Different factors affect your decision to switch your career. The recent coronavirus pandemic has decimated many industries and has created a unique situation for individuals who wish to change their industries/careers. From the hospitality industry (worst hit) to the financial sector (least hit), there has never been a better time for individuals to focus on a new career path. In this piece, we will discuss the most crucial factors you should consider before you decide to switch industries/ careers.
These factors will help you better position yourself in a new industry, and on the path to success in a few years.
Is Your Current Industry Severely Affected ?
If you work in an industry that has been severely affected by the pandemic, then it may be a sign you have to switch to a more reliable one. The hospitality industry, for example, was hit hard because it depends on the movement of people. The lockdown protocols which were initiated around the world to curb the pandemic affected airlines, hotels, travel websites, tourism destination, and others who service the hospitality industry.
The best way to utilize this opportunity is to set your sights on a new industry that will be more resistant to unforeseen circumstances such as the pandemic.
Is your current Model of Operations Adaptable ?
The major reason why the hospitality industry was badly hit by the pandemic is that they operated a business model that wasn’t flexible enough for change. If you currently work in an industry that has hard and fast rules about operations, then it might be a good time to change your focus. If you were not affected now, the next pandemic or unforeseen circumstance might be the final nail in your coffin. In today’s fast-paced world, flexibility is a crucial aspect of every business that should be improved.
Industries and their workers should adopt models that allow them to switch the mode of operations and maintain the quality of service.
Is Your Current Career Tech-Enabled ?
Schools and offices are some of the industries that went fully remote because they are tech-enabled businesses. Technology is a great leveler that allows people to operate seamlessly, even when they are not physically present.
If you work in an industry that is flexible enough to adopt tech solutions that it can use to keep going in terrible situations, then you will need to switch careers. If you do not want to end up on the wrong side of statistics as one of those who may lose their jobs due to a badly hit industry, then you will need to undergo a mind shift that accounts for your place in a tech-enabled world.
How Long Will it take your Current Industry to Recover ?
If your current industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, but you want to hunker down and wait for a recovery, it may not be the best course of action. If your business is suffering now, what is the guarantee that it will not get worse? What if your industry never recovers? This is the best time to switch industries because barriers to entry are low, and most industries not affected by the pandemic are hiring workers. If you get in now; it will give you the chance to rise to better positions within the industry when things get better.
What is your Depth of Experience ?
Before switching industries, you need to understand the workings of the industry you are going into. Changing careers is not an endeavor you dive in headfirst. You will need to monitor the industry you want to go into and determine how best to enter. You will also need to understand the skills you need to succeed in the new industry.
The importance of knowledge when entering a new sector cannot be overemphasized, because it will determine if you fail or succeed in your new endeavor.
Do you have plans to change your job ?
If you have any current plans to change your job due to reasons best known to you, it means that you may have noticed some things about your current state that you would love to change. For example, you may be looking to go to a larger firm with more room for growth. The crucial thing to note is that you decide if it is just your job you want to change or your career. Most humans are resistant to change and will do all they can to protect the status quo. If you dare to seek a change in your work environment, then you may as well shift your career focus entirely and focus on a new path.
It may be a new and unimaginable territory for you to navigate as you try to switch careers, but it is a significant step. If you are considering changing your career, you should consider the factors above and ensure you tick all or most of the boxes before you commit to making the switch. Talk extensively with individuals in the sector you wish to switch to and get all the information you need to make your final decision.
