Feeling stuck in your career? You're not alone — 35% of workers are considering a switch to a new industry. Discover practical and affordable ways to retrain and achieve the work-life balance you've been dreaming of in this article.
Barona’s work life survey found that no less than 35 per cent of those in working life are considering a career in a completely new industry. So, one in three of your colleagues might have the same thing in mind. Perhaps your current job has become too familiar and does not present enough challenges or there are better prospects and wage levels in another sector. There are many reasons for dreaming of a new career.
But it’s not so easy to switch sectors. Few people find it financially feasible to train for a new profession via traditional routes with rent or mortgage loans or, for example, the fees of children’s hobbies. Fortunately, there are other ways to acquire a new profession as an adult.
If you're wondering about your future in your current career, it's a good idea to consider your options. A bold leap into something new can help you find a better balance between work and personal life and live a happier life.
How do I change careers as an adult?
1. Apply directly to a new field
You can apply for jobs without training or work experience. Working life skills learned in a previous profession, such as the adoption of new knowledge, teamwork skills and customer service attitude, are also beneficial in other fields. Or perhaps you can find skills in your hobby that you can use in a new job. When applying to an industry where you have no previous experience, invest in a skills-based CV.
2. Apprenticeships
Another way to acquire a new profession is through apprenticeship training. Apprenticeship training involves learning in practice and training in the workplace. It’s a great way to gain experience in the field and, at the same time, gain a degree or a professional skill.
3. Training programmes for recruitment
In addition to an apprenticeship, you can quickly study for a new profession through a recruiting training programme. Unlike apprenticeships, persons applying for recruitment training programmes must often be unemployed work applicants. Therefore, recruitment training programmes are particularly suitable in situations where a person thinking of a new profession is unemployed and the employment prospects in the current sector are poor.
4. Professional rehabilitation
Professional rehabilitation helps if an illness or injury prevents you from doing your current job. The goal of rehabilitation is to find a suitable professional direction and help you continue in working life in a new career. Rehabilitation is tailored individually, for example, through work trials, training or job coaching. You can apply for professional rehabilitation regardless of whether you are working, on sick leave, on pension or unemployed. Our career coaches help people find the right direction.
What happens to my salary when I change industry?
Starting a new profession can affect your salary in different ways. Usually, your salary may be lower at first compared to your previous job because you do not yet have the experience or all the skills required for your new profession. However, after gaining experience, you can justifiably request a salary increase.
If, on the other hand, you start a new profession that requires special skills or qualifications and where there is a shortage of skilled workers, your salary may be higher than in your previous job.
However, don't let your salary alone influence your choice of a new profession. A new profession can also offer other benefits, such as a better work-life balance, happiness, professional development and interesting career opportunities.