How to switch to your dream career

With a little planning, some upskilling and a leap of faith, changing careers is easier than you might think. Here’s where to start. 

This content is created in partnership with Set for Life.

Who doesn’t want a meaningful career and better balance between work and home? With a little planning, some upskilling and a leap of faith, changing careers is easier than you might think.

If you’re thinking about changing your career next year, you’re not alone. According to a report from ING, more than three million Australians are considering a career change in 2021. While our parents’ generation might have stayed in their job for their whole careers, these days it’s estimated that the average Australian will have between five and seven careers within their lifetime. 

However, jumping into a completely new career is often easier said than done. First, you need to choose your new career path, undertake upskilling either on the job or through classes, then you need to support yourself while you’re training. 

For some people, the move into the unknown can seem overwhelming and daunting, but according to psychologist Dr Mary Lishman, a change in career could actually be good for your mental health. 

“In these modern times, it is useful for people to start developing an adaptive mindset now,” she explains. “And by that, I mean practicing being adaptable and getting outside their comfort zones in different areas of their life, including their careers, so they can be more flexible if it should be imposed on them in the future.” 

Dr Lishman believes the workforce is now more transient, more fluid and often, temporary, so considering a change in careers is a form of futureproofing. 

“A lot of people now are contractors, freelancers, entrepreneurs or employees with a future that changes at any moment,” she says. “If we know that to be true, we can start to prepare for this and practice the skills needed to literally move with the times.”

But where do you start, especially if you don’t know what career you actually want to move into?

Dr Lishman recommends finding out why you actually want to change roles, and then start researching the kinds of jobs you might want to consider. You could even write a ‘pros and cons’ list for each one. 

“Start dreaming and using your imagination; what would you love to achieve in your life if there was nothing to stop you,” she suggests. “Let your mind wander!”

However, while you are deciding your new career path, she recommends staying in your comfort zone in your current role, if it’s possible. And if you think you’ve decided on a new role, do a practise job interview in the mirror, answering these two questions: “Why do you want this position” and “Why should we hire you?”. 

If you can answer them with confidence or without hesitation, then you might be on the right track.

Next, you’ll need to consider the kinds of qualifications and skills you’ll be expected to have, as well as their associated costs (such as equipment or software). For some career changes you’ll need to commit to undertaking a new certificate or degree (such as lawyers, accountants, most trades, childcare) and these costs can be anywhere between $2000 and $150,000. 

For more technical jobs, such as website developers, coders, social media managers and communications specialists, short courses then practical training might be a better approach. These kinds of courses range from around $1000 to $5000, but then you’ll need to undertake, and allow for, on-the-job training. 

For some people, though, the thought of owning their own business is what fuels their passions. Depending on what that business is, the cost of upskilling can vary, along with the financial risks you’ll need to take on. Most small business owners will need to upskill in some area, as well as invest in the stock or services they offer as well.

The key to successfully navigating these kinds of costs (and uncertainty) is planning, says financial coach Jane Walters.

“My advice is know your numbers; do a budget and work out your cost of living, how much the courses cost and then consider how you will fund that,” she advises. “It's all about planning.”

Once you start to upskill, Ms Walters says to remember that you might need to drop down your working hours and this can put a strain on both your finances and your way of life. However, she says, most people don’t realise they often spend more than they need to in their day-to-day lives.  

“I think people underestimate ‘lifestyle creep’, yet when I look at their budget, there’s more to cut than they realise,” she explains. “But, if making a career change is super important to you, then having that ‘why’ will make these lifestyle cuts easier.” 

And once you make the move, Walters suggests having an emergency fund to back you up. 

“One of the key ingredients for financial success is having an emergency savings account that's between three- and 12-months’ worth of your income (depending on your financial situation),” she says. “Then if something goes wrong, you can pay the bills.” 

It’s having these stepping stones in place that will allow you to be more successful in your next move, says Ms Walters.

“The more clarity you have over how much money you're going to need, the less stress you will experience down the track,” she advises. 

If you still feel nervous about the move, Dr Lishman suggests preparing yourself for the move by getting out of your comfort zone in other aspects of your life and also seeking advice from a professional.

“Talking with a psychologist can be helpful in addressing your fears around this move and challenging any unhelpful thinking,” she says. “They can also assist you in working with you on your confidence and also designing the professional life you actually want to be living.” 

This content was created in partnership with Set for Life.