This article is written by Khalid Joomaye, Organisational Development Consultant, Department of Health and Social Care, UK Civil Service.

  • The problem: Changing careers can be a daunting task.
  • Why it matters: It's important that people feel fulfilled in their careers.
  • The solution: Understanding why you want to change careers, researching your options and taking action will help you to move to a new career.

Are you considering changing your career in the not-too-distant future? Whether you’ve been in your current career for a while or you’ve not really found a career that lights your fire, the suggestions in this article will prepare you to embark on your journey to your next career. With many of us spending 30-40 hours a week or more at work, it’s important that you invest time to make an informed choice.

Like many things in life, we make assumptions based on fragments of information and often hearsay.

Explore your motivations

There could be many reasons why you are thinking of changing your career. Understanding your motivations for change at the outset will help you to stay on track on your journey.

You might feel that you've reached the pinnacle of your career, or maybe you’ve found that your role doesn't align with your values. Maybe your manager or organisation isn't creating the right environment for you to excel or progress. Perhaps you've done something different at work that has piqued your curiosity about an alternative career, or someone you know has suggested that you'd be good in a particular field. It could be a bit of all the above, but this insight will help you to decide if a career change is the right course of action. Rather than changing career, could a change of employer make a difference for you? Or the same type of role in a different part of the public sector or a secondment to the private or charity sector?

Having explored your motivations, the next step is to…

Do your research

Like many things in life, we make assumptions based on fragments of information and often hearsay. If you're clear on your next career, find out more about it to inform your decision-making. Consider aspects such as pay and benefits, a typical day/month/year, whether it's a growing or shrinking sector and sector challenges over the next three to five years. Whilst websites, online forums and social media can help you to build your understanding, speaking to people who do the job now will give you valuable insights into what it’s like on a daily basis.

You’ll need to research the skills, experiences and attributes necessary to switch careers. Some career paths will have formal training, qualification and accreditation requirements, whilst others may be more or less prescriptive. Where qualifications are needed, what are the costs and who pays? Where you go next could be easier if it makes use of your transferable skills. Your strengths and preferences will also factor into your decision, such as whether you like to be on the frontline or corporate functions and whether you like unpredictability or a steadier routine.

Once you are happy with your research, it’s time to…

Put it all into practice

Making big changes can be difficult, particularly if you’ve been doing something for a while–it’s comfortable, and the unknown can be intimidating. Here are some tips to keep on track:

  • Write down your plan with clear actions you will take to achieve it. It doesn’t need to be a full-blown project plan, but something that clarifies what you’re trying to achieve and what you need to get there and by when.

  • Share your plan with a trusted friend or adviser (e.g. a mentor) and keep them updated with your progress. They can hold you accountable and give you advice when things don’t go to plan.

  • Understand the financial impact of changing careers and plan accordingly, seeking professional advice, if appropriate.

  • Seek out opportunities to try out your chosen career before fully committing to it.

Main takeaway

Changing your career doesn’t need to be a daunting task. With the right research, planning and support, moving to a new career can be an exciting and rewarding endeavour.

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