As the age of AI intensifies, the looming threat to many professions has made career transitioning a likely option for many. This shift may seem daunting for those well-established in their fields and accustomed to stability. We aim to help clear the fog and highlight valuable tips for change and growth. Additionally, this article offers a step-by-step guide to facilitate a practical career transition process. Here’s what you need to know.
In this guide:
What hinders people from switching professions?
Switching professions happens for a number of reasons. According to a 2023 Zippia study, the top three hurdles to career transitioning are lack of financial security, uncertainty, and lack of proper education. Moving sideways professionally can also be intimidating, especially for people with well-developed job backgrounds. More often than not, switching jobs is a thought that should be considered for a while. It’s seldom executed as an overnight decision and should be carefully planned.
Here are other factors that may motivate people to switch careers:
- Better compensation: The desire for higher salaries or superior benefits motivates some to explore new professional paths. Financial incentives are a strong driving force behind career transitions.
- Work-life balance: People look for careers that allow them a better balance between work and personal life, especially if their current roles demand too much time/energy.
- Industry downturns: Job insecurity due to declining industries or company layoffs pushes individuals to consider more stable and growing fields.
- Toxic environments: Escaping negative workplace cultures caused by stress, bullying, or poor management is a key reason for career changes. Such environments push individuals to seek more positive and supportive work settings.
- Burnout: Excessive workload and stress can lead to burnout, prompting the need for a career that offers a more sustainable work-life balance. Burnout drives the search for roles that are more fulfilling and less draining.
- Changing interests: As personal interests and priorities shift, some find their careers no longer align with their desires. This realization prompts searching for roles that reflect their interests and lifestyle preferences.
If one of your reasons for transitioning careers falls under one of the categories above, then a switch may be just what you need. Crucially, if you’re in a workplace or environment that potentially can damage your mental health, it may also be time to cross to new pastures.
Charting your course: 5 steps to transitioning careers
Whether you’re planning to transition out of your current career or considering a web3 workplace, here are some steps that can help you chart your course.
Find your dream job
1. List your options and skills
First of all, write down everything you’re already good at. Do you speak multiple languages? Do you have sales or web3 marketing experience? Think about your current motivations, too. What doesn’t satisfy you in your current job? What would you like to get away from? In the new field: what is most important to you? What gives you the strength and desire to move towards your new professional status?
Perhaps it’s the income level, a flexible digital nomad schedule, or even an innovative product. Try to identify your top three fundamental factors; this way, you can narrow your options field better.
2. Pick a new field
After exploring various career options, it’s time to narrow your focus to a single field. Before investing your energy, time, and money into learning something new, seek opportunities to learn about your selected profession first.
Explore free resources related to your field of interest, including books, forums, and video tutorials. At this stage, your goal is to familiarize yourself with the subject and decide whether or not you’re interested enough to dive deeper into it. Seek out individuals in your chosen field whom you respect and trust. Find out what they appreciate on their LinkedIn pages and what challenges they may be facing.
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Next, if this option is possible, send these individuals a message or an email about their journey and ask for recommendations for reputable sources and materials for further reading. Finally, evaluate their insights against your goals and priorities. Should their experiences resonate with your aspirations, invest in your education and actively explore your new field further.
3. Dive into the basics
Depending on your chosen field, education and mastering the basics can take several months to years. Whenever possible, choose schools or courses that focus not just on theory but also on practice. Additionally, having an existing portfolio will help prepare you for this switch. If you don’t have a portfolio (and this is relevant to your chosen new field), you should begin to build one.
Next, you’ll have to find your first clients yourself. They could be your acquaintances or even in your existing circle. If you’re already in crypto, they can be existing crypto community members. While it’s not a long-term solution, you can work for them for free or arrange a barter-for-barter deal if you’re starting out. This is only advised as a way to build your portfolio and experience before moving to seek paid work.
Many large companies hire entry-level specialists as interns. Regularly check job postings and apply for all options you see. Experience in a real company will give you valuable knowledge in your resume and practical experience to complement your theoretical knowledge. Here’s an example of Vlada Morhunova’s firsthand experience with her career transition to BeInCrypto’s HR Product Manager.
“I transitioned from a Project Manager to a Product Manager position without changing companies. This shift was facilitated within my current organization, BeInCrypto, through the completion of a course and participation in a mentorship program with our Product Managers. Therefore, it’s not always necessary to switch companies to make a career transition. It may be beneficial to discuss opportunities for growth with your manager or HR team.”
Vlada Morhunova, HR Product Manager: BeInCrypto
4. Prepare for a possible downgrade in your career transition
A downgrade is one of the most common traps for those wanting to change professions, especially if you’re already established as a professional in another direction.
Prepare for a temporary decrease in income and status as you transition careers. Consider this a minor obstacle on your path to long-term success. Good news: it won’t last long. As a career switcher, you already have experience, have walked this path, and know how to build your career and reputation. Make each move with intention and work hard to climb that ladder with pace.
![From job vacancies to career advice, the BE[IN]CRYPTO HR Team is here to guide your journey](https://beincrypto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-02-02-15.07.50.jpg.optimal.jpg){kind=small}
From job vacancies to career advice, the BE[IN]CRYPTO HR Team is here to guide your journey
5. Search for your first job
Now, it’s time to apply all the lessons you’ve learned in the steps above. Open your notifications for job vacancy websites and actively apply for positions suitable to your experience.
Create a quality resume emphasizing your investment in your new profession. Among the flood of responses for interns and junior positions, many are there to start their journey. You’re not like them — you’ve already learned the basics yourself, which means you can be useful to the company from day one.
From decision to action: Mapping out your career transition
Embrace the journey of career transitioning by leveraging your existing skill set. Consider your past experiences valuable assets, and continue honing your talents while upskilling.
Make learning your mantra, not just during your job hunt but also after securing your new web3 job. You are on an exciting path, so fully engage with it. Actively enrich your knowledge, engage with professional networks, and participate in conferences and events. Good luck!
Frequently asked questions
Switching careers and exploring new industries is possible at any stage. Diving into a new field later in life means your resume might elicit further inquiries from potential employers due to your unique starting point. However, this slight detour should seamlessly integrate into your application process.
Leverage your previous work experience and focus on the aspects of your career that brought you the most happiness and sense of accomplishment. Additionally, keep an eye on current trends and familiarize yourself with the necessary skills of in-demand professions.
Planning the transition to a new career is deeply personal, but you can work it out with some strategic planning. Start by considering your financial needs during the learning phase. Ask yourself if it’s possible to juggle your current job while picking up new skills or if you’ll need to focus full-time on studying. Then, consider the expenses associated with job hunting and settling into entry-level roles in your new field. Remember to factor in the education costs and any tools or resources you’ll need for this new path.
It depends on the profession, but you can scan job listings in your desired field. Pay attention to salaries for entry-level positions; that’s your immediate perspective. Also, look at the salary levels for specialists considering the experience mentioned in those job postings. This will give you an idea of the salary range you can expect and the timeline for it.
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