{"id":61736,"date":"2021-02-26T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-26T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/?p=61736"},"modified":"2025-04-03T21:43:41","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T01:43:41","slug":"7-change-careers-starting-over","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/telecommuting-job-search-help\/7-change-careers-starting-over\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Ways to Change Careers Without Starting Over"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Updated April 2025<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

If you see the writing on the wall or just want to expand your horizons in a growing market, a career change may be just the ticket. However, you may also want to hedge your bets and not jump in the deep end by starting over in a completely different career. Luckily, there are ways to change careers without starting from scratch. With the right strategy, you can pivot into a new field while building on the skills, experience, and professional network you already have. Whether you’re chasing more flexibility, higher pay, or renewed passion in your work, it is<\/em> possible to change careers without losing everything you\u2019ve worked for. Here are some ideas to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Climb the Ladder<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Maybe instead of moving out, you move up! If advancement is part of the plan, can you see yourself taking on more responsibility and managing (more) employees at this point? If so, explore career paths and promotion opportunities with your current employer first. Generally speaking, the larger the company, the more diverse options you will find open to you. The range of positions open to you may be a surprise. This is because large corporations and government agencies frequently have hiring policies that favor internal promotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your options are limited or nonexistent with your current firm, this is still an avenue open to you by undertaking a job search. Get your resume and LinkedIn profile professionally polished<\/a> and set your sights on the ladder\u2019s next rung. Find out if you are missing any common requirements and develop a plan to remediate or upgrade your skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Change Industry<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many career paths are not industry-specific. So, if you are lucky enough to be in one of these positions, then a change of industry may be the perfect option. Quell your wanderlust without starting over. Just a few examples of these careers include marketing, public relations, sales, business development, customer service, administration, and accounting. By switching industries, you\u2019ll get to apply your hard won skills and experience to new products, services, and technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s not to say that switching industries is without obstacles. Many hiring managers and recruiters will include industry experience in their list of requirements for advertised positions. To combat this bias and persuade skeptical employers, you may need to leverage your professional network. Identify and cultivate connections in the industry to help you get the lay of the land and make a few introductions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a good reputation in your current industry, you can take advantage of the \u201chalo\u201d effect<\/a>. This means that if you are considered successful in one field, others will be likely to consider you a good candidate for similar positions in another field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Pivot<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If a management position doesn\u2019t hold appeal and you enjoy many aspects of your current position, then just change direction. Think about the parts of your job that you love the most. What other occupations perform the same tasks? Are any of those professions of interest to you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take some time to brainstorm and assess your skills and interests. For example, if you\u2019ve been writing technical manuals for software programs, you might be interested in learning to code. Alternatively, you might want to explore blog writing about technical subjects. As another example, if you\u2019ve been managing social media profiles and corporate branding strategies, maybe you\u2019ll find fundraising for nonprofits a fulfilling challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not sure where to start, you may want to try taking one or more career aptitude tests<\/a>. Yes, like the ones you had to take in high school. Personalities and priorities change over time and what was once important to us may not be important at all anymore. It\u2019s a good idea to check in with yourself from time to time. Otherwise, you might find yourself pursuing 20-year-old dreams that no longer apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Get a Side Gig<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another option to slide into a new career without feeling the pinch is to take on a side gig. Also known as a side hustle, this is a great way to flex your entrepreneurial muscles with minimal risk. One big challenge is not to let your side gig consume so much of you that you have little time and energy to complete your full-time job. If you\u2019re not up to starting a new business, there are plenty of contract, part-time, and freelance gigs that you can cut your teeth on. You can identify these opportunities in the Virtual Vocations jobs database by adjusting the \u201cemployment status\u201d filter<\/a>. Also, make sure to check with your current employer and confirm you are not violating the terms of your current agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Deliver Consulting\/Professional Services<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have the experience and education to offer specialized advice and services, this is a great way to smooth the career change path. You can start small, taking on one client at a time until you are confident enough to leave your full-time job. This approach is good even if you are trying to completely transition careers because consulting can pay well and is flexible enough to give you more opportunity to work on other interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The list of consulting opportunities<\/a> is long and varied. Some professions that naturally lend themselves to this type of work include marketing, public relations, event planning, web development, accounting, recruiting, and so on. The keys to being a successful consultant include specialized experience, demonstrated success in your field, and an engaged professional network that will vouch for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These fillable Career Reflection Worksheets will help you gain clarity on what you enjoy and confidently plan your next career move<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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6. Work Remotely<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you can\u2019t change your career, change your lifestyle. If you are not already working from home, then you may want to consider a move to remote work as a way to change careers without starting over. Maybe after reading all these ideas, you realize you don\u2019t want a new career path, you want a new life path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are already working from home, then make sure you take advantage of the opportunities it affords. Assign the time you would normally be commuting to exploring new job opportunities or interests. Try changing up where you work and other habits to find what makes you most productive and encourages creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to changing up your daily routine, many remote positions allow you the opportunity to move. This is a wonderful perk if you live in a city with a high cost of living and you want to improve your lifestyle. This is also a perk if you\u2019ve always had a yen to live somewhere where you would normally not be able to find work, like a mountain top or an island. Becoming a digital nomad is no longer a far-fetched idea with destinations around the world<\/a> launching extended visa programs for remote workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Change Careers at 30, 35, 40, 50\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The older you get, the more difficult it is to contemplate, let alone initiate, a mid-life career change. The longer we stay in a certain position or career field, the more we have to lose by changing directions. We worry about losing income, seniority, status, and the need to undertake more training. However, almost everyone will at least consider a career change at some point in their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One reason for the growing number of workers changing careers is the increasingly temporary and changeable nature of both our jobs and our career paths. This is due to several factors including the rise of new technologies, changing economic circumstances, globalization, and evolving social values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, for better or worse, most of us will complete at least one career change. However, there is no need to panic whatever your age. If you take the time to thoughtfully research and plan your transition (perhaps using one or more of the methods above) you can ensure your success. But, be prepared to be patient. The average career change can take 11 months, so consistent effort is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tips for a Successful Career Change<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Contemplating ways to change careers can be scary, but it can also invigorate your spirit. Manage your fear by remembering the following tips:<\/p>\n\n\n