People across the globe of all ages will tell you that they’ve transitioned from one job to another, and more frequently than you might think. The average person will change jobs five to seven times over the span of their career. In fact, research indicates that 52% of employees are considering making a career change in 2021 for a broad variety of reasons. Some young professionals are seeking out a higher salary, while others may be advancing their career in a leadership position with a new company. With the prevalence of remote work, employees also have the opportunity to commit to a position at an organization in a different state or even country. No matter the nature of your career change, there are a number of steps to take before making the move. To prevent missing any crucial details when planning your career transition, here are some steps to take that you can’t skip over.

Idealize your dream job

When it comes to a career change, you need to be entirely confident in both your reasons for leaving as well as your list of needs and wants in a career. Before the job search, create an image of what your dream job looks like and decide what qualities in a job are most important to you. Think about career advancement opportunities, flexibility, and benefits – which are nonnegotiables? Additionally, list your career goals and decide if a potential company would support those goals. Knowing your career standards will prevent you from wasting time interviewing with companies that aren’t the right fit. Quitting a job is a life-changing decision, especially if you’re uprooting your entire life for a new and exciting career, which is why you must have the utmost confidence in all matters involving the transition.

Budget for moving expenses

In the event that you’re moving to a new location for a job, finances should be a primary concern, like any major life milestone. Before signing an offer, ask yourself: can I afford to move? Relocating long-term might consist of buying a home, transporting your belongings, storing items, and the general costs of travel, whether by air or car. All of these factors can exponentially increase your total bill, which can rack up $7,500 for a long distance move. When you add the inevitable home buying costs like real estate agent fees, down payments, closing costs, and property taxes, there are tens of thousands of dollars that need to be accounted for, making cushioning your savings a vital step in a career move.

Negotiate a relocation package

When you start to feel intimidated by the steep prices of relocating, don’t forget that some companies offer benefits known as employee relocation packages. This offering consists of financial assistance, referrals, and educational support when it comes to moving for a new job. More specifically, a company might offer a lump sum to cover the cost of moving, refer you to a network of local real estate agents, recommend an online resource with homes for sale or reputable moving companies in your area. Depending on your situation, you can negotiate other conditions into the agreement as well, like temporary housing, child care, or other familial support. Be sure to explore this option throughout the interview process with clear communication about your expectations before accepting the job.

Learn about your new city

While you might decide that your next job is the perfect one for you, it’s also important to consider whether the city is the right place for your new home. Is there a nearby neighborhood with reputable schools where you can raise your family? Does the city support your fitness habits, your pets, or your eco-friendly lifestyle? Most importantly, consider the cost of living to accurately compare your old and new salary. The costs of income taxes, utilities, food, health care, and other aspects of daily life might differ drastically from your hometown, affecting how much money you bring in at the end of each day. Research and compare local costs of living prior to making any commitments. 

Once you have a clear idea of your dream job, what motivates you, and what you’re willing to sacrifice, your career transition can be smooth regardless of the number of steps in the process. Don’t let the unknowns stand in your way – cease any opportunities that could skyrocket your career path, and keep your family and your finances at the forefront of your mind. 

Each year, millions of people make the decision to leave their current employer or even their current job field altogether in pursuit of a more lucrative and exciting opportunity. For some, this transition is easy, hassle-free and comes with almost no added training or guidance needed. However, this isn’t always the case, and many find that starting a new job or career path to be challenging to say the least. But no matter the reason for the change of pace in your professional life, there are certain strategies you should know and follow to prevent obstacles as much as possible. Consider these tips as you take a major step toward bettering yourself and your pursuit of a successful career.

Assess Your Current Situation

Before making any decisions about what type of career transition you would like to make, it’s crucial that you stop and analyze where you are and the path you took to get there in your current role. Understanding the position you have and what you can translate to a new job can be a tremendous advantage for you in your search and interview process. Additionally, you should assess the reasons why you are looking to transition. What don’t you like about your job title or responsibilities? What’s holding you back from thriving in this arena? Sometimes it can be something as simple as disagreements in management style or the hierarchy of a business.

While at other times, it can be much more complex and psychological. A recent survey done by Workplace Health found that 77% of those who participated feel that they/their co-workers don’t receive proper recognition. This lack of fulfillment felt by many employees can dramatically affect work ethic and mentality in the workplace. Why work hard when you aren’t rewarded or recognized for major accomplishments? On the other hand, you may be overwhelmed with your workload and can no longer deal with the health effects of constant stress. Whatever the reason, coming to the realization that it’s time for a change is the first step of the process and will give you the motivation to find something better.

Evaluate Your Skills and Long-Term Goals

Another important factor to consider is what you can bring to the table when transitioning to a new role or a new company. Sometimes it’s worth sitting down and making a list of the traits and skills you already have or have obtained in your current position. These adjectives and skill sets can be utilized when crafting a revised resume, in an interview, or when projects arise that fit your expertise. Don’t be afraid to be outspoken and boastful about yourself. The more potential employers know you’re capable of, the better chances you have of standing out from the pack.

Similarly, taking the time to plan out what your long-term professional goals are important to what path you choose to take moving forward. Having goals and milestones you would like to reach sets the tone for how you go about your work each and every day and gives your work meaning. When considering applying to a new place of work, keep these goals in mind and think about whether you can see yourself reaching them if you were to fill the posted position.

Research Extensively

For many, the process of actively looking for new employment can be painstaking and tedious. But in reality, this is the time where you can sort through positions and find postings with qualifications that best suits you and your strengths. Not only should you fit the description of the candidate they are looking for, but you should also spend time researching the background of the company and ratings to ensure the work environment is sustainable.

And for those who are looking to shift their career path to a new sector or industry, it may be beneficial to search for a field’s potential trends for the future. Many positions may be obsolete within the next 5 to 10 years or supplemented with A.I. technology. Don’t be afraid to ask during an interview if a company utilizes any type of process automation software to complete back-end tasks and office work. These types of questions can give you a perspective on where the industry is moving and how quickly advanced technology will be adopted into day-to-day work. Spending just a few hours doing research on your potential employers can dramatically improve your career planning efforts.

Consider Continuing Your Education

If you don’t feel that you have the proper qualifications for a job field, or you are looking to meet the standards of a higher-ranking position, you should consider going back to school and acquiring an advanced degree. There are many advantages to taking online classes. They allow you to work when you have time and around your work schedule. Many institutions offer night classes as an option as well. Don’t settle for a job that is beneath you when you are capable of reaching your full potential. Many companies now even offer help supplement your continued learning after a given amount of time as an employee. Once completed, you can look to be promoted internally, as you have earned the skills necessary to move vertically in that corporate structure. Don’t be timid when it comes to your career, because you are the one in the driver’s seat. Anything you can do to be a stand out will be beneficial moving forward.