I wish someone had handed me a roadmap when I wanted to make a career switch. But I figured it out on my own, so you don’t have to. While career change can feel overwhelming at times, these tips will ease the journey for you. 

Whether you’re unsure of where to start or feeling stuck in a current job, I’ve got you covered. With a little guidance and the right steps, you’ll be on your way to a fulfilling new career before you know it. 

Let’s break it down together.

Steps to change careers when you’re feeling lost

Understanding the “why” and not going it alone is key to making an easier career switch. But here’s what you can do to make it a smooth, intentional, and ultimately successful transition.

1. Identify why you need a career change

The idea of switching careers might feel like a giant leap off a cliff. But before you go full-on superhero and make that big jump, it’s smart to hit pause and reflect. What’s your “why”? Pinning this down will guide you, helping you avoid knee-jerk reactions fueled by temporary feelings.

You need to understand if the problem is with your job or if is it with your entire career path. If you’re dreading Sunday nights because you’ve bad bosses, a toxic culture, or no leadership—maybe it’s not the career that’s the problem. It could be the work environment that’s draining you.

Also, try to resist the urge to make a move just because your friend’s Instagram story makes their new role look like the dream job. Seriously, your career decisions should be about YOU, not your FOMO or comparing yourself to everyone else.

Make sure your reasons for switching are solid. Chasing a shiny title or jumping on trends can lead to regret faster than you can say, “new job, who dis?” 

If you’re unsure, do a self-assessment, take some time to journal your thoughts, chat with a trusted mentor, or get advice from a career coach. Gaining clarity on your motivations will set you up for a smoother, more successful transition.

2. Research potential careers

Alright, you’ve figured out why you want to switch careers—now comes the fun part: exploring what’s out there. But don’t worry, this isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Here’s how you can do it:

Leverage your experiences

You already have more skills than you think. Even those random hobbies or side gigs could hold the key to your next career move.

For example, let’s say you’ve got a background in healthcare but love to tell stories—boom, podcast host material. Or maybe you’re a teacher with a flair for design? Welcome to the world of instructional design.

You might be surprised at how transferable your past roles or hobbies can be.

Use online resources

Platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed are like treasure maps—filled with salary info, job listings, and trends in your target industries.

These resources give you a quick, no-pressure look into what careers could be a fit for you. Don’t forget to look at the skills your potential careers require.

Talk to professionals

Want the inside scoop? Reach out to people already doing what you want to do. Ask them what their day-to-day is like, what challenges they face, and any advice they have for newcomers. The more people you talk to, the clearer your path will become.

Explore transferable skills

Take a look at the skills you’ve already mastered. Things like project management, communication, and problem-solving are invaluable no matter the industry.

Recognizing these transferable skills can help you feel more confident in your transition and streamline your job search.

Test the waters

Try part-time courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy to build your knowledge. These low-cost, flexible courses can give you a taste of your potential career without throwing off your current routine.

Dedicate a couple of evenings or weekends to exploring, and you’ll get a better sense of whether it’s the right fit.

3. Find others doing it

Career changes can feel like trying to find your way out of a maze while blindfolded. But connecting with others who’ve already made the leap or are on the same journey is like having a personal guide.

Here’s how you can find them:

Join online communities

Find your tribe on platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, or Facebook. These groups are filled with people who are either considering a career change or have already crushed it. 

The best part? Hearing about their struggles and wins will make you realize you’re not alone and that’s a huge confidence booster. Plus, you’ll pick up tips that can save you time and energy as you work through your own transition.

Consume relevant content

Read blogs, listen to podcasts, and watch interviews of people who’ve done what you want to do. Real stories from real people are the goldmine.

They’ll share their failures, lessons, and wins, giving you a roadmap for what’s possible. And knowing that others have felt the same doubts can be a serious motivator.

Seek mentors

If you can, find someone who’s been through the career change you’re eyeing. Mentors can offer insider knowledge on how to dodge common mistakes. 

Whether it’s through online groups, content, or one-on-one chats; you’ll gain a clearer perspective and the confidence to keep moving forward.

4. Networking to find opportunities

Alright, you’ve explored networking to find others in the same space, but it can also help you land your first gig in your new career. Here’s how to do this:

Leverage LinkedIn

Industry leaders hang out on LinkedIn. Follow them, join discussions, and engage thoughtfully with their posts. Not “Great post, John!” but actual insights or questions that show you’re paying attention. 

When you’re ready, slide into their DMs with a personalized message—mention something specific they’ve shared and why you’re reaching out. It’s not about asking for a job right away; it’s about starting a conversation.

Attend industry events

In events, you get to meet a roomful of people who share your interests. Virtual or in-person, both work wonders. Look for conferences, webinars, or meetups on platforms like Eventbrite or LinkedIn. 

Know a few people you’d like to connect with and prepare a couple of icebreaker questions. This will strengthen your connections.

Join online communities

Discord and Slack communities are a treasure of remote gigs. But don’t just be a lurker there. Share insights, ask for advice, or even post about your career goals.

These communities are often treasure troves of unadvertised gigs, insider tips, and moral support.

Tap into your existing network

Let your friends, family, and acquaintances know what you’re aiming for. It might feel awkward at first, but you never know who knows someone who knows someone.

A simple, “Hey, I’m exploring a career in [field]. Do you know anyone I could talk to?” can lead to surprising opportunities.

Every conversation you have is a chance to show off your enthusiasm and learn what steps to take next.

Start small, be curious, and remember: Networking isn’t about asking for favors. It’s about building relationships that help everyone grow.

5. Gain Work Experience as a Newbie

Breaking into a new field can feel daunting, but gaining hands-on experience is key to building credibility and confidence. Here’s how you can get started:

Freelance projects

Start by taking on small gigs related to your desired field. For instance, if you’re exploring marketing, offer content creation or ad design services to startups.

Volunteer work

Offering your skills to nonprofits or small businesses can provide you with real-world experience while giving back to the community.

Volunteering not only helps you refine your skills but also adds value to your resume, demonstrating initiative and dedication.

Part-time roles or internships

Look for entry-level or part-time roles in your target industry. Even internships can be a great way to gain hands-on experience, understand the nuances of the field, and build professional relationships.

Start personal projects

One of the best ways to prove your skills? Start something of your own. It’s about proving you can take initiative, adapt, and deliver results.

If marketing’s your jam, create a social media account to test strategies, grow an audience, and analyze engagement metrics. More into Web3? Try launching a mini crypto platform, an NFT project, or a blog that simplifies complex ideas. These projects just need to showcase your creativity, curiosity, and drive to learn.

And hey, these are just a few ideas to get the ball rolling. Your brain probably already has more creative sparks.

Offer help to others

Proactively reach out to individuals who might need your skills or expertise. By helping others, you can both hone your abilities and grow your professional network. Offering assistance on positions you as a collaborative and resourceful individual, qualities valued in any field.

6. Begin with free courses and resources

There are plenty of free or low-cost ways to dip your toes into a new field without feeling like you’re signing up for a second mortgage.

Sites like Coursera, edX, and even YouTube are treasure troves of free courses on almost anything you want to learn. Want to understand coding? Marketing? Medieval cheese-making techniques? It’s all there.

Then there are community resources. Your local library or community center might have free workshops or events to help you pick up practical skills while connecting with real people.

You can also try coffee chats. LinkedIn and Topmate are my favorite for this. They make it easy to connect with people already thriving in your dream field. Invite them for an informal chat, virtual or in-person, and soak up their insights. 

7. Take small steps

Start with short-term goals. Each small win is like a little fist bump from the universe, pushing you forward.

No need dive in full-time? No problem. Use your evenings or weekends to explore the new field. Whether that’s working on a side project, learning new tools, or just figuring out if this is even your thing.

And don’t forget to celebrate the small stuff. Finished your first project? Found a mentor? Bought a new notebook to jot down ideas? That’s all progress.

8. Keep learning and growing

Switching careers isn’t just about landing that first role. Your new field is bound to evolve, so make it a habit to keep up with trends, sharpen your skills, and explore emerging opportunities.

Sign up for workshops, attend industry events, or dive into books and podcasts to keep your knowledge fresh. Look for mentors or peers who inspire you and can challenge you to keep growing.

Every role you take on is a chance to level up. Treat each experience as a learning opportunity, and you’ll keep building the expertise and confidence to take on bigger challenges.

Final thoughts

A career change might look different for everyone, but the tips shared here will help you no matter what stage or field you’re in. Whether you’re just starting to explore, building new skills, or diving into your first role, remember that every small step counts. 

What career change journey are you on? Let’s connect on LinkedIn—I’d love to hear about your progress.

FAQs

Is it possible to switch careers without starting all over?

Yes, you can identify your transferable skills to change careers without starting from scratch. For example, if you’re a software engineer who has written documentation in the past, you can explore technical writing and eventually transition into content writing or digital marketing.

I want to change careers but I don’t know what to do.

It’s okay to feel that way. The best way to ease your thoughts is to do it with others. Networking is your friend here. Find like-minded people and make the career change together, so you don’t feel alone.