Posted By Trisha
Embracing Change and Finding New Paths
Career transition can simply be described as the process of discovering and pursuing a new career. Each year, millions of people make an internal shift, reaching a point where they are ready to explore a new career. The COVID-19 pandemic has vastly added to these numbers. Whilst this is a very exciting journey, it can also be very challenging and anxiety-provoking. Let’s start off by understanding the difference between a "career change” and a “career transition”. Most people use the terms “transition” and “change” interchangeably, however they are not synonyms/synonymous.
Career Change Vs Career Transition
Career change
Change is an external shift in your life, for example; a new job, home or relationship. The motivation for this change is external from you.
Career transition
Transition is an internal shift within you. This means you’ve reached a point where you want to let go of an aspiration, assumption, self-image or dream.
A transition can however be provoked by change, for example, you may have been retrenched from your job and this has now given you the opportunity to pursue a dream or passion.
Here are a few questions you can ask yourself in order to identify if you are looking to make a career change, or a career transition:
- If I could do this work in a different environment, would I enjoy it?
- If I was told tomorrow that my field of work no longer existed, how would I feel?
- Do I know what my perfect promotion would be?
- What is it about my job that is making me unhappy?
Does the work environment I want exist?
Tips On How to Make a Career Transition
#1 Learn the industry
Familiarise yourself with the industry you’re interested in going into. Read through job descriptions, industry publications and websites to learn the vocabulary, equipment and job duties.
#2 Determine the skills you need
Identify the skills which your new career requires, and begin developing them. You can either try to learn the skills yourself or do an online course. It is also beneficial to figure out what existing skills and strengths you have which you can apply in your new career.
#3 Consider any life changes you may need to make
Identify any parts of your personal life that may need to change in order to accommodate this career change, e.g., family life, relocation etc.
#4 Go back to school
Big career changes may require you to get a new certification, license or degree. Consider carefully if this is time and money you are willing to put in to make the transition.
#5 Network
Connect with individuals who are currently in the profession you are looking to transition into. They will be able to give you advice and guidance, and help you learn more about your new career path.
A career transition is definitely not something to take lightly, and requires a lot of hard work and patience. It’s important to take time to acknowledge that things will be changing and to recognise what you will lose, or miss, because of it. It’s also important to understand that you will go through an array of emotions through the transition such as loneliness, frustration, anxiety, excitement and hopefulness—this is completely normal. Let go of the old, and look forward to the future.
