Changing careers is a significant life decision. A new opportunity can help you achieve a better work-life balance, higher earning potential, or greater alignment with your passions and values. While learning the process of changing careers can be daunting, working in an industry you love can be life-changing.
You’re the writer of your life’s story. If you aren’t happy with your current job, it’s time to do something about it. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully transition to a new career.
Key Takeaways
- Step-by-Step Career Change Guidance: The blog provides actionable steps for transitioning careers, including assessing your current situation, identifying transferable skills, researching new career paths, gaining relevant education, networking, and preparing for job applications and interviews.
- Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated: To maintain motivation throughout the career transition process, it’s important to stay positive, celebrate small milestones, and use setbacks as learning opportunities.
- Real Estate as a Career Option: Real estate may offer an improved work-life balance, higher earning potential, professional growth opportunities, and personal fulfillment, particularly for those in North Carolina.
- Superior School as a Resource: Superior School of Real Estate offers the necessary courses and resources for individuals interested in becoming a real estate broker in North Carolina, making it a practical choice for those exploring this career path.
Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation
Before making a career change, it’s crucial to evaluate your current professional situation to ensure a career change would improve your
overall satisfaction, align with your long-term goals, and provide growth opportunities. Assess whether your current role fulfills your personal and professional priorities, such as work-life balance, financial stability, and passion for your work.
Here are some questions to ask yourself about your current position to see if you’re ready for a new position or career.
- How do you feel about your workplace culture?
- Do you have opportunities for growth in your current position?
- Is your work interesting to you?
- Do you make enough money to maintain your preferred quality of life?
- Are you content with your work/life balance?
- Would you choose this career/job again?
- Is there an industry/job that has always interested you that you wish to explore?
We all have bad days at work. But if you find yourself having more bad days than good days, perhaps it’s time for a change.
Step 2: Identify Transferable Skills
Unfortunately, some workers feel stuck in a job that doesn’t make them happy because they think they can’t do anything else. However, you’ve most likely developed skills in your current role that can transfer to another job or industry.
Analyze the skills you’ve developed in your current job. Many skills, such as communication, leadership, project management, and problem-solving, are transferable to other positions. Recognizing these skills will help you identify career paths where they can be applied and boost your confidence as you search for a new role.
Step 3: Identify New Career Paths
Once you’ve assessed your situation, it’s time to explore potential new career opportunities. Here are some tips to help you get started.
- Research industries and roles aligning with your skills, interests, and values.
- Consider practical factors like job demand, salary potential, long-term growth opportunities, and work-life balance.
- Utilize websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to get detailed information about different professions.
- Use tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Strong Interest Inventory, and O*NET to learn about careers that best suit your personality type, strengths, and interests.
In addition to using these formal tools to identify new career paths, consider your hobbies and interests. Do you see any patterns that could lead you to a new career?
Once you have a short list of careers, try to connect with people in those industries. Most people are happy to talk about their experiences and would give you a low-down on the pros and cons of their jobs.
Step 4: Gain Necessary Education, Skills, and Experience
Transitioning to a new career often requires acquiring additional skills or experience to meet industry expectations.
Consider enrolling in courses, certifications, or degree programs that provide the knowledge and credentials needed for your new field. For instance, learning programming languages or earning IT certifications can boost your employability if you’re transitioning into tech. If you are considering a career in real estate, learn how to become a real estate agent in your state.
Volunteer opportunities and internships can provide hands-on experience in your target field. These experiences enhance your resume and allow you to confirm your interest in the new career.
Step 5: Network and Build Connections
Building a strong professional network is essential for a successful career change. Connections can open doors to job opportunities and provide valuable insights into your new industry. Here are some networking tips:
- Reach out to former colleagues, friends, and industry professionals who can provide advice, referrals, or job leads.
- Social media platforms like LinkedIn are excellent for reconnecting and expanding your network. Share your career change journey and express your enthusiasm for your new direction—it might attract unexpected opportunities.
- Participate in industry events, workshops, and conferences to meet professionals in your target field. These events provide networking opportunities and help you gain a deeper understanding of industry trends and expectations.
Step 6: Apply for Jobs and Prepare for Interviews
It takes a lot of work to get a job. Acknowledge this as you approach the process. It will be worth all the hassle when you land a job in your new industry!
Here are some tips about resumes and applications.
- Consider seeking professional help with your resume, applications, and interview skills.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight transferable skills and relevant experiences.
- Use language and keywords specific to your target industry to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
- Focus on achievements that showcase your adaptability and value, even if they come from a different field.
- Practice answering common interview questions, especially those related to career changes. Be prepared to explain why you’re transitioning and how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate.
How to Stay Positive Amidst a Career Change
The journey to a new career can be daunting, but persistence and a positive mindset are key to success.
Remember—rejections are a natural part of the job search process, especially when transitioning to a new field. Treat each setback as a learning opportunity and refine your approach as needed.
Set clear, achievable goals and celebrate small milestones along the way. For example, completing a certification, attending a networking event, or landing an informational interview are all accomplishments worth recognizing. Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and mentors who can encourage and guide you through the transition.
The Benefits of Changing Careers to Real Estate
While changing careers involves challenges, the rewards can be transformative.
For example, if you’re considering a career switch to real estate, here are some benefits of working in the industry.
Improved work-life balance
Many people switch careers to escape demanding schedules and achieve a better balance between personal and professional life. In real estate, you can set your own schedule. Even if some weeks you may work more than 40 hours per week, you’ll do so on your own terms.
High earning potential
Transitioning to a more lucrative field can provide financial security and freedom.
Are you considering becoming a real estate agent (called “broker” in North Carolina)? According to Indeed, in January 2025, real estate agents earned an average income of $109,230 in the Tar Heel State. Keep in mind that most real estate agents work on commission, which is typically based on the sale price of the property.
Professional growth
Are you ready to reignite your passion for work and open doors to long-term opportunities? Real estate is a rewarding career with a lot of opportunities for specialization. You might also be surprised by the wide range of jobs you can get with a real estate license. Not everyone in the industry works in residential sales.
Personal fulfillment
A career aligned with your interests and values can improve your life. Real estate professionals report deep satisfaction in helping others with their housing or real estate investing needs.
Take the first step today toward a career that fulfills your aspirations and brings you closer to the life you envision. If that career is real estate, Superior School of Real Estate can help. Superior has all the required courses you need to become a real estate broker in North Carolina. Get started today!
