Spring is finally upon us. It’s a time of a rebirth and rejuvenation; spring offers us the chance to start afresh and change our lives for the better, which is why a lot of people are considering beginning a new career.
For many people, a spring cleaning is the extent of their post-winter cleansing. However, others use the springtime to make more significant changes, seeing it as an opportunity to forge a brand-new career and take on new challenges. If you’re looking for a career change or beginning a new career, what is the best approach in today’s post-pandemic world? Let’s find out.
How has the Pandemic Changed Working Habits?
At the height of the pandemic, employees worked entirely from home. However, as we have left the worst of the crisis behind, we’ve started to see a gradual return to in-office working.
Now, many businesses operate a hybrid strategy, with employees’ time split between the office and their homes. In fact, according to data from the Office for National Statistics, hybrid working actually increased last year, despite there being no pandemic restrictions in place.
For those beginning a new career, this new hybrid style of working can mean there are far more available opportunities. Previously, roles that were geographically out of reach can now be viable options, candidates are now less restricted by location.
The Benefits of Beginning a New Career
For many people, their career defines who they are. It’s something they have worked for years to achieve and is often inextricably intertwined with their personal and social relationships. Beginning a new career can threaten this familiarity and push people out of their comfort zone.
However, working in one role for a long time can lead to boredom and dissatisfaction. Job dissatisfaction can lead to stress, which can cause potentially serious long-term health complications. A recent YouGov study revealed that 52% of UK workers report feeling very or fairly stressed at work, a clear indication of the pressures felt by staff in today’s world.
By beginning a new career, you can take steps to address these issues. Working in a new environment and with new people can give you a fresh perspective, and can effectively blow away the cobwebs and leave you feeling revitalised and invigorated.
Furthermore, beginning a new career can give you improved salary opportunities, and can offer you a more favourable work/life balance, which is essential for maintaining emotional and mental wellbeing.
Conquer Your Fears About Beginning a New Career
Despite the potential benefits of beginning a new career, it can be an intimidating prospect. Often our biggest fear is that of the unknown, and beginning a new career can leave us feeling unsure about what the future might hold.
Turn your fears around and instead view beginning a new career as an opportunity to push yourself to the next level, make new connections, and achieve new goals.
How to Choose a New Career
If you’ve decided to take the leap and find a new role, you might find yourself quickly lost in the face of so many options and possibilities. It’s a big world out there, there are job opportunities and career prospects across a vast range of different industries and sectors.
It can be easy to feel frozen with indecision when beginning a new career. At this stage, many people find moving forward too difficult, opting to remain in their current roles.
However, with the correct approach, you can draw up a list of relevant options that meet your needs and match your skills and abilities. First, think about why you are looking for a new career. Is it for financial reasons, work/life balance, or working environment? Recognising the reasons behind your career change can help you identify potential options.
Next, make a list of what you would be looking for in your new career. This can cover a range of different things, such as day-to-day duties, location, and interpersonal relationships.
This information will prove vital when you begin your search and can help you find the perfect new role that matches exactly what it is you’re looking for.
Transferable Skills
Many people, particularly those in older age groups, feel that they are unable to learn the skills required when beginning a new career. However, this isn’t necessarily the case, you’ll be surprised at just how easily your skills can transfer to new roles.
Make a list of all your skills and abilities, using your experience to date to make yourself an attractive prospect for potential employers. You’ll soon come to realise that your abilities are applicable across a range of different roles. Qualities like teamwork, leadership, creative thinking, and organisation are essential for beginning a new career, no matter the sector or industry.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new role or beginning a new career this spring, don’t feel intimidated by change. Use the advice in this guide to kickstart your new career and open a new life chapter.