Making a career change in 2022

In a recent SEEK employment report, it was revealed that job advertisements in NZ were up 15% from last year as well as some sectors having a pay leap of 30%. With workplaces crying out for new employees and the increase in demand for pay rises, now may be a good time to consider a career change.

If you do decide that a career change is the right direction for you, here are some hot tips to keep in mind when making a career change in 2022.

If you don't know where to start, identify what you really need to change.

Be clear about what the problem is. You may not need a full-on change to get you into the space that you want. If it's your boss or co-workers, think about switching departments. If it's the whole place, leave the people behind and do similar work elsewhere. If you've exhausted all options, it's time to shore up your resume.

Bring all your experience and knowledge with you! Your experience can boost your confidence and be used as a negotiation tool.

There's a misconception that when you start a new career, you're starting from square one. And that's not actually the case. Bringing those transferable skills from your previous roles and qualifications can help you hit the ground running for your new position and help you advance.

Consider a new job in the same industry

Consider alternative roles within your current industry which would use the industry knowledge you already have e.g. If you are a store manager for a large retail chain and have grown tired of the evening and weekend hours, consider a move to corporate recruiting within the retail industry.

Be prepared for setbacks

It’s not all-smooth sailing, but if you’ve laid the proper groundwork, you’ll get through the rough patches. Having a plan of attack and being above to establish a goal of where you want to go, and how you can get there can help you track your progress. Having this tracker can help you prepare for any setbacks along the way.

Don’t lock yourself into a must-have salary

Don’t lock yourself into a must-have salary. Money is the biggest roadblock for most career changers. Chances are when you start-over in a new field or move to a nonprofit, you will need to take a salary cut at least initially. If you have an emergency fund to buy you time, you can to do a more thoughtful job search. Pare back your discretionary living expenses to reflect a more realistic view of what you'll earn.