How to change careers

Are you missing something in your current job or career? Or are you thinking that a role in a new or emerging sector might be a more exciting prospect for you? With many of us retiring much later in life, the idea of spending decades in an unfulfilling career isn’t a happy one.But when you’ve already established a career path, switching to a new career direction can be daunting.

Change can be hard, but sometimes, feeling stuck can be harder. Whether you've been considering a switch for some time now or simply feeling inspired by New Year's resolutions, check out our guide to changing careers.

6 Steps for changing careers

Step 1: Reflect on your current situation

Fear of the unknown is a common challenge for career changers. Before moving forward, reflect on your career to date. Consider what is making you happy, or unhappy, in your current profession to try and get a better understanding of what true job satisfaction might look like for you. Taking the time to decide what you want is crucial for finding more meaningful work.

Ask yourself what you truly value. Is it:

More money or a better work-life balance?
A career path that better aligns with your personal values?
The chance to make a greater impact?

By understanding what your personal ‘north star’ is, you can start to identify what careers and industries might be a good fit. This reflection will help you find a new career that offers you a sense of purpose and a better quality of life.

Step 2: Identify your transferable skills

Once you have a clearer career direction, the next step is working out which of your current skills can be used and what new skills you need to acquire. Many people worry about having the right qualifications, but you likely have valuable transferable skills.

These are abilities you've gained in your day job that are relevant to many other roles and industries. Soft skills are just as valuable as many technical skills to an organisation.

For example:

Strong communication
Problem-solving skills
Adaptability
Teamwork
Leadership

Skills clusters are a way of identifying what skills you have and how they can lead you toward a different career path. Take working in customer service, for instance. Providing guest services will be one of your skills, and a skills cluster in that role. Specialist tasks involved in that skill can then directly link to other occupations you may not have thought of, such as a hotel service manager. Skills clusters can help you understand how your skills can cross over into other roles, and can set you on a totally different path.

Step 3: Research and plan your upskilling journey

After you identify the skills you have and the skills you need, it's time to create a plan. This major career change doesn't always mean going back to university for a new degree.

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses can guide you in developing additional skills. Your journey could involve:

Learning a new technology platform.
Gaining a specific skillset through short courses or vocational education.
Earning industry certifications.

Research openings on different job boards to understand the required skills for the roles you aspire to. You can also review industry association websites for information on available training and accreditations. A trusted recruiter can also provide help changing careers by offering insights into what employers in a new industry are looking for.

Many learning resources are now available for free, like our online learning platform, Hays Learning. Set yourself a target for what skills to learn, identify the courses to get you there, and set boundaries around the time you want to dedicate to learning. This creates a realistic learning pathway for your career transitions.

Step 4: Embrace the learning process

For many, intentionally learning a new skill hasn’t been something we’ve had to do for many years, so getting comfortable with being a beginner again requires a mindset shift. Learning new skills takes patience and practice, but should be prioritised.

Adopt a beginner’s mindset: No one is good at something new immediately; it’s going to take time.
Be patient: Don't be hard on yourself when you make mistakes. Resist the temptation to give up when things get hard. Patience will help you stay committed.
Plan effectively: Try breaking the learning into smaller sessions or consider different learning styles that suit you.
Be consistent: Adopting a deliberate practice approach also helps embed new skills faster. This means you approach education with purpose and actively apply learnings when tackling a task.

Step 5: Build Your professional network

While you’re on the learning journey, you should also start building your professional network in the new industry you’re hoping to join. LinkedIn is a useful tool to develop these networks – search for people that hold similar job titles in the industry you’re looking to move to and connect via a personalised message. It can help if you interact with their content – comment on articles they write or share and tag them in posts that might be relevant. Let them know the journey you’re on, and when you anticipate being ready to start your job search in earnest.

Also, look for events where industry experts are speaking, or join professional bodies in your new industry to attend conferences.

Step 6: Prepare for the job search

You might not start at the same level as you were at, but your experience and transferable skills mean you will be able to consider positions above entry level.

Build your personal brand: Strengthen your online presence by updating your LinkedIn profile, showcasing relevant projects or achievements, and engaging with content in your target industry to position yourself as a credible candidate.
Update your resume: Focus on transferable skills, achievements, relevant interests and any new training that supports your new career direction.
Tailor your cover letter: Explain your motivation for changing careers and highlight how your previous experience brings value to the new role.
Practise interviews: Prepare to discuss your career change confidently and demonstrate adaptability with clear examples.

Tips for managing expectations during your career change:

It's important to set clear goals and realistic expectations so you can achieve a smooth and successful transition. Explore our tips for setting expectations:

Be realistic about salary: A career change often means starting at a lower level or accepting a temporary pay cut while you build experience in your new field. Research salary ranges early so you know what to expect.
Focus on long-term growth: Remember, this is an investment in your future. Short-term sacrifices can lead to stronger career satisfaction and opportunities for advancement later.
Negotiate smartly: If the salary is lower than expected, consider negotiating for non-monetary benefits such as flexible hours, hybrid working, professional development, or extra leave entitlements to help bridge the gap.
Plan financially: Adjust your budget to accommodate a potential income shift and give yourself breathing room during the transition period.
Stay patient and persistent: It may take time to find the right fit, but maintaining a positive outlook will help you stay motivated throughout your job search.

Take action with Hays

If you’re ready to find your new job, Hays can help you navigate the process with confidence. Our expert recruiters connect professionals with roles that align with their skills, goals and ambitions. Explore current opportunities or contact a Hays consultant today.

FAQs

Is 40 too old for a career change?

No, 40 is not too old for a career change. Many people successfully switch careers in their 40s; in fact, making a career change at 45 is very common in Australia. Your life experience and established skills are valuable assets that can be transferred to a new role or industry.

How do I know it's time to switch careers?

Wondering whether you need to reset or resign? Signs it might be time for a change include:

Persistent feelings of boredom or dissatisfaction
A lack of growth opportunities
High stress is impacting your health
Feeling your work is not meaningful

If your job no longer aligns with your personal values or interests, it could be time to explore new career paths.

What jobs make around $100,000 a year?

Several professions offer salaries around $100,000 or more, depending on experience and location. Roles in technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, and management often reach this income level. For detailed salary benchmarks across various sectors in Australia, check out the latest Hays Salary Guide.

What career is in high demand in Australia?

Jobs in high demand in Australia include those in the technology sector (like software developers and cybersecurity analysts), healthcare (such as nurses and aged care workers), and finance (accountants). The demand for renewable energy specialists and skilled tradespeople also continues to grow, offering many opportunities for those considering a new career.