Everyone has bad days at work. But if your not-so-great days outnumber your good days, it might be time to research the best career change jobs.
Before you start working on your resume, take note of key career trends for 2025, according to career expert Sho Dewan. In My 5 Predictions For The 2025 Job Market (and What You Need To Know), published on Forbes.com, Dewan notes the following:
Fewer Jobs Will Be Remote: “More and more companies are pulling back from offering remote work as a standard perk. While some businesses will continue to offer full remote opportunities, the overall trend is shifting back toward in-office and hybrid models.”
If remote work and job flexibility are important to you, you must be purposeful in your job hunt. It’s not a given anymore that you’ll have a flexible schedule and the opportunity to work from anywhere.
Skills and Experience Will Outshine Formal Education: Traditionally, those considering a career change may worry about their lack of formal education in the field they want to enter. According to the Forbes article, companies value hands-on experience and relevant training.
Of course, this trend will make it easier for those considering a career switch without completing a college degree.
With these two trends in mind, we’ve created a list of the best jobs for career change. Some offer a flexible schedule and low barrier to entry – or both.
Key Takeaways
- Top Career Change Options: Careers such as real estate agents, dental hygienists, sales managers, market research analysts, and software developers are highlighted as promising choices for career changers, with competitive salaries and clear entry paths.
- Emerging Job Market Trends: Remote work opportunities are decreasing, and employers are prioritizing skills and hands-on experience over formal education, making career transitions more accessible without a degree.
- Benefits of Career Changes: Switching careers can offer financial advantages, increased flexibility, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, especially for those feeling stagnant in their current roles.
- Practical Tips for Career Success: Networking, goal setting, and resilience are crucial for navigating a successful career change. Resources like the Superior School of Real Estate can help aspiring real estate agents enter the field.
Benefits of Changing Careers
Having a few bad days doesn’t mean that you should immediately resign from your position and change careers. However, there may be several benefits to changing jobs.
Financial advantages
The Pew Research Center analyzed the salaries of workers who switched jobs during the “Great Resignation.” The research shows that “the majority of workers switching jobs (60%) saw an increase in their real earnings over the same month the previous year.”
The same report analyzed workers’ pay who remained with the same employer during the same time frame. Fewer than half (47%) experienced an increase in real earnings.
While increased pay isn’t guaranteed when changing jobs, the data shows that there are often financial advantages to job changes.
Flexibility
According to Newsweek, 10.4 percent of workers in North Carolina work fully remote jobs. If you are a part of the 90 percent of NC workers having to commute to your job, you may be seeking a position with more flexibility – either in scheduling or location.
Opportunities for growth
Finally, many seek a job change because they feel stagnant and want more professional growth opportunities. For many, the thirst for knowledge and appetite for constant growth and evolution help sustain a meaningful existence.
In short, you may not be considering a career change because you need more money or a flexible work schedule. Instead, you feel the need to be challenged or try something new.
Top Jobs for Career Change
Let’s look at a few of the best “career change” jobs. We’ll give you the average salary for these positions in North Carolina and outline a few key responsibilities for those in these careers.
Market Research Analyst
Average Salary in North Carolina: $62,087 (Indeed, January 2025)
Job Description: Market Research Analysts collect and analyze data to help businesses understand their audience, market trends, and competition. They create reports, study consumer behavior, and collaborate with teams to guide strategies and evaluate marketing campaigns.
How to Enter the Field: To become a Market Research Analyst, earn a degree in marketing, business, economics, or a related field. Gain experience through internships or entry-level roles and build skills in data analysis tools.
Dental Hygienist
Average Salary in North Carolina: $47.42/hour (Indeed, January 2025)
Job Description: Dental hygienists provide preventive oral care under the supervision of a dentist. They clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and educate patients on maintaining good oral hygiene. Responsibilities include removing plaque and tartar, applying sealants or fluoride, taking X-rays, and documenting patient care.
How to Enter the Field: Dental hygienists must complete an accredited dental hygiene program, typically a two-to-three-year associate degree. Some pursue a bachelor’s degree for advanced opportunities. Additionally, you’ll need to pass an exam for licensure.
Sales Manager
Average Salary in North Carolina: $85,644 (Indeed, January 2025)
Job Description: Sales Managers lead sales teams to achieve revenue goals and expand market presence. Their responsibilities include setting sales targets, developing strategies, analyzing sales data, and mentoring team members. They work closely with marketing and leadership to align sales efforts with business objectives.
How to Enter the Field: While a college degree is not always required, many sales managers have degrees in business, marketing, or a related field. You may start in entry-level sales roles to develop skills and understand sales processes.
Real Estate Agent
Average Salary in North Carolina: $108,758 (Indeed, January 2025)
Job Description: Real estate agents (called brokers in North Carolina) assist with residential and commercial property transactions. They help clients buy, sell, or rent properties by providing market insights, coordinating property showings, negotiating offers, and handling necessary paperwork. Real estate agents also guide clients through legal and financial processes, ensuring smooth and compliant transactions.
How to Enter the Field: Real estate brokers in North Carolina must complete a licensing process, which includes a 75-hour pre-licensing course, exam, and background check. To enter the field, enroll in qualifying courses at a state-approved real estate school.
Software Developer
Average Salary in North Carolina: $96,929 (Indeed, January 2025)
Job Description: Software developers design, build, and maintain computer programs and applications. They analyze user needs, write and test code, debug software, and ensure programs function as intended. Developers work closely with clients, designers, and other team members to create solutions ranging from mobile apps to enterprise systems.
How to Enter the Field: To enter the field of software development, start by earning a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. While a formal degree is beneficial, many developers also succeed through self-learning or coding boot camps focusing on practical skills. Gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level roles, where you can apply your skills and grow professionally.
FAQ: Are there high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree?
Real estate can be a high-paying job, and it doesn’t require a degree. It’s worth noting that salary data from Indeed reports that real estate agents make more than software developers, market researchers, and many other promising careers in North Carolina.
Additionally, real estate brokers have a flexible schedule, can work from home (when not showing properties), and can earn their licenses in just a few months. Learn how to become an agent in NC from Superior School of Real Estate.
Tips for Success in a New Career
You may ask yourself, “How can I change careers?” Here are a few tips for completing a career switch.
1. Network and build professional connections
Get to know people in your desired industry and start networking. Start by asking someone in your chosen field for coffee and using LinkedIn to connect with professionals and industry groups. Ask for advice and what they wish they had known when starting in their profession.
2. Set clear goals and create a realistic plan
Career changes don’t happen overnight, but there are things you can do every day to move the needle. Are you considering a career switch to real estate? Meet with a licensed professional in your area and contact the Superior School of Real Estate to learn about the licensing process.
3. Stay positive and resilient, even when facing challenges or setbacks
Changing careers can be a challenging journey, but maintaining a positive mindset is key. Be prepared for obstacles and use setbacks as learning opportunities to grow. Celebrate small wins along the way to stay motivated and remind yourself of the reasons behind your career change. Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and mentors who can encourage you during challenging moments. With persistence and determination, you can successfully navigate your new career path. Good luck!
