4 Signs You’re Ready to Shift Careers

Many professionals in the Philippines contemplate changing their careers at various points in their lives. This desire to start over in a new field can stem from a person’s dissatisfaction with their current job, the need for personal growth, the pursuit of better work-life balance, financial considerations, or external factors such as shifts in their home industries.

It’s worth noting, however, that having a reason to change careers does not necessarily equate to being prepared to make that big leap. A decision as big as a career change requires deeper introspection, as well as making active preparations to embark on a new professional path.

If you’re thinking of changing careers in the near future, perhaps you’re wondering if you’re actually prepared for the opportunities as well as the consequences of what could be a life-changing decision. Here are some signs that you’re ready and will likely take well to the transition:

You Have a Clear Idea of the Work Environment That Matches Your Needs

At this point in your career, you likely have an idea of what your dream workplace is like—and it may not apply to your current company. Perhaps you’re keen on spending a good portion of your day working in your home office so you can balance your professional and personal priorities, and you’ve set your sights on work from home jobs in the Philippines as a result. It’s also possible that you’re perfectly fine with an office-based or hybrid working environment, but you want to work with people who can mentor you, support your efforts, and appreciate what you bring to their table.

Knowing the qualities that you seek in a new work environment is a good sign that you’re ready to take a big career leap. If you haven’t done so yet, seek out companies whose values align with yours, and check out their employee reviews and cultural initiatives to find out whether they can offer you the work environment or setup that you actually want.

Pursuing a better work environment will allow you to increase your chances of finding career satisfaction and fulfillment. The closer you are to what your idea of a dream work environment is, the readier you’ll be to take the big step of shifting careers.

You’re Anticipating New Professional Challenges

Next, if the familiarity of your work unsettles you more than it gives you comfort, then a new professional challenge might be exactly what you need. Maybe you yearn for new tasks that will help you improve your craft or skill level, as well as allow you to earn a better living. Regardless, being genuinely excited about the prospect of learning and growing in a different field indicates a readiness to explore new opportunities and expand your skill set.

Embrace this anticipation by conducting thorough research on industries, roles, or sectors that align with your interests and offer fresh challenges. You can look for ways to bridge any knowledge or experience gaps through professional development programs, courses, or certifications. This way, when you move on to your next career, you’ll be adequately prepared for the new challenges it will present you.

You’re Actively Accumulating Transferable Skills

In the same vein, making an effort to acquire transferable skills is a sign that you’re ready to switch to a new career. Transferable skills are abilities and experiences that can be applied across different roles or industries. If you’ve acquired a diverse skill set throughout your career, it will put you in a good position to shift paths.

To make sure you’re ready for a career shift, evaluate your existing skills and identify the ones that can be utilized in a different context. For example, skills such as leadership, problem-solving, communication, project management, and teamwork are often transferable across various roles and industries. Highlight these skills on your resume and during interviews to demonstrate your adaptability and value to potential employers in the new field.

In addition, consider gaining new skills that may be necessary to your desired career. This could involve enrolling in courses, attending workshops, or seeking out relevant volunteer or freelance opportunities to build hands-on experience. Building upon your transferable skills and acquiring new ones can enhance your marketability and increase your confidence in pursuing a career change. When you’re confident that you can do a new job with the range of transferable skills you now have—or are at least in a good position to be trained further—you may be ready to get yourself out there.

You’ve Attained Greater Financial Stability

It’s no secret that switching careers is a financially turbulent step for many people. As such, being financially stable is a positive sign that you’re ready for a career change. If you have a substantial emergency fund in place, for instance, you’ll have an easier time waiting out the application period and transitioning to your new professional role.

That means that it’s a good idea to assess your financial situation before embarking on a career change. Evaluate your savings, expenses, and any potential financial commitments or responsibilities that you have to address. Consider creating a financial plan that accounts for the potential impact of a career shift, such as the possibility of a temporary decrease in income or additional expenses related to acquiring new skills or education.

If financial stability is a pressing concern on your part, explore alternative paths within your desired field that allow for a smoother transition. This could involve starting part-time or freelancing while gradually building your career in the new field.

By recognizing these tell-tale signs, you’ll be better equipped to decide whether you’re ready for a career change. If you find that your preparation is still lacking, remember that it’s possible to work on these tasks so you’re more prepared for the big change you’re planning. Once you’ve checked all the boxes, you’ll have a good chance of making a smooth transition into the next phase of your professional life.