14.03.2023

CHANGING CAREERS - WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

Professional life is a long journey into the unknown. Even if we work in a wonderful place, with great colleagues and feel valued, sooner or later a new challenge comes, a new opportunity to move forward. Developing skills while avoiding stagnation and burnout is the main motivation for making career changes. No one would turn down a better, more meaningful and more rewarding job. The more knowledge and abilities we put in, the better and higher paying position we will occupy.

After all, one changes jobs to be happier, right? Even if we are talking about a small step, such as moving to another position in the same company, or a big leap - changing the position, field and place of residence, the pros always outweigh the cons. The article presents the most important of them, as well as how to turn them into an advantage.

You start clean

Changing careers is a normal practice in the modern world, and no one is saying that one is doomed to work the same job until retirement. Quite the opposite - the labor market is open, dynamic and operates across borders and continents. With the right resume and CV template highlighting your strengths, you can expect many doors to open and soon you can land the job you want. Or which will surprise you.

With it will come the freshness, enthusiasm and energy of change. Starting your own business? Taking up a new position with the possibility of overseas travel? Starting work with a large client? As long as it's new, it's always interesting - and it will definitely make you forget stress, fatigue and boredom. You'll meet different people outside of your comfort zone, explore places and cultures, and be inspired to reinvent yourself. You will probably quickly become convinced that you can do things that you did not expect. And it's very likely that you'll like them.

You find your way

Despite the hundreds of self-help books and advice on how to find the job of your dreams, it is clear that there is no one-size-fits-all recipe. Career development is an individual process that depends not only on your knowledge and experience, but also on your human qualities. Therefore, do not look for ready-made solutions - they may have worked for someone, but for you it may be the exact opposite. Shake off expectations of what should or shouldn't happen in the first week, month or year.

And don't be misled by the notion that age is a vice. There is no such thing as too young for a high position or too old for another job. According to various statistics, on average we change 5 - 7 jobs - and only you know best when, where and how to continue your professional path.

You learn and you get better

Most recruiters say that moving to a new company helps you upgrade your skills. The first few years are especially valuable, when you usually learn the most. Maybe in the new office they work with different software or with devices that you are not familiar with? Or do they use other production methods and processes? Or is the enterprise managed differently?

Whereas in the past skills and occupations were acquired for life, now education and training are a permanent part of a more dynamic work style. In the age of artificial intelligence and remote work, entire professions are disappearing quickly, so it's important to keep up with technology. It is now realistic to imagine how software can replace translators, drones - couriers, robots - factory workers and even surgeons. Technology is not the enemy, as long as you know how to get the most out of it.

You grow as you search

Even the job search itself will teach you valuable lessons. It's an excellent way to get in touch with the labor market and the needs of employers. You might know it's time to pay attention to your online presence if you're a freelance musician, journalist or designer.

Or you may realize that you lack a project management certification that many people in your industry already have. What if at the job interview you are asked about your soft skills or foreign languages? In general, searching keeps you flexible and ready to grab the opportunity when it opens up.

Live better

Need to work to pay the bills and support your family? No, this kind of thinking stifles initiative and makes us feel trapped. Today, it is widely accepted that a fulfilling career is one of the keys to a happy life. We spend 8 hours a day at work - and if we are not happy there, then what will we take home when we go home to our loved ones? Stress, fatigue, conflicts, tension?

If you're unhappy in your work environment and it's affecting you personally, it might be time for a change. Because work is not just a matter of money, but of quality and fulfilling life. Whether you're feeling unsatisfied in your current job or just want to try something new, changing careers has far more benefits than risks. Start investing time and energy into it now.