Future of Work: Career Transition

According to an Investec survey, more than half of employees are planning to switch careers, rather than just changing jobs, within the next five years. As people anticipate longer working lives than ever before, the trend of changing jobs and even entire careers is on the rise. This transition is particularly common in professions like sports, which often require athletes to adapt to new paths after their sports careers.

The key to a successful second career lies in recognizing the transferable skills one possesses. These skills often include “soft” talents such as teamwork, communication, collaboration, and resilience. Research from the London School of Economics emphasizes their significance, especially for individuals with limited technical skills.

To facilitate a smoother and more effective career transition, certain strategies can be employed:

1. Embrace your fear: Instead of viewing fear as a negative emotion, understand it as a natural part of preparing for action. During a career change, it’s crucial to avoid inaction and take proactive steps forward.

2. Identify strengths and weaknesses: Recognize the transferable talents that can aid in transitioning from one career to another. Understand what you want from your new career and how to achieve those goals.

3. Take the first step: Once objectives are clear, take action and initiate the process of change. Procrastination can make it harder to find the right career fit. Volunteering is a low-risk way to explore new paths and can be a stepping stone for change.

4. Embrace constant change: Develop a mindset that perceives change as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Embracing change as a constant will make it easier to adapt to new situations.

5. Seek assistance from others: As a new professional in a different field, you may have a limited network. Rely on the knowledge and connections of the network you do have to seek guidance and support.

6. Enjoy the journey: Many people express dissatisfaction and disengagement with their current work. A career change is an opportunity to find a more fulfilling and satisfying path.