Changing Careers in 2023 – Planning Your Career Change

It’s a new year – it makes sense to be thinking about changing careers and making new career plans.

If you’re considering a career change this year, you’re not alone. According to a survey conducted by Robert Half, 50% of the professionals who participated are thinking about changing careers this year. Why are so many people weighing their options right now?

While every situation is different, the most common reasons that someone considers finding a new job tend to be drilled down to a need for balance in some form or another.

Of course, the economy is playing its part with inflation prompting many to seek higher salaries or better benefits from their jobs. The hope is that an income boost will help balance the increased cost of household expenditures and maintain the cost of living they are accustomed to.

Inflation is having an impact on the number of job seekers on the hunt.

But Money Isn’t The Only Reason To Consider Making A Move This Year

Aside from changing careers to earn a higher salary, some professionals are looking for better long-term advancement and future earning opportunities. Others are seeking flexibility in deciding when and where they perform their duties. With the pandemic we saw a rise in remote work and this has had a lasting impact on the corporate world.

Poor communication or bad management can also trigger a job search. Many people can say that they’ve left a job because of these issues. Whether it was a retail position in your teens, your first job after college, or somewhere more recent, the environment and culture of a workplace make a difference.  Some employees may even experience a disconnect from the corporate culture that they find themselves in. It’s become increasingly important for job seekers that they find a role where the standards and values of the hiring company align with their own.

Regardless of your reason for changing careers, you’ll need a map or plan to help you get there.

Surveying The Landscape Today

Circling back to inflation, one of the first things you should do before you prepare to apply for a new role – survey the landscape.

It’s 2023 and a global pandemic has had a major impact on how we do things in the workplace. Ask yourself how the skills you have fit with the demands and needs of the world right now. How can you be of service in a way that will also fulfill your career needs? If you’re changing careers because you want to try something new, ask yourself how that new job fits with the demands and needs of the world right now.

One thing that has changed the landscape for many professionals since the onset of pandemic, is the desire for a healthier work/life balance.

Remote work and hybrid work have become the norm for many workers. You may be considering changing careers because you prefer this type of work now and seek an environment that is more flexible in this area.

Whether you’re someone who values a flexible work schedule and environment, or someone who needs to work closely with other people, it’s not unreasonable to assume that both of these options will be available when you decide to apply.

In a job market like we’re seeing today, it’s also not unreasonable to assume that you’ll have multiple options to consider when it comes to office perks. If employers are having trouble attracting and retaining talent, and you’re talent – you can afford to be more selective about where you apply.

Changing Careers – Where To Begin

Start With Your Transferrable Skills

While there are many ways that you can get started, if your goal is to transition into a new career role, a good place to begin is by looking inwards. Start by taking inventory of your “transferable skills” so that you know what you’re working with. Transferable skills, also called portable skills, are the skills that follow you from one job to the next. For example, if you’re good at communicating ideas in one job, you’ll be able to transfer that skill to your next role. If you’re a strong problem solver or have excellent time management skills – you’ll use these regardless of where you work or what you’re doing.

World-renowned coach Martha Beck says, “The way we do anything is the way we do everything” and I think this represents the concept of transferrable skills perfectly. I think it’s important to recognize that how you do something is as important as what you do. Remember that even if you are changing careers and leaving something entirely different behind to try something completely new, you’ll be bringing all of your knowledge, values, and skills with you.

Consider Your Greatest Strengths

Reflecting on your strengths is a great way to recognize the things that you enjoy and feel natural doing. You can also discover how you can add value in your new role to help you narrow down your job prospects and the corporate environments that suit you best.

Finally, look back on your past experiences and reflect on your career so far. Think about the environment that you feel you work best in, the things you’ve enjoyed at past jobs, what your ideal workday looks like and what has satisfied you most in previous roles.

Before changing careers, think about what has served you best in your work to date – and what hasn’t. What are your struggles in the workplace? What frustrates you most in a career environment? What are you hoping you won’t have to do in your new role? What challenges would you like to face?

Hiring A Career Coach

Taking some time to reflect and refocus is an important part of this process. Don’t overlook this step in the process of changing careers because a little introspection can go a long way. However, if focusing on yourself isn’t easy for you – that’s ok too.

Many people find it hard to answer questions about themselves without a little coaching. You may be the perfect person to work with a career coach who can help you to expand your boundaries and see your full potential. I would be happy to work with you, help get you into the right mindset, and help you through the transition phase of changing careers.

Take my online Career Change Assessment quiz and book a session with me

Working with a career coach will help you let go of your inhibitions and unlock your best self. A career coach will make changing careers much easier.

A coach is prepared to support you during a big transition, steer you in the right direction and help you stay on course. A coach will help you dig deep to discover what truly motivates you and create a map that will lead you to the career that you really want.

Let’s find your dream career together – new year, new career, new you!