10 career change mistakes to avoid

Changing careers isn’t easy – your friends and family may think you’re crazy, you might not have a clue which direction to go in, and it can seem like a very long road ahead. However, if you’re bored, burnt out or simply unfulfilled, it really is worth the effort and the wait. Life’s too short to stay in a career that leaves you unhappy.

To help your career change journey be as successful and smooth as possible, I’ve pulled together 10 of the most common mistakes career changers make – and how you can avoid them.

DON’T:

1. Change careers because you hate your job

Don't confuse hating your job with hating your career.

Take the time to identify the reasons why you are unhappy in your current job, and then work out whether it’s your job, employer or manager you dislike, or whether it’s the nature of the work you do and the skills you are using that leave you feeling dissatisfied.

Only when you are clear about the problem can you find the right solution.

2. Jump at the first career option that comes your way

If you’re really unhappy in your career and you know you want out, it’s tempting to take the first opportunity or idea that comes along and roll with it.

However, if you’re going to go through the upheaval of changing career, you don’t want to end up jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

Take your time. Identify who you are, what your ideal job would look like, and then research all your options to identify those that match. Your dream job may be one you haven’t even heard of yet.

3. Choose a new career based on the fact that...

a. Others are doing well in it

Just because someone you know is successful in a certain career does not mean that you will be or, more importantly, that you will be happy doing it.

Changing career is all about finding a new role that is a good fit for you.

b. The money’s great

Money is important, but try not to base a career decision on salary alone.

If you hate your new high-paying career, you may find yourself spending that extra income trying to compensate for the stress and dissatisfaction it brings.

Consider the impact a career will have on your quality of life as well as your income.

4. Choose a new career without introspection

This is probably the most important point of all because developing your self-awareness is the key to finding a new career you’ll love (and ensuring you don’t end up in another role that fits as poorly as your last).

By identifying your interests, natural strengths, skills, life goals and, most importantly, your values, you’ll be much better placed to find a career that suits you – one that leaves you feeling happy and fulfilled.

5. Let others’ opinions get in the way

Listen to the opinions of your parents, partner or other important people in your life, but don’t allow them to decide for you.

If they object to your career change, remember that it’s your happiness, wellbeing and future at stake.

You only have one life. Do what feels right for you.

6. Make a career change without a plan

Putting together a clear plan and strategy is an essential part of a successful career change.

It helps you stay focused and motivated, which is particularly important because career changes often take months to complete.

Make sure your plan includes developing your self-awareness, researching career options, building your skills, completing any training you may need and planning your finances.

7. Invest in further education before you're sure of your choice

It’s important to make sure you have the right skills and qualifications for your new career, but before investing in further education, be as sure as you can that you’ve found the right direction.

One of the best ways to do this is to test drive your career choice.

Do some voluntary work, find a part-time role, ask to shadow someone already working in the field or simply speak to people who are doing the job and ask them about the reality of their work.

8. Change careers without updating your job-search skills

If it’s been a while since you were last looking for work, take the time to update your job-search and interview skills.

This is particularly important today, with professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn playing an increasingly important role in recruitment.

Use your increased self-awareness to develop your personal brand – what you stand for and what makes you different. This is becoming increasingly important in today's job market.

9. Expect to switch overnight

A successful career change rarely happens overnight. In many cases, it takes six months or longer.

Be patient.

Take the time to get it right, and it will almost certainly be worth the wait.

10. Give up

Changing careers can be tough.

Your family and friends may not understand your decision. You may have to adjust to a lower income for a while. You will almost certainly have to face your fears.

Fear of failure and fear of not being able to meet your financial commitments are common among career changers.

When times get tough, think about what your life could look like in five years if you continued on your current path.

What would the consequences be for your health, happiness and fulfilment?

You deserve a fulfilling, happy and healthy working life. One that reflects who you are, makes use of your strengths, and gives you a reason to look forward to Monday mornings.

So, hang on to your dream and don't give up.