Is it time to find a new career? Some people go their whole working life without wanting a change. Others make several career changes over the decades.

It really depends on what you want and what’s best for you. The main thing is to feel content and enjoy a good level of job satisfaction.

Changing careers, though, can feel like a tricky process. There’s a lot to think about, and it can even feel a little scary, even when you’re sure it’s the right move. With that in mind, let’s look at how to find a new career more easily.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American worker changes jobs around 12 times over the course of a career. Given how common this is, career change guidance for professionals can make each transition smoother.

What Are Your Transferable Skills?

One of the first things you’ll need to do is work out your transferable skills. This gives you a good idea of what career you could move into next.

It also helps when you start applying for jobs or a new qualification. You can show potential employers and course providers that you’re already ahead of the rest of the applicants, because you already know what to do, at least in part.

Transferable skills include all sorts of things, like communication, leadership, and problem-solving, or perhaps useful technical skills. You can always develop further transferable skills by studying online.

It depends on what kind of career you’re moving into, since some skills matter more than others. However, working out what you can do, and letting people know, is a crucial part of moving forward.

Why Should You Explore New Career Ideas?

Thanks to technology and changing lifestyles, plenty of jobs exist today that weren’t around a few years ago. Other jobs, meanwhile, have disappeared over time. If you want a long career in your new job, look at emerging ideas and pick a career that’s just getting started.

Getting in at the start lets you carve out a great, successful career for yourself. It also means less competition, since people tend to stick to what they know, and a brand-new job often makes people hesitant. Take the risk and get started, and you should find plenty of success. Identifying these transferable skills is one of the most practical steps to a successful career pivot.

How Should You Approach Upskilling and Education?

If you want to move into a new career successfully, it’s wise to invest in more education and training. For some careers, training is non-negotiable. Medical assistant training, or something similar, might be worth exploring.

Formal education is one option. Other careers might not need a certificate or degree, but you’ll still need to know what to do. Reading books and blogs, attending conferences, and networking with professionals are all good routes to take.

According to the World Economic Forum, 59 out of 100 workers will need new training by 2030, and 85% of employers plan to prioritize upskilling their workforce. Investing in new training like this is a core part of how to navigate a career transition successfully.

Priskilla from Plus Advisor stresses that strong collaboration and communication are critical in any career path. This holds true whether your skills come from formal education or self-directed learning. Without them, teams face misunderstandings, duplicated effort, and misaligned goals. Reflecting on past experiences here also ties into career regrets and how to avoid them down the road.

You could also look for roles that offer training. Make sure you do some research before you apply so you can find a role that provides you with this.

For example, reading PHP Agency reviews can help you understand the type of training you’ll receive in a new role. This can support you well before you even apply. Taking these steps early can help you sidestep a mid-career crisis and how to overcome it if one ever arises.