Some things in life are inevitable, like taxes, chores and traffic. We can’t avoid these aspects of life; they pop up on our paths like an annoying bump in the road. Work is another element of life that most people will need to participate in. We all need to earn a living, pay bills, pay rent or mortgages and find something to occupy us.
Some people treat work as a means to an end, a way to make money and live comfortably. But for others, their career is a chance at fulfilment, emotional and otherwise. And that means these people sometimes need to change careers to find what sparks joy. If you’re one of these people, we will discuss changing career pathways in a rapidly changing world and six top things to consider before jumping ship and studying a top-tier MBA course or retraining in another field. Continue reading to learn more.
Career Change in a Dynamic World: 7 Key Considerations
Making the decision to switch occupations in today’s fast-paced, dynamic workplace requires guts and planning. The world is changing so swiftly that people who wish to re-evaluate their job options have a lot of considerations.
This article examines seven crucial factors to consider in this uncertain time when considering a career change. These elements, which may be influenced by shifting market trends, technological advancements, or individual objectives, will serve as crucial compass points for you as you make a fulfilling and fruitful career change.
Do You Need to Upskill or Retrain?
If you’re considering a career change, you may need to return to college or university to gain the required qualifications for your new job. For instance, studying for an MBA is almost mandatory if you’re looking at management, executive management or director roles. For others, depending on your new career trajectory, you may need to retrain in another field.
Say you want to switch from working in IT to becoming a paramedic. In this case, you’ll need to complete a whole course to teach you the skills and knowledge required to work in this field. Sometimes, you can utilise your prior learning if it’s related to your new field, but often, if you embark on a rapid career trajectory change, you’ll need a whole new degree to work in the new field.
You Might Face a Pay Cut
If you change careers in your adult years, unfortunately, you might be looking at an actual pay
cut while you work your way up in the new role. As most entry-level roles don’t pay awesomely, climbing the ladder means you’ll have to start at the bottom regarding pay brackets. This is especially true if you want to learn a trade, such as carpentry or plumbing. Apprentices don’t earn a lot, but they learn a lot.
Another example is moving from a management position in the corporate world with lots of stress and responsibility to working for a non-profit or healthcare service – you’ll make a difference in people’s lives. Still, these industries tend to pay less than the private sector.
Consider Joining Rapidly Growing Sectors
In this rapidly changing world, specific sectors are steaming ahead regarding innovation, creativity and invention. It could be an excellent career move to join a sector that offers excellent job opportunities for driven and dedicated professionals.
For instance, in the post-pandemic world, global tourism is surging and presents a plum career opportunity if you’re passionate about travel. Other rapidly growing sectors include AI, machine learning, AI-driven analytics and marketing. Public relations, digital communications and graphic design are also booming currently.
Another industry that will see massive demand for skilled workers is the healthcare and social assistance sector. As the population ages, their healthcare needs grow, and there are ample career progression opportunities working in hospitals, aged care facilities and community service organisations.
Avoid Jobs That Could Be Automated
As AI proliferates and robot and computer technology become more advanced in this rapidly changing world, some roles could become automated as time goes on. It makes sense to avoid these roles, as you don’t want to reskill and become qualified for a job that could be made redundant due to technology in a few years.
These roles and sectors are all facing severe automation risks in the next few decades:
- Procurement
- Data entry
- Software testing
- Administration
- Payroll and employee expense management
- Call centres
- Translation
Consider a new field that will always require a human touch. Some jobs that are relatively safe from automation include:
- Nursing and nurse practitioners
- Management roles
- Editors
- Content writers
- Event planning and management
- Executive-level directors and C-suite roles
Will The New Job Offer Flexibility?
Recent surveys have shown that workers prefer flexible working arrangements and that some will sacrifice pay and other benefits for more flexibility. The most valued benefits include flexible working hours, more paid time off, remote or hybrid working arrangements and family-friendly working policies. If you have a family and value work-life balance, it’s worth considering if the career change you’re considering offers flexible working arrangements and time off so you can enjoy your life and career.
Consider Your Skills, Interests, Passion and Knowledge
When planning a career change in the rapidly evolving modern world, it’s worth evaluating your existing skills, strengths, knowledge, experience and weaknesses. Determine how these match the requirements of the new sector you are considering joining.
Additionally, think about your interests, personal beliefs and passions. A career change that aligns with your genuine interests and what you believe in is more likely to bring satisfaction and success in addition to financial and other workplace benefits.
Find a Mentor
When planning a job change in a new industry, you should consult career advisors, job coaches or other experts who can act as mentors. Is there someone in your life who works in that field who can provide advice? Can you find someone willing to mentor you? Learning from someone experienced in the sector can be a valuable asset.
Conclusion
You can also read steps to start a tech career working from home for additional knowledge purpose. This informative article has shared the seven top things to consider when changing careers in a rapidly changing world. Utilize these tips to inform your next career move.
