Has this last year left you inspired to change your career? Many people have experienced a shift in their priorities at work as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some have realised they want a career that greater contributes to society, whereas others have decided that they want a career that better accommodates a work-life balance. Whatever the reasons are, more people than ever have used the last year to reflect on what is really important to them and been inspired to take the leap into a new career.
Refreshing a Career is a resource hub and jobs board dedicated to supporting experienced workers who are searching for a career change. Because of this, we know how daunting it can be to discover you want a career change. If the pandemic has given you itchy feet for a new career, here are some things to consider.
5 Things to Consider When Changing Your Career Due to Covid-19
1. Will You Still Feel This Way When Life Returns to Nrmal?
The first thing you need to ask yourself when considering a career change in response to a year of lockdown is whether you will still feel this way post-pandemic when life returns to normal. Consider whether the reasons you are unhappy are circumstantial, or whether you have realised there is something more substantial that needs to change. If you are unhappy about working from home, or the increased demand for your time, or the lack of sociability, remember some of these things may change again in the future.
2. Work Environment
The pandemic has really brought our work environments into focus. Some people have been lucky enough to work at home to protect themselves and their families, whereas others have had to work outside of the home, and people are beginning to question which environment is right for them. One way to decide what kind of career you want is to reflect on what kind of work environment will make you the most content.
3. Your Priorities
As mentioned earlier, the pandemic has left people reflecting on what their priorities really are. If this last year has shown you that you need to strive for a better work-life balance, where you can spend more time with your family, or that you want a job where you feel connected to a wider group of people, use these priorities as a way to guide your next career choice. Refreshing your career is a chance for you to take chances in your life in order to be happier at work.
4. Retraining and Education
Perhaps the extra free time you have had this year has encouraged you to try a new hobby or develop a new interest. If you now want to turn this into a career, you should consider whether you need to retrain or return to education to do so. Research your options to see how you can best fund this training, for example, you could start an apprenticeship which would allow you to earn and learn at the same time.
5. Are You Looking for Greater Freedom?
One of the main reasons people are looking for a career change as a result of the pandemic is because they want greater freedom in their life. Maybe this means taking the leap to go freelance, or opening your own business, or changing from full-time to part-time. Whatever it is, make sure you consider this when planning your career change. There are many ways to incorporate greater freedom into your working life, make sure to plan for this in your career change.
