
For veterans transitioning into civilian careers, the skills you've developed, like leadership, discipline, and teamwork, are valuable. While transitioning can seem challenging, there are programmes designed specifically for veterans to help bridge the gap and translate military experience into civilian terms.
Here's how: You could look into mentoring, consulting, or part-time roles to use your experience without the full-time commitment. Also, tap into veteran-specific resources to find flexible jobs that fit your lifestyle and goals.
Several hurdles can appear when navigating major transitions like a change in profession, pursuing a new venture, or stepping into unfamiliar roles.
Let's break down some common challenges and how to tackle them:
Fear of failure is a common struggle, especially when facing something new. Instead of seeing failure as an end, view it as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself, "What did I gain from this?" and celebrate small wins to remind your team and yourself of your progress.
Impostor syndrome (the feeling of being a fraud despite your achievements) thrives on isolation. Reach out to others who've been through similar challenges. Hearing their stories can remind you that self-doubt is normal and doesn't define your abilities
Both fear and doubt are part of growth. The key is to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Financial challenges are often part of the transition process, whether investing in training, taking a pay cut for a new role, or managing your budget during uncertain times. Start by reviewing your finances and creating a realistic plan. Cut back on non-essential expenses and focus on priorities.
If possible, consider doing freelance work or side gigs that align with your goals to bridge financial gaps and build confidence. Some industries or government programmes offer financial assistance for career changes or training programs. Look for these resources to ease your financial burden.
Adjusting to a new workplace can be tough, but it’s easier if you take time to observe how people communicate and work together. Pay attention to how decisions are made and figure out what's expected.
Ask questions when unsure - it's better to clarify rather than guess. For remote or cross-cultural roles, prioritise clear communication and proactive engagement with your team and colleagues. With a thoughtful approach, you'll settle in more quickly and confidently.
The job market is rapidly evolving, and new change of career opportunities are emerging as industries adapt to technological advancements and global shifts.
Let's look at some of the most creative and promising fields and what you need to succeed.
The push for sustainability has sparked demand for clean energy roles in solar, wind, and geothermal power sectors.
AI is transforming industries ranging from healthcare to finance, making it one of the most in-demand fields for the future. AI is everywhere, from machine learning and data analysis to natural language processing.
The global shift towards remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, has led to a boom in virtual roles across various industries. From tech and customer service to marketing and project management, remote work offers flexibility and a wider range of opportunities.
Other promising career change ideas:
With the rise in data breaches and cyberattacks, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand to safeguard sensitive information across industries.
Health & Wellness
With a growing focus on mental and physical health, roles in wellness coaching, telemedicine, and public health education are gaining traction.
e-commerce & Digital Marketing
As online shopping continues to boom, there's a growing need for digital marketing specialists, e-commerce managers, and SEO experts.
Career transitions don't happen overnight, and setbacks are normal. Focus on your goals and be ready to pivot if necessary. Stay patient, persist, and take it one step at a time.
If you're looking for expert guidance and practical courses to support your career transition, e-Careers is here to help. With a wide range of courses, from project management and digital marketing to IT certifications and data analysis, you can gain the skills you need to thrive in a new role.
Contact us today and take advantage of e-Careers' flexible learning options that fit your schedule. Your path to a rewarding new career begins now.
Join the thousands of individuals, small businesses, and large corporations who trust e-Careers.
Chat with our friendly experts today to discuss your training needs. Call us now on
Alternatively, you can request a callback
Enquire Now
AWS Cloud Computing
AAT Accounting
CIPD Human Resources 
DMI Digital Marketing 
Data Analysis
CV Writing
Interview Coaching
Skillsolve Personalise
Skillsolve Professional
Skillsolve Apprenticeships
Skillsolve Bootcamps
Skillsolve Talent
Skills Pass Memberships
