Assessing where we’ve been in our careers and how we want to move forward is absolutely essential for meaningful career growth. This kind of reflection helps us decide if we want to aim for promotions, pick up new skills, or even completely switch directions with our careers. If you’ve found yourself leaning toward the latter option, you’re definitely not alone. For decades, society has pushed the idea that once you pick a career path, you’re supposed to stick with it for life. But nowadays, more and more people are challenging that outdated notion. Many of us want more out of our professional lives, realize we don’t actually enjoy what we initially thought we would, or simply want to pursue something that lights a genuine passion inside us. If you’re thinking about making a career change, know this — you’re far from alone.
You’re not alone if you’re considering a career change—many are rethinking their paths.
I recently made a career change, and a lot of my friends are considering one, too. In fact, over 60 percent of both Gen Z and Millennials are considering changing jobs in the coming year, which is resulting in 2025’s “Great Career Shift.” While it can be a terrifying and difficult decision to pivot, it’s possible to change your career—and, based on my experience, it doesn’t have to be difficult to do.
Whether your urge to change careers stems from personal ambitions, an unexpected layoff, or a need to create better work-life balance, it’s time to embrace that feeling and begin actively taking steps to make it happen. Even though switching careers can feel like starting over from scratch, believe me when I say that everything you’ve done so far in your professional life can serve as a strong foundation to build your next chapter on. Below, I’m sharing the six key steps I personally took to prepare myself for a career change, so you can feel equipped, confident, and ready to make that leap yourself.
1. Take a class
When you’re seriously thinking about changing careers, the most valuable thing you can do is get out of your own head and actually dive into learning about the new field. Enrolling in a class is one of the best ways to do this. For example, when I wanted to shift my focus to writing from my previous roles — which included being an assistant, a paralegal, and managing digital content — I joined a writers’ group and signed up for a television writing class. These classes did more than just help me sharpen my technical skills. Over time, they became a safe, supportive space where I could experiment, make mistakes, and ask all the questions I needed to build confidence. On top of that, they connected me with other people who were already working or aspiring to work in writing. Classes give you something concrete for your resume, let you test your abilities in a learning environment without pressure, and introduce you to valuable contacts who might help open doors in your new career path.
While it’s usually easy to find writing classes in most major cities, other skills or professions might require more digging. Some may involve taking several classes at community colleges, while others can be completed online through certifications or licensing programs. It really depends on your specific interests and the industry you want to enter. The best place to start is by Googling what qualifications or certifications might be necessary for the new field you’re eyeing, then mapping out a realistic plan for how you might fit that learning into your life.
If you’re already working full-time and your schedule feels packed, committing to a long class or certification might feel overwhelming or even impossible. In those cases, consider smaller, less time-intensive options like a one-day weekend workshop or an online Masterclass. These can give you valuable exposure without demanding too much time or energy upfront.
2. Connect with people in your desired career
Another great way to learn more about the career you want to pursue is by talking directly to people who are already working in that field. While classes and courses can teach you the practical skills needed, the everyday realities of a job can vary widely depending on the company, location, and even the team you work with. That’s why setting up an informational meeting is invaluable—it gives you the chance to ask real, specific questions and gain a clear, honest picture of what your future career might really look and feel like on a day-to-day basis.
Here are some effective ways to find someone you can connect with:
Think about your current network and who you already know that might be able to introduce you to someone working in your desired field.
Attend company-wide mixers, networking events, or social gatherings where you can meet people working in related or adjacent roles.
Check out local events, industry exhibitions, or career fairs happening in your area—these can be gold mines for meeting professionals and learning more about your target industry.
Use LinkedIn as a powerful tool to explore your connections and see if you or someone you know has a mutual contact with someone you’d like to speak to.
Don’t be afraid to send a cold email or message to someone you admire who holds the role you want. Express genuine interest and ask for a short informational chat—they often appreciate the outreach.
Admittedly, reaching out and making these connections can feel intimidating at first, but it’s a crucial step to build your professional network and set realistic expectations about the career path ahead. When you put yourself out there professionally, you open the door to opportunities you might never have imagined. Some meetings may be one-time conversations, while others could blossom into ongoing relationships—whether peers you share dreams with or mentors who offer guidance and advice.
Before you meet with anyone, make sure you prepare a thoughtful list of questions. This is your chance to dive deep and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and day-to-day responsibilities of the role. The more detailed your questions, the better you’ll understand what the job truly entails—and you’ll leave the conversation armed with insights that can shape your next steps.
3. Research how others started
Even if you can’t immediately connect with people in your desired field, you can still learn a lot by doing your own research. One of my favorite ways to do this is by studying the career paths of people who inspire me in the industry I want to enter. If tech is your passion, look for interviews with tech entrepreneurs you admire. If you want to work in social media strategy, pay attention to what your favorite brands are doing across platforms, then find out who’s behind those strategies and how they got there.
This research helps you understand how different individuals navigated their careers and how the industry operates in real life. If available, autobiographies or memoirs related to your chosen career path can be incredibly motivating.
“If you make a promise to yourself to do something small every day, whether that be reading an article, updating your resume, researching classes, or simply telling someone the career you’re moving toward, you’ll feel the progress.”
What you’ll often discover is that there’s no single “right” way to reach your dream career. People take many different routes, sometimes with unexpected twists, turns, and detours. And many have changed careers multiple times, just like you’re considering now. Seeing this makes it clear that your career change is not only possible but completely normal. The key is to keep moving forward, learning, and adapting. If you’re willing to put in the work, your goals are definitely within reach.
4. Say your new career goals out loud
his might sound simple, but it’s a powerful step in preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for a career change. When I left my job in digital marketing, I struggled for months to actually tell people what I was planning next. I kept it vague or avoided the question altogether. Then one day, a stranger at a coffee shop asked me what I did for work, and the answer just burst out of me — clear and confident. To my surprise, they didn’t question it. Maybe I had spoken with enough conviction, or maybe they had no reason to doubt me, but in that moment, I felt a rush of pride and clarity.
That moment changed everything. It started breaking down the imposter syndrome I’d been feeling. I learned that gaining the courage to admit you want a change internally is one thing, but telling others — especially those who might doubt you — is an entirely different challenge.
If you’re hesitant, start small. Writing your goals down in a journal can help you clarify your thoughts and reduce self-doubt. Next, update your resume, LinkedIn profile, or email signature to reflect your new direction. Try telling a close friend or even a stranger what you’re working toward. The more you verbalize it, the more real it becomes. Eventually, saying it out loud will feel natural, and you’ll start to fully picture your new career as your future.
5. Identify your transferable skills
Changing careers doesn’t mean you have to wipe the slate clean. In fact, that’s rarely the case. Chances are, your current and past jobs have equipped you with a set of transferable skills that are valuable in almost any role. Skills like communication, professionalism, problem-solving, adaptability, and learning agility are critical no matter what field you move into.
When I worked in digital marketing, I was responsible for hiring new team members. I didn’t just look at resumes — I wanted to know who the person was beyond their listed qualifications. I found that candidates who were passionate about learning and had clear goals often stood out, even if they were switching careers or industries.
While not every employer hires this way, you can show potential new employers that you’re not a complete beginner by highlighting your transferable skills prominently on your resume. Include any relevant classes, certifications, or degrees you’ve earned, as well as involvement in community groups, mentorship programs, or side projects. These show that you’re a multi-talented, adaptable professional ready to jump into new challenges with enthusiasm.
6. Take small steps every day
Setting a daily mini-goal might sound like a lot, especially if you’re juggling a full-time job, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. Making a commitment to do just one small thing each day — whether that’s reading a relevant article, updating your resume, researching classes, or telling someone about your new career goal — builds momentum.
Creating a job search schedule can help you organize these activities into manageable chunks that fit your energy and availability. Some days you might spend more time, other days less — and that’s perfectly fine.
Remember, these steps aren’t always about taking visible action. Scheduling even just a few minutes each week to reflect on your goals and progress is crucial. This reflection helps ensure the steps you’re taking still align with what you truly want.
Each small action adds up, leading to important milestones and eventually the day you make your career change official. I personally keep a running list of my accomplishments along the way to remind myself how far I’ve come, especially on days when I feel stuck or discouraged. Looking back at those wins resets my confidence and fuels my motivation to keep going.
We’re all on unique career journeys, and they don’t have to be linear or predictable. Your path may change, evolve, and twist — and that’s okay. If you keep showing up and putting in the work, your next exciting career move is closer than you think.
