4 Signs It’s Time to Switch Industries (and How to Get Started Again) was originally published on Ivy Exec.
Today’s world is moving quickly.
Technology is rapidly expanding, evolving at the speed of light. And these innovations are changing the way industries operate. Many professionals are finding themselves amidst changing times, wondering whether or not it’s time for personal change, too.
Whether due to the demand for new skills or personal interest, now is as good a time to switch industries. But, of course, doing so isn’t for the faint of heart. Switching gears takes time and effort – and it doesn’t always make sense.
Here are four signs that it really is time for you to move to a different industry (and how to start from scratch again).
4 Signs It’s Time to Change Careers
Here are four red flags that are telling you it’s time to consider a career change.
1⃣ You’re feeling stagnant.
If you’ve noticed a lack of growth opportunities ahead of you, you may feel stuck in your current position.
Advancement and professional development are critical motivators for many people – and without them in sight, work can feel much less enticing. After all, it’s human nature to crave newness and to want to learn.
If you’re feeling stagnant, now is an excellent time to seek out that newness elsewhere. Switching industries might be the rejuvenating kick you need to reignite your passion and provide fresh growth opportunities.
2⃣ You’re experiencing low morale and poor job satisfaction.
Being happy with your job plays a vital role in our overall well-being.
After all, we spend such a big chunk of our time at work. If you don’t feel satisfied in that department, you might end up dreading going to work every day or opening up your laptop. Experiencing a constant sense of dread isn’t healthy for anyone, and this low morale level can quickly lead to burnout.
If you’re feeling like wishing away the work weeks, maybe it’s time to explore something new. Take a look at what you enjoy doing and your strengths, and consider some other industries where you can combine what you love and what you’re good at doing.
3⃣ Industry advancements are attractive to you.
The world has been short-circuited by technological innovations, which are rapidly changing industries and work environments.
An industry that may not have been so appealing to you before may have recently become more enticing. Similarly, jobs that never existed before are cropping up left and right, such as with artificial intelligence. (And, in the same vein, artificial intelligence may be replacing some jobs – like yours – potentially making specific skills obsolete in the near future.)
These kinds of changes may entice you to try something new. They may also push you to make moves before you’re forced to do so if your job is on the line. Transitioning to an industry that requires different skills or more specialized skills isn’t easy, but it can be fun to find new ways of working.
4⃣ You’re just plain curious.
So many people “just get a job.” Any job. One that pays the bills or that just happened to them.
And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But maybe you have other untapped potential that you never gave a chance or curiosities that you never explored.
It’s never too late to follow a passion. Personal growth and a sense of fulfillment are hugely significant in life and in work. And while making the jump to pursue a passion might seem scary, the reward can be so much greater than the risk.
4 Tips for getting started again
Consider your interests first. What brings you the most excitement when you consider it as a career? Is it a realistic career path?
- Be realistic about your strengths and weaknesses. Know what you’re good at and where you have room for improvement. Is there an industry that can help you hone in on your skills, or perhaps one that can help you strengthen your weak points?
- Educate yourself. There are plenty of online resources these days to which you can turn for valuable insights and information. If you’re considering a career change but aren’t quite ready to dive in head first, take a free online course with Udemy or Coursera to get a taste. Then you can seek out further education or any other certifications you may need if there’s a fit for you.
- Network. Reach out to your personal and professional networks to speak to someone who works in the industry where you want to work. Ask them questions and talk to them about their own personal experiences. If no one comes to mind immediately, check out networks through LinkedIn or social media platforms, where you might find people at specific companies through mutual connections.
The bottom line
Changing careers isn’t easy, and changing industries altogether can be even more challenging.
You will likely need to obtain new skills and knowledge to make an industry jump mid-career, which could require courses or certifications that cost money and take time. But making moves to change up your work life can be massively fulfilling and well worth the effort.
While you don’t need a sign or reason to make a change in your life, these four red flags are major indicators that now is a good time to consider making those moves.
