Love what you do: Changing your career to pursue your passion

These days, we hear a lot about professionals who are becoming increasingly willing to place a bet on themselves, leave their current job (and career), and try something completely different.  This phenomenon is nothing new, but with remote work becoming increasingly popular, people are finding that they have access to jobs that they never thought possible before due to their geographic location.   

No longer are we confined to the job opportunities available to us within our city – now, we have the opportunity to do whatever we want…and people are taking advantage. 

So, what is the playbook for wanting to change careers?  Is it really just something that you plunge into head-first with nothing more than a dream and the money in your bank account?  Or is there a more responsible way to do things?   

While we are fans of jumping in with both feet, in this post, we’ll explore the latter. So if you’re thinking of changing careers and want to lean on the “responsible side”, this post is for you.  

Don’t Rush the Decision – Good things take time 

Feels like this should be obvious, but when we’re talking about chasing passion, it’s important you calm your emotional side just a little bit and let your logical side kick in at the beginning of your journey. Feels counter-intuitive, right?  

It can be easy to have a string of bad days at the office and want to throw it all away to start from scratch, but that’s your emotional side.  When making a big move like pursuing a career change, it could be a good idea to do it in a calculated way. Do not just up and quit your job after an argument with a co-worker. Do not go out in a blaze of glory a la Jerry MaGuire. Unless that’ your thing!  

Here’s a solid piece of advice to keep in mind as you start your journey: Wherever your new path may take you, you don’t want to encounter burned bridges along the way.  So if your career change involves leaving your current job, aim to do so with grace. Be confident that your professional relationships are intact. Even though you are moving to a new industry, you could still find these connections valuable in the future. 

Do Your Research 

A mistake many folks make when switching careers is not being fully aware of all the positions available to them in the industry they want to move to. You want to be confident that the job you’re moving into is one that will allow you to do what you love (or at least set you on a path to do what you love).   

Research online job listings, search for job titles related to the things you want to do.  Figure out specific job titles that you’re seeking and then dig further.   

Remember, this is a big life change, so you’ll want to understand: 

• Salary ranges for the new jobs you’ll be seeking 
• The opportunities for advancement 
• The overall emotional and mental health associated with the discipline 

A savvy way to understand exactly what it’s like working in an unfamiliar industry is to speak with people who work in it.  Seek out people that currently do what you’re endeavoring to do and ask them questions.  This can be done by connecting with people in networking groups or through online networking. Most folks are incredibly generous with their time when it comes to talking about their industry.  So offer to treat coffee, pick their brain, and they’ll hopefully give you the real scoop on what it’s like to work in your potential new industry. 
 

Rebrand Yourself 

If you’re a former accountant expecting to get a design job at a creative agency by acting like an accountant, you’re going to have a bad time (and you probably skipped step one on researching your new industry).   

If you’re planning to make a career switch, you need to embrace that new industry and that may require making some changes to your brand.  Make sure that you understand the audience you’re trying to reach – in this case recruiters and those in charge of hiring for your new industry.  You don’t have to compromise who you are; you just need to highlight the side of you that illustrates your passion for this new career – which may require some changes to how you present yourself publicly. 

Also, make sure to use this as an opportunity to promote your brand in general.  You’re trying to make waves in a new industry, so it’s not a bad idea to get out there as much as possible.  Use online resources like social media (LinkedIn, in particular), attend networking events, and promote yourself every chance you get.  Do everything you can to let people know that you’ve made this switch and are looking for opportunities in a new area.   

Use Your Resources 

When switching careers, it’s likely that you’re going to need some training in your new field so you can enter it effectively.  This may take the form of a return to school, but there are plenty of online resources that can help you prepare for a career change in a similar, less expensive way.   

When planning to make a career change, look into online courses. Aim to take at least one course to see if you’re truly interested in the new career you want to pursue.  If you come out of the course with a curiosity to know more, it can help validate your decision to shift professional paths. 

Another resource that should not be forgotten is your own personal network. While in the process of promoting your own personal brand, give yourself time to let your personal and professional networks know about your change.  These people are there to support you, and they may know of opportunities within your new industry that they would not connect you with otherwise.  Publish posts on social media, meet with people from your network that you think might have some influence in your new area.  Do anything you can to let those who already know you are great help you spread that reputation in a new industry. 

Embrace the Journey 

Remember, you are choosing to do this. You’ll need to remind yourself of this truth when things get hard (because they will). Don’t let those thoughts creep in as to whether or not you made a mistake. If you apply yourself and leverage your ability to plan, you shouldn't be worried once you decide to take the plunge.  

Yes, there will be challenges.  Nobody steps into a new field or strikes out on their own and takes the top spot. You’ll most-likely be taking a pay cut to break into your new industry. But over time, you’ll get to where you want to be.  You have to believe that to keep yourself motivated. You’ll want to have the same motivation and hunger you had when breaking into your original career.  This is, after all something you did to pursue a passion – so let that passion show and don’t look back. 

Have you completed a career change in your lifetime? Are you contemplating an upcoming shift? What do you love most about your job?

Share your stories, advice, and questions with the community in the forum thread here!