Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of changing careers? Does the idea of making a shift get buried under doubts like "I'm not qualified," "It's too late," or "It's too expensive"? If so, it's time for a fresh perspective. Making a career change might seem like an impossible task, but it doesn't have to be.

You deserve to be excited about your future. While making a career change does require some research, planning, and self-reflection, it opens a world of new opportunities and possibilities that can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.

Start by exploring your interests, values, personality, natural talents, and aptitudes. Look for career options that match what you've learned about yourself.

Give yourself the freedom to consider, investigate, and make choices, including not making a change at all. What if you approached changing careers like looking for a home in a new neighborhood or taking a group tour?

When looking for a home, consider the neighborhood, what’s important to you, and in what order: location, community services, neighbors, schools, transportation, and whether to rent or buy.

The same goes for a group tour: think about where you want to go, the size of the group, the length of the tour, what you want to see and do, the cost, and what past participants say about their experiences.

This kind of exploration can be an efficient way to test drive a career change. Here are some things to consider.

1. Ask the Right Questions

No one said you have to choose one career and stick with it forever. The world doesn’t work that way anymore.

Be honest with yourself. What’s driving your desire for a career change? What fields interest you? What have you always wanted to do? What's stopped you from exploring? Now’s the time to find out if you want to move forward.

2. Listen to Your Heart

Maybe you don’t feel "called" to do something specific. That’s okay. Not everyone has one overwhelming passion.

Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic suggests that curiosity is something everyone can access. Start exploring small things that pique your interest.

3. Do Your Research

Internships, job shadowing, volunteering, and apprenticeships are great ways to test-drive a career. These experiences provide practical insights you can't get from just reading about a job.

Look for opportunities that align with your skills and interests. Talk to people in your network and consider consulting a career coach.

Explore career options online that match your skills and passions. Talk to family, friends, and trusted colleagues in your network. For additional inspiration and personalized guidance, we invite you to book a free consultation call with a career coach at Life Working®.

We've helped many people successfully change jobs and careers, waking up excited to go to work and ending their days feeling satisfied and fulfilled. Let us help you find work you love, in an environment where you thrive, and make a meaningful impact.

4. Take a Class

There are many online courses available on platforms like Udemy and Coursera. MOOCs (massive open online courses) are available from top universities. They offer courses on thousands of professional topics — from interior design to programming languages to accounting and finance — and often for free. These courses can help you gain knowledge, new credentials, and insight into whether a particular industry interests you.

5. Embrace the Zigzag

Career changes aren’t always straight paths. Often, they’re a zigzag journey of discovery and adjustment. Dr. Herminia Ibarra’s book, “Working Identity: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career,” talks about career transition as a journey where you try out different possibilities. It's an exciting process.

Keep Sight of What Makes You Happy

Remember your reasons for wanting a career change: greater happiness and fulfillment. No matter the challenges or how long it takes, focus on what brings you joy, your vision, and what you need to live your best life.

Are you ready to explore where you want to go?

At Life Working®, we understand transitions aren’t always easy. We offer career coaching, personalized resume and writing services, and a free consultation to help you find a meaningful career.

We're here to support your journey to a new and fulfilling career!

The Life Working® Writing Services and Career Coaching Team

5 Ways to Test Drive a Career Change