10 Biggest Mistakes Career Changers Make

Key Takeaways

From underestimating a lack of jobs to overestimating one's readiness for a new work environment, career changers often encounter various challenges. However, research indicates that those who have undergone a career change often express positive outcomes, including increased happiness, satisfaction, fulfillment, and reduced stress.

Starting a career change journey can significantly alter your life's trajectory. It demands a deep understanding of yourself and the career landscape. In this blog, we'll explore the ten biggest mistakes career changers make.

Numerous pitfalls and misconceptions can derail career transitions. From underestimating a lack of jobs to overestimating one's readiness for a new work environment, career changers often encounter various challenges.

Challenges a career changer can face include:

Navigating an unfamiliar industry
Acquiring new skills
Overcoming self-doubt
Redefining your personal and professional identities

However, research indicates that those who have undergone a career change often express positive outcomes, including increased happiness, satisfaction, fulfillment, and reduced stress. A notable percentage of these individuals even wish they had made the change sooner. ("1")

Changing careers requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to venture into the unknown. So, let's ask the 10 questions you need to answer if you want to avoid common setbacks.

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1- What Complexities Should I Consider Before Making a Career Change?

Career changes often lead to more fulfilling professional paths. However, before you can open doors to new opportunities leading to personal and professional growth, you need to understand who you are and what you want from a career change.

Self-Reflection

Understanding yourself involves clearly seeing your own skills, values, and interests.

This reflective process helps you identify not only what you want to do but also what you are good at and what matters most to you.

What makes you pop out of bed on a Monday morning and feel really good about where you’re going? Where does money play into your priorities? What about your needs surrounding colleagues, teamwork, environment, and culture?" (2)

Aligning with New Career Values and Life Goals

Self-reflection also involves considering how well a career aligns with your personal values and life goals.

For many, a career is not just a job but an integral part of their identity, providing routine, self-esteem, and a sense of control. (3)

Without thorough self-reflection, you risk jumping into a career that might not suit you, leading to dissatisfaction and the need for another career change down the line. Taking the time to understand yourself and your aspirations increases your chances of making a successful and fulfilling career transition.

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2- Why Should I Do Research Before Changing Careers?

When considering a career change, thorough research is indispensable. Understanding the new industry and your target role is crucial for a successful transition.

Research helps in identifying:

Necessary skills you must have or develop
Understanding industry trends
Gauging job prospects

Without due diligence, you risk entering a field that may not align with your expectations or goals.

According to Joseph Liu, a career change expert, many avoid career change due to the fear of failure or wasting time and resources. This fear often stems from a lack of understanding about what the change will bring. (4)

Career changes require significant effort, and success hinges on having a developed plan, which starts with research. Without it, you might find yourself unprepared for the challenges ahead.

Breaking Down the Process

It's essential to break down the career change process into manageable steps by setting small, achievable goals. This approach helps systematically tackle the transition. (5)

If you need a step-by-step, check out our Unmudl blog, How to Change Careers: The Ultimate Guide

Experimentation and Learning

Research should also include experimentation. Trying out aspects of a new career, like taking an online course or volunteering, can provide valuable insights. These experiences help you understand what you enjoy and refine your career focus.

Explore, research, and prepare for your new career. Dive deeper into your chosen field with Unmudl's comprehensive course offerings. Try one of these innovative courses from Unmudl.com designed to help you capitalize on your strengths:

Liu recommends following your energy and focusing on what genuinely holds your interest. Motivation, rather than mere excitement, should guide your career change decisions.

Understanding Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are the abilities you've learned that you can apply in various job roles or industries. For example, if you have strong communication skills, project management experience, or proficiency in certain software, these skills can be valuable in many careers.

Identifying these skills helps you understand how you might fit into a new career and what unique value you can bring to it, even without re-skilling or upskilling.

You have innate and learned skills and abilities that you can bring to the table. On the other hand, there are some skill sets you don't have and may never possess.

Consider this quote from someone who knows their skill set:

“...what I'm best at is not Tai Chi, and it's not chess. What I'm best at is the art of learning.”― Josh Waitzkin, The Art of Learning: A Journey in the Pursuit of Excellence

Understanding the skills you already possess and the ones you need help avoid a mismatch between expectations and reality. Thorough research, including experimentation and self-assessment, is vital for a successful and fulfilling career change.

3- Does It Matter If I Change Careers for the Wrong Reasons?

While dissatisfaction in a current job is a legitimate concern, it's crucial to differentiate between issues that a new career can resolve and those it can't.

For example, changing career fields solely for higher pay, to escape a challenging boss, or due to temporary work stress can lead to disappointment if the underlying issues remain unaddressed.

It's important to think through the core reasons for discontent in your current role.

What are the root causes of your dissatisfaction?
Are these issues specific to your job or indicative of a deeper misalignment with the career?

When considering a career change due to job dissatisfaction, it's essential to introspectively identify the root causes.

Here are 10 questions to help you delve deeper:

Do I feel challenged and engaged in my current role?
Are my values and the company's values aligned?
Do I have opportunities for growth and advancement here?
How do I feel about the work culture and environment?
Am I satisfied with my work-life balance?
Do I feel recognized and appreciated for my contributions?
Is my dissatisfaction related to the job itself or external factors?
Are my skills and talents being utilized effectively?
How do my job responsibilities align with my interests and passions?
Do I see a long-term future for myself in this career or company?

Making a change based on well-considered reasons, rather than impulsive reactions, increases the likelihood of long-term fulfillment in your new career.

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4- What Research Should I Do Before Enrolling in a Course of Study?

A common error in career transitioning is immediately enrolling in full-time studies without exploring the new field. This approach often overlooks the value of gaining practical experience or understanding the realities of the industry.

Before committing time and resources to education, testing the waters makes sense. You can do this through

Shadowing professionals
Part-time work
Volunteering
Taking short courses or workshops relevant to the potential new career path

These experiences provide a more realistic view of the new field, helping you make an informed decision about pursuing further education. They also offer networking opportunities and a practical understanding of day-to-day responsibilities in the new career.

Ensure you're stepping in the right direction by taking advantage of online on-demand courses such as these from Unmudl:

5- Is Networking a Waste of My Time and Energy?

One of the critical oversights in career change is neglecting the power of networking. Building a network within your desired industry is crucial for gaining insights, securing opportunities, and understanding industry dynamics.

Networking isn't just about making contacts; it's about building relationships that offer support, advice, and potential job leads.

Attending industry events, joining professional groups, and engaging on platforms like LinkedIn can be instrumental.

"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want" -- Zig Ziglar (6)

Additionally, informational interviews with professionals in the field provide valuable learning opportunities. Failing to network can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of mentorship, both essential for a successful career transition.

"Networking is not about just connecting people. It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities." -- Michele Jennae (7)

Connect with professionals and peers in your new industry through Unmudl. Expand your network and open doors to new career opportunities. Join our community today at Unmudl.com or if you're unsure about how to network, check out our blog, Mastering the Art of Networking: Your Key to a Successful Career Change.

6- How Do I Avoid Overestimating the Financial Benefits of a New Career Path?

A significant misstep when switching careers is overestimating the financial benefits of the new and different career path. While a higher salary can be an outcome, it's not guaranteed, especially in the initial stages.

Transitioning into a new field often involves starting at a lower level or with a reduced salary until you gain relevant experience and skills.

It's crucial to realistically assess the financial implications of the change, including potential periods of reduced income and the costs associated with training or education.

An effective strategy involves planning for these economic shifts and setting realistic expectations about the timeline for financial growth in the new career.

Before taking the plunge, explore part-time and flexible learning options with Unmudl. Test the waters and make informed decisions about your education and path forward. Visit Unmudl.com to find your perfect fit.

7- How Much Preparation Will I Need for My Career Transition?

Many career changers underestimate the importance of mentally and practically preparing for the transition. This preparation goes beyond just acquiring new skills or understanding the industry.

It involves setting realistic timelines, managing expectations, and preparing for potential setbacks. Try reading, How to Plan Your Career Change: Timelines & Templates for innovative ideas.

Career transition requires resilience and adaptability to navigate unfamiliar environments and challenges. Practically, it involves financial planning to ensure stability during periods of possible income fluctuation.

"I'm convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance." -- Steve Jobs (8)

And just like an entrepreneur must push through the difficulties, career changers must keep on keepin' on to be successful amid inevitable setbacks.

Preparing for the impact on your personal life is also essential. Without this comprehensive preparation, the transition can become more stressful and challenging than necessary, potentially impacting both professional and personal well-being.

8- What Soft Skills Do I Need for a Successful Career Change?

In the eagerness to acquire technical or industry-specific skills, many overlook soft skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving.

These skills are critical in almost every field and can significantly influence how successfully one integrates into a new career. They facilitate better interactions with a hiring manager, enable effective problem-solving, and often determine how well one adapts to the new workplace culture.

“Soft skills are taken for granted — they are mostly intangible. [They are] not tangible technical stuff that you can pick up from a specific course or qualification. Paradoxically it’s also soft skills that are the most valuable and transferable.”
― Binod Shankar, Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager

Ignoring soft skill development can hinder the ability to effectively collaborate and progress into the right job for you, regardless of technical proficiency or experience.

9- What Should I Know About the Job Application Process?

Many career changers underestimate the difficulties of the job hunt application process in a new field. Tailoring your resume and cover letter to the new industry is crucial, as is understanding the nuances of job interviews in that sector.

The application process often differs significantly from one industry to another, with varied expectations and norms. Failing to adapt your application strategy can lead to missed opportunities.

Consider these steps before you start applying for the new job:

Research the specific requirements of your chosen field
Seek advice from industry professionals and hiring managers.
Even undergoing mock interviews to align your application strategy can help you align with the expectations of potential employers.

For more information about how to ace the interview, check out our blog, Leveraging ChatGPT for Successful Job Interviews: Unmudl's Ultimate Guide

10- When Should I Seek Professional Guidance?

While self-research and planning are essential, the guidance of a career coach or mentor can provide invaluable insights and strategies specific to your situation.

These professionals can do so much, including:

Offer personalized advice
Help identify blind spots
Provide networking opportunities
Assist in setting realistic goals and developing actionable plans to achieve them

Failing to seek professional guidance can result in a slower, less efficient transition process, potentially leading to missed opportunities or misguided decisions.

Leveraging expert advice can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your career change strategy.

Summing Up

While your next career move may not happen overnight, the above 10 questions are crucial to avoid common mistakes made by career changers.

However, finding effective and efficient education that sets you up for network connections with the right employers is just as important.

What if a national network made it possible for Fortune 500 companies to collaborate with community colleges to create classes for needed positions?
What if these companies were hiring directly from the created classes?

Unmudl is the network. And YOU are the one who can directly benefit from it!

**Unmudl: National Network to Upskill AND Land Your Dream Job**

Unmudl offers a unique pathway for those aiming to make a career change. With our national network, we simplify access to education and training essential for various careers.

Our platform stands out for several reasons:

Ease of Access: Unmudl eliminates common educational barriers like entrance exams, application fees, and testing requirements, making the transition into new fields smoother and more accessible.
Diverse Course Offerings: Whether you're interested in mechatronics, business, healthcare, computer science, or graphic arts, Unmudl provides a wide range of courses across different fields. This diversity allows career changers to explore and train in areas aligned with their new career aspirations.
Flexible Learning Options: Offering both in-person classes and the flexibility to choose courses from various community colleges, Unmudl caters to different learning preferences and schedules.
Career-Focused Education: With courses designed to lead to a degree, certification, or license, Unmudl emphasizes practical, career-oriented learning. This approach is invaluable for those looking to quickly gain the skills and credentials needed in their new career field.
Connection to Employment Opportunities: Unmudl also connects learners with employers, showcasing companies actively hiring from Unmudl’s course graduates. This feature directly links education and employment, essential for those looking to transition seamlessly into a new career.

Unmudl's comprehensive approach provides an efficient and effective pathway for career changers, offering the necessary education, flexibility, and direct connections to the job market.

Ready to embark on your new career journey? Unmudl is here to guide you every step of the way.

Explore our diverse course offerings, connect with potential employers, and leverage our network to gain the skills and certifications you need.

Start shaping your future today! Head to Unmudl.com to begin your path towards your dream job. Your future awaits – Unmudl it now!

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Contributor(s)

Lori Amato

Lori is the head of Unmudl’s Career Change Team and Director of Customer Success. She has over 20 years of experience helping individuals identify their strengths and passions to make a meaningful career change.

10 Biggest Mistakes Career Changers Make

Key Takeaways