If you’re considering changing careers in 2021, you’re not alone. Whether you’re looking for more balance, a higher salary, or it just feels like it’s time to try something new, the latest research conducted on behalf of SEEK shows that 41% of Australians say they are likely to change jobs in 2021, with 37% of those who are looking to move roles specifically impacted by the changes brought on by COVID-19.
Adjustments to our working lives, routines, and the world around us can be hard – and each of us has had to navigate a range of uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. But this kind of upheaval can also catalyse meaningful change by inviting us to stop and reassess the way we’re living our lives, and what we really want – including in our work.
No matter the reason, making a career change can be daunting, which is why it is important to set yourself up for success. There are a few key steps you can undertake that will help you along your journey:
Self-assessment
A good place to start is with an honest self-assessment. Changing careers can present you with a number of significant challenges and difficult questions, and you’ll be well prepared if you’ve already thought about these before a hirer puts them to you.
- What do you want from your career?
- What actions are you prepared to take to meet your career goals?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Seek advice
Speak with people who’ve taken the plunge and changed careers before, as they might be able to guide you on some of the pitfalls you should try to avoid. It’s also worth seeking out people in the industry or role you’re interested in joining, as they may be able to give you the inside word on how best to achieve your goals.
Set goals
Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, and then set process-oriented goals. So, for example, rather than setting one of your goals as ‘getting my dream job’, set yourself the goal of acquiring the skills that will make you the best candidate for getting that dream role.
Look after your mental health
Changing jobs can take up a lot of your physical and emotional energy, meaning it is an especially important time to take care of your wellbeing. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and tapping into supportive social networks will all help buffer the demands of job hunting. And if things don’t go to plan, find ways to learn and grow from missed opportunities rather than personalise rejections.
Changing careers can be daunting, but it can also turn out to be one of the best decisions you will ever make. If you would like to hear more expert advice on careers and how to go about the job hunt, have a listen to the SEEK your Mind podcast.