How To Make A Career Change, From Someone Who Has Done It

Lateral Moves

Exploring lateral career moves can be a strategic way to transition into a new field with reduced risk. Keisha Dutes and Cynthia Pong discuss how the traditional career ladder model is outdated, suggesting a portfolio approach instead. This involves accumulating diverse experiences and skills that can be showcased when moving to a new role 1.

The career is not a ladder anymore. That model no longer works for most industries. Rather, it's more of like a portfolio.

--- Cynthia Pong

Sam Miller's experience in the entertainment industry highlights the challenges of pivoting within the same field when personal values conflict with industry norms 2.

   

Building Skills

Building new skills is essential for a successful career transition. Keisha Dutes emphasizes the importance of leveraging existing skills and experiences, even from unrelated fields, to stand out in a new industry 3. Networking can be achieved independently through platforms like LinkedIn, allowing for strategic relationship-building without the cost of formal education.

You bring all your past experience and knowledge you've gained with you when you start a new job.

--- Keisha Dutes

Sam Miller's journey underscores the need for creative solutions, like volunteering, to gain relevant experience without returning to school 2.

   

Facing Pay Cuts

Facing potential pay cuts is a common concern when switching careers. Keisha Dutes and Cynthia Pong suggest planning ahead by saving money and considering supplemental income sources like side hustles 4. It's crucial to research the financial landscape of the new career to set realistic salary expectations.

We need to know how much are we bringing in each month. We need to know what our financial obligations are each month, and we need to know how the two compare.

--- Cynthia Pong

Understanding your financial situation can help mitigate the stress of a pay cut and guide future salary negotiations 5.