According to a news release published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in August 2019, the average person changes jobs 12 times in their lifetime — and it seems as though this number will only continue to increase. For some of you, that idea may be terrifying. But for those who are feeling stuck and ready to make a change, it’s nice to know you’re not alone.

Now, you just have to figure out what type of career you want to pursue and how to get there. Easy, right? The following career-change tips will help plot your course and make the shift toward a brand-new career path.

Career Change Tips for a Successful Transition [Webinar Replay]

In the career-change webinar below, I explain how to determine your new career goals and priorities, identify and articulate your transferable skills, and then rebrand your resume and LinkedIn profile for your career transition.

Career change webinar

Find the right fit

Starting a second career isn’t something that should be taken lightly, so before you take the plunge, make sure you’re doing something that is a good fit for your skills, interests, and schedule. Consider what you do in your spare time—do you have a hobby that can be turned into a business or other interests that could translate to a new career? For example, someone who comes home from work and goes straight to reading might enjoy a career in publishing or literature, while someone who spends all their spare time at the gym could thrive as a personal trainer or coach. Making a career change will be best if it’s for something that fulfills you. Think about what inspires you and brings you purpose, and then look at potential careers in those areas. Take your time to consider your options and talk with a career counselor or friends and family.

Keep your expectations in check

When starting a second career, it can be easy to expect things to be exactly the same as you left them, especially if you’re coming back to a career after some time off. However, the rapid growth of technology means programs and best practices from even just a decade ago are now obsolete. You might have visions of being able to adapt and jump back in seamlessly, but that likely won’t happen. Instead of expecting to be able to go right back to your old habits, do your research about current trends and technology in your current industry. Realize that there will likely be an adjustment period and time for you to understand the new company. You might even have to start in a lower position and work your way up again. Lowering your expectations slightly will help you have a better understanding of what is happening and allow you to stay positive with potential hiccups in the road.

Brush up on new skills

No matter if you’re starting something completely new or coming back after taking some time off, chances are, you’ll need to re-learn and refresh some of your skills to prepare for your career change. You don’t necessarily have to go back to college and get a new degree, but it can be incredibly beneficial to take applicable classes from a community college, library, or trade school to learn about the programs and required skills of your new career. Take advantage of online classes to give you the most updated skills. Anyone can say they are a quick learner—to succeed when starting a second career, you’ll need to show your adaptability and come to the table with an understanding of the new skills required. Being able to add proficiency in industry-leading programs to your resume will help put your job application on top of the pile and give you the knowledge you need to succeed in a new career.

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