Changing jobs is rarely easy, but it appears that many people are considering it. Almost 20% of those polled in GOBankingRates' 2022 Year in Review survey said they wanted to start a new full-time job or career in 2024. In addition, 14% intend to start a new side hustle or part-time job in 2024.
This potential wave of career transitions could be caused by a number of factors. For example, the pandemic resulted in an increase in remote work. Many people who were already dissatisfied with their work, on the other hand, felt empowered to make a change.
People who may have previously endured issues at work are no longer willing to do so. Here are some tips to assist you get there if you want to change occupations in 2024.
Improve Your Resume and Skills -
It's a good idea to brush up on your abilities whether you plan to transfer industries totally or apply at your current business. You should also add relevant talents to your resume.
Your new professional path may include knowledge and skills that you do not already possess, but this does not necessarily imply that you must return to school for two to four years. Many online courses and certificates, for example, can help you strengthen your résumé. Look for ones that are relevant to your new field.
You should also make changes to your résumé. Your new career may necessitate expertise and abilities that differ from those required at your current work. You could modify your skills and job responsibilities in current and previous roles to better coincide with your future career. Make a note of any online courses you take or certifications you obtain.
Consider A Change Within Your Organization -
While you may be tempted to try something new for your next move, it may not be easy. If you join a new company in a new industry, you may be compelled to take a pay decrease at initially. You will also be without the network you may have spent years building at your current job.
This is one reason why it's generally easier to get a new job at your existing firm rather than relocate. It may be worth evaluating if something at your current workplace would satisfy some of your answers to your self-assessment.
Conduct Your Research -
There will be a lot of study to do, especially if you are considering a completely different professional route. For example, look through a few job advertisements to see if the career you're interested in matches your beliefs and skills. You can also network with others who already do this type of work and ask them about the advantages and disadvantages of the job.
Check out websites like Glassdoor and Salary.com to learn more about the income possibilities of this vocation. Pay would not be significant in an ideal society, but there is no evading the truth that it is. If the job does not provide you with financial security, it may not be the perfect fit.
Conduct A Self-Assessment -
First, assess what you enjoy and dislike about your current employment. What are the positive aspects? What would you change if you had the chance? Perhaps you will learn that you are not as unsatisfied with your job as you believe, and that something else in your life is causing you to be unhappy. Or maybe it's your job, and there's a lot you'd change rather than stay the same.
After that, evaluate yourself. What are your values, interests, and skills, for example? Is your current job fulfilling you in those areas? Is there another professional option that you think might be a better fit? If the latter is true, this could be the beginning of your hunt for your next job move.
Be Aware Of The Economic Situation -
Changing occupations can be difficult for a variety of reasons, one of which being the economics. Unfavorable economic conditions can make it more difficult to find a job.
"Make certain you understand how a downturn in the economy may affect your possible new job," said Tim Rowley, chief technology officer of PeopleCaddie, a mobile employment firm. "You may be foregoing the stability that comes with seniority/tenure, as well as the sponsorship that comes with your current post, during a very uncertain economic era."
Develop Relationships -
It is critical to network and form partnerships at work. Your network can assist you by referring you to new job opportunities. Your network, on the other hand, might become your community and even your buddies. Because of the internet, you can network with people even if you don't know anyone in the sector. You can, for example, use services like LinkedIn to contact people.
Keep in mind, however, the limitations of this type of networking. "When using traditional means of applying to opportunities through job boards, corporate websites, or LinkedIn job posts, career changers typically fail to stand out from traditional candidates," said Joseph Liu, presenter of the Career Relaunch podcast.
According to Liu, persons who change jobs frequently struggle to stand out in comparison to those who grow inside. "Networking provides another channel for candidates that frequently brings up hidden chances in the employment market," Liu explained.
Negotiate Your New Job's Pay -
Negotiating can be unpleasant, and not all businesses are eager to do it. However, it never hurts to ask, especially if your new employment will start at a lower wage level. Again, negotiating will not always work, but according to one survey, over 19% of recruiters believe discussions can positively impact the recruiting process.
Also, if you are unable to negotiate your base income, keep in mind that there may be other things you can negotiate. You can, for example, request more paid sick time, family leave, or other aspects of your benefits package. These things accumulate up quickly and are extremely valuable on their own.
