What to Do When Your Job Doesn’t Fit You: 8 Steps to Switch Career

After graduating from college or university, many of us will go with the first opportunity that presents itself. At the time, we often think it’s the best option but after spending a number of years building a career, we come to the realization that the job doesn’t fit us.

Sometimes this is caused by a change in our goals or values. Sometimes we start to develop new interests and sometimes, we just want better pay or more flexible working conditions.

If you are in this stage in your career, then follow these 8 steps to switching jobs.

1. Ask yourself why you want to switch the career

It is good to have a clear understanding as to why you want to switch career. Maybe you feel that your current job is not meeting your needs? It’s important to identify exactly what it is you’re missing in your current role.

Does your current job not allowing flexible working? Are you bored by the field you are working in? Are you just bored with the 9 to 5 and want to venture into something different?

Have a clear understanding of what is making you considering switching career before you take the plunge.

2. List down the likes and dislikes

Do we opt for new careers simply because we are fed up with our current job, our bosses or the company rules and regulations? It is imperative to assess your likes and dislikes at this stage to help you know what to choose next. What traits and attributes does your new company or role need to include?

3. Find out what you would want to do

Here, you must be specific about what you want to do. Some people want to become computer science experts without knowing or understanding that there are many fields within this field. Therefore, be clear and more specific about what you’re looking for.

4. Research

The next stage is to conduct thorough research to find out as much as you can about this new career. If you’re still unsure about what you want to do, doing research can help you to discover what you’re passionate about.

If you’ve managed to identify a job you’re interested in, or even a couple of options you’re curious about, try and see if you can speak to someone about what it’s like to do that job. 

5. Brainstorm on how you will reach there

Sometimes a new career can be very similar to what you are currently doing which can make the transition quite smooth.

However, this isn’t always the case as you need to map out exactly how you’re going to get there. What skills, experience or qualifications are employers looking for? Are there any skills that you are lacking? How are you going to fill these knowledge gaps and gain the knowledge or experience you need?

6. Upgrade your skills

Finding ways to upgrade the skills you have can often be the first hurdle. Consider offering to volunteer in order to gain experience or to enroll in a program to give yourself the right qualifications.

7. Craft a resume

After you’ve upgraded your skills, you’re going to need to craft a professional resume for your new career.

Ensure it includes information on your new qualifications and examples of the relevant skills required.

8. Job-hunting

This is your final step. Now that you’ve identified what it is you want to do, and you’ve got the skills to do it, you need to apply this new found knowledge and passion to your job applications.