A substantial part of finding fulfillment in your career is being passionate about your field. Unfortunately, your ideal industry isn’t always where you have experience, training, and a professional network. For some, career changes happen naturally through a progression of jobs, organizations, and opportunities. But for others, a potential career change involves a dramatic shift into a new field. Generating a sea change in your professional life isn’t impossible, but it takes research, strategy, and working with a career planning coach for objective, insightful advice.
Depending on how long you’ve been in your current field, you’ve developed a brand or reputation that garners a certain level of compensation and benefits.
In a new industry, you don’t have the same experience or standing. You may have to compromise with your salary or benefits until you develop the same proven track record as you have in your old field.
Making a significant career change earlier in your career can prevent you from experiencing some of these setbacks. If you’re unsure about your future in your current industry, it’s worth it to consult with a career planning coach.
Changing careers often happens in one of two ways. Each has different consequences for your earning potential and advancement. If someone in your network reaches out to facilitate a change in fields because they see potential in you, it creates circumstances that are less prone to setbacks. In this situation, you’re seizing on an opportunity to explore a new profession.
If you’re the one instigating a career change, you have to be much more wary of potential pitfalls, including compromising on salary, benefits, and title. None of these are reasons not to make a change, but meeting with a career planning coach can help you develop strategies for anticipating and overcoming pitfalls.
When you’re active in your network, you can solicit objective feedback regarding a potential career change. Meet with mentors and colleagues to see if people see it as something you’re able to do at this point in your career.
Your network will also help you build trust in your new industry. If your network doesn’t have confidence in your abilities in a new profession, you’re facing substantial obstacles when applying for new jobs.
Some of the most critical research you can do into a new career is speaking with mentors in that field. They can give you a first-hand perspective of what a career in their industry entails.
If you’re coming from a place of unhappiness in your current job, a new industry may not be the answer. Instead, finding a new organization or position might give you the challenge and fulfillment you’re seeking. Speaking with a career planning coach is the best way to achieve a rewarding career that supports your long-term professional goals.
We bring over three decades of experience in C-suite leadership to every one of our clients. Our goal is to help professionals–at all stages of their careers–to achieve their goals. From making significant career changes to developing public speaking and leadership skills, we offer real-world advice and actionable strategies for change. Our career planning coaches come from diverse backgrounds, giving them unique insight into leveraging experience and skill across fields.
Nineteen88 Strategies offers leadership development and executive coaching services based on wisdom and teamwork. We provide objective guidance and advice for individuals and organizations looking to achieve great things. Schedule an initial coaching session with one of our career planning coaches.
Tools and resources to achieve your professional aspirations - from entry-level to CEO
