Thinking about making a career change but feeling overwhelmed and don’t how to do it? It’s a situation many people find themselves in. Whether the current economic climate feels unstable, you feel your current career is under threat or you just feel it’s time for something different, the urge to change careers can be quite strong. However, making the leap into a new career can feel rather daunting for many.
Common challenges people face when considering a career change
Why is it that something we deeply desire can feel so incredibly difficult to achieve? The reality is that there are some common obstacles that can get in the way of us changing careers. Understanding these potential challenges is the first step towards navigating them successfully.
Let’s explore 10 of the most common career change challenges encountered:
- Lack of clarity: A lack of clarity regarding a desired career path, as well as a lack of awareness of transferable skills, strengths and work values, are perhaps the biggest challenges when seeking to make a career change.
- Overwhelm and decision-making paralysis: One of the biggest challenges for those changing careers is the overwhelm experienced from the number of possibilities. Adding to this a constantly changing landscape, the uncertainty of the future can create an even greater sense of overwhelm, leaving you unable to decide which path to pursue or what the next best steps are.
- Lack of necessary qualifications or experience: Not possessing the specific certifications, experience, or transferable skills required for a desired new role, might mean you need to undertake further learning or education. Sometimes this might be unclear or you might not know how to access the right training.
- Financial concerns: Worries about potential reduction in earnings, periods of unemployment during the transition, and costs associated with retraining or further education are common, significant barriers. A note of caution: don’t rush into training without doing research and understanding a) if it’s necessary and b) if the training provider and course suits your needs
- Lack of Information about opportunities: Difficulty in finding reliable information about career options and available positions, understanding the specific skills in demand, and navigating the complexities of an ever-changing job market can make the career change process even more challenging.
- Fear and self-doubt: This includes anxiety about changing careers, fear of failure, and internal negative self-talk that questions one’s ability to succeed in a different field.
- Navigating the job search and networking: Transforming your LinkedIn profile and CV, deciding on the best job search strategy, preparing applications and networking, can be daunting. It’s totally understandable to feel out of your depth as you navigate new territory.
- Burnout and emotional fatigue: Fatigue caused by a demanding and unfulfilling job can drain the energy required to navigate and manage a career change.
- Balancing personal responsibilities: Family commitments, the need to maintain work-life balance, and the tricky logistics of retraining or relocating can complicate the career change process.
- Ageism: Facing prejudice or perceived limitations due to age, either being seen as too old to start in a new field or too young and inexperienced by employers, can be a significant obstacle.
So, what now? Recognising these common challenges is the first step towards tackling them. In this next section, I’ll share some practical strategies to overcome these common challenges.
Strategies for overcoming career change challenges
To overcome a lack of clarity, try conducting informational interviews with people already in roles you’re curious about. These conversations provide invaluable, real-world insights into day-to-day work, industry trends, and potential career paths, helping you narrow down your options. Working with a career coach will also enable you to get specialist support to gain the clarity needed to make a successful career change.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, break down your entire career change into tiny, manageable steps. Instead of thinking about the entire journey, focus on just one small action at a time, like updating a specific section of your CV or researching one new industry this week. Also, keep notes (on your computer, phone or a notebook) to help you track your progress and keep moving forward.
To address a lack of qualifications, consider enrolling in an online certification or bootcamp that quickly teaches in-demand skills relevant to your new field. You can also gain practical experience through volunteer work or side projects, which build your portfolio and demonstrate your capabilities.
For financial concerns, start by creating a realistic budget and building a robust emergency fund to cover living expenses during any transition period. Exploring part-time work or a side hustle can also provide income while you retrain or actively search for your new role.
To find information about opportunities, actively network on LinkedIn, attend industry-specific webinars and online events. These connections can uncover hidden job opportunities and provide valuable insights that aren’t always found on traditional job boards.
When self-doubt creeps in, focus on building a strong support system with mentors, accountability partners, or a career coach who believes in your potential. Regularly celebrate small wins and remind yourself of your transferable skills and past achievements to boost confidence.
To navigate the job search effectively, carefully tailor your CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile to highlight your transferable skills and enthusiasm for each new target role. Practice articulating your career change story clearly and confidently in mock interviews to refine your presentation skills.
If burnout is a risk, prioritise self-care activities and set firm boundaries around your job search time to maintain your energy and well-being. It’s common for people to seek a career change during stressful situations in their current role, so be sure to address this before embarking on your career change journey.
To balance personal responsibilities, openly communicate your career change goals with your family and delegate tasks where possible. Creating a realistic schedule that integrates work, family, and job search activities will help prevent feeling constantly pulled in different directions.
To address ageism, strategically highlight your extensive experience, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability in interviews and on your application materials. Emphasise your continuous learning and passion for the new field, positioning yourself as a valuable, mature asset.
Are you facing any of the above challenges and want to start working with an experienced career change coach?
Get in touch for a free discovery call to find out how coaching with a Registered Career Development Professional and Master Practitioner Coach can help you make a successful career transition.
Hopefully, you have found this post helpful as you navigate your career change, and the practical strategies shared have helped you start paving your way towards a more fulfilling career.
Lisa LaRue, MCareerDev, RCDP, MAC
Career & Executive Coach | Career Development Consultant | EMCC-Accredited Master Practitioner Coach (EIA) and Coach Supervisor (ESIA) and CDI-Registered Career Development Professional (RCDP) with over 20 years’ experience helping achieve successful and fulfilling careers. With a passion for human flourishing, Lisa is also a part-time doctoral researcher of flow, performance and wellbeing at work.
