3 Tips For Starting A New Career From Scratch

While you might have started your career thinking that you’d be doing this type of work for the rest of your working years, there may come a time when this simply isn’t possible anymore.

For people in this situation, the reasoning for them changing careers can be any number of things, from no longer finding joy or fulfillment to not being able to physically handle doing that type of work any longer due to injury or illness. 

But while the realization that you need to find a new career might be pretty straightforward for you, actually starting this new career can be very daunting. So to help make this transition a little smoother for you, here are three tips for starting a new career from scratch.

Do The Research Before Making The Jump

Completely changing careers is a very big deal. For most people, likely won’t have any experience in this new field. So before you go right into your education or new job opportunities, it’s wise to make sure this is actually the decision you want to make.

According to Frances Bridges, a contributor to Forbes.com, you should spend quite a bit of time researching this career move before you commit to heavily to it. In your research, read books, blogs, articles, and more to see if this type of work is something that will really fit well for you. If you can, try to speak to someone you know who’s already in this field and see if they can answer any questions you might have. 

Get Connected Within An Association

One of the biggest boons to your new career in a new field is knowing people who are currently working in that area. But for many people, they don’t just automatically have access to these types of people.

To help with this, Pat Boer, a contributor to Monster.com, suggests that you join a professional or trade association in the field you’re looking to get into. By doing this, you’ll put yourself in an environment to meet with and speak to people who are doing the type of work you’re hoping to break into. These relationships can be invaluable to you at the beginning stages of this new career.

Start With Freelancing

For those who are considering changing careers but haven’t cut off their ties to their old job yet, now might be a good time for you to try your luck with freelancing.

Ximena Vengoechea, a contributor to The Muse, shares that freelancing could be a great way for you to see if you like the work that you’re considering switching to and if you have the natural skillset to make this new business work for you. While this idea won’t work for everyone or for all types of business, it could be a great way for you to get your feet wet without as much risk associated. 

If you’re on the brink of switching careers completely, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you on this new journey.