One of the toughest challenges of a career change is deciding when to make a move. If you decide the timing isn’t right, you may have to postpone or completely abandon the move. Making the decision when to change careers can be difficult. Sometimes, the only tangible evidence of whether it’s the right time to make a move is how you feel.
Many career changers have found that their initial excitement then quickly turns into frustration as they begin to feel overwhelmed by the obstacles they face. For example, a new business owner who tells you they wanted to start their own business but has no real understanding of what it takes to run a business may have unrealistic expectations of what this career entails.
The job market is competitive, and experiencing a major change in your career-whether switching careers or breaking into a new industry-can make finding a job even more difficult. Some common reasons people switch careers include new opportunities, dissatisfaction with their current job, and the desire to do something different. Whatever the reason, there are bound to be some obstacles along the way. Some common hurdles include gaining new skills, networking with the right people, and dealing with self-doubt.
About 40 million people make a career change every year, and that number is only expected to increase in the future. For many, this change is brought on by the need to make more money or other lifestyle circumstances. Whatever the reason, changing careers can be a difficult prospect for anyone to deal with. Changing careers requires a lot of preparation and research, not to mention additional time and money.
Here are five career change obstacles:
Meeting new co-workers and building a new network.
It’s no surprise that moving into a new career is difficult. Especially if you have spent many years in one field, and now have to meet new people and establish new relationships all over again. Although you might encounter a few bumps in the road, you still have to make the most of it, like most things in life.
Starting all over again.
There are few things more terrifying than the thought of starting over in a career. The fear of being an outsider in a workplace where you know no one, the fear of not having the skills, the fear of being unemployed. Starting over in a career can be a huge hurdle.
Irrelevant skills and knowledge of the work.
Whether you have had a change of heart about your career or simply want to switch fields, there are a lot of obstacles that can throw you off track. A lack of relevant skills and knowledge, for instance, is common in many careers. Fortunately, there are ways you can overcome this obstacle. Start by researching your new career and investigating any training programs that can help you learn the skills you need to succeed.
Being too old for the job.
You’ve been in the workforce for many years and are thinking about making a career change. You’ve always been good at your job but feel you’re too old to learn new things and aren’t challenged like everyone else is. You think of moving on but don’t know what to look for in a new career.
Money and other financial matters.
Financial challenges can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and other health problems. Problems with your finances can make it difficult to balance other responsibilities in your life, like family, work, and taking care of your health.
How to handle career change obstacles?
There are many hurdles that anyone trying to change their careers must overcome. Even though we know what our ideal job would be, there is a certain amount of hesitation that stops us from changing careers. These hurdles can range anywhere from fear of the unknown, lack of motivation, and lack of self-esteem. But, with the right mindset and attitude, you will be able to overcome any obstacles.
If you’re at a point where you feel like your current job or career path isn’t fulfilling anymore, or perhaps you’re just not satisfied with the tasks you’re assigned, or even if you’re unhappy with your workplace, it might be time for a change. You could consider relocating to a different city, or even to another country abroad where you believe there are better opportunities and more recognition for your skills. Its also important to recognize that moving to a new country involves a lot of formalities, especially when it comes to filing for a work visa, which can be a lengthy process. But not to worry! In such situations, getting help from an immigration attorney to navigate through the visa application process can make a world of difference.
Know that your career change journey will be full of obstacles, whether you’re changing careers, shifting to a new city, learning a new trade, or altering your career path over time. Obstacles are a normal part of every career change, but how you handle them will determine the success of your transition.
In summary, the career change process can be scary. So, start by breaking your goals and dreams down into manageable pieces. Then, concentrate on your current, day-to-day tasks. And, remember, it’s never too late to change careers. After all, 60 percent of people change careers at least once in their lifetime, so there’s bound to be another path for you.