We all have heard career advice like, ' follow your passion' or 'grow your contacts'. Whether you’re freshly graduated, mid-career and contemplating your next move, or stuck in a professional rut, it's common to crave a change. The challenge often lies in knowing where to begin. We’re cutting out the corporate nomenclature and incorporating practical and human-centered approaches to help you regain clarity with the best  advice for advancing your career.

 

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Tips For A Career Change That Actually Work

No matter where you are right now, starting fresh, shifting directions, or rediscovering your purpose. You’re not behind. You’re building a life on your own terms.

 

If You're Just Starting Out

You’re stepping into a new world post graduation and trying to figure out where you fit into, yes, it might feel intimidating. But, that’s a good thing. You can get the best career advice for yourself. To get successful job interviews, you have to work on relevant skills. Learn how to ace job interview

1. Get Clarity on Your Career Road Map: You don’t need to map your whole career, but get clear on the life you want to build. Ask yourself:

• What kind of work actually excites me?
• Do you prefer long commutes, micromanagers, boring spreadsheets?
• Do I thrive on collaboration, or prefer solo flow?
• Do I value flexibility, structure, or a mix?

 

2. Dive Into Research and Implement: The best way to learn what fits is to stop guessing and start doing. Read about different roles, and also take initiative to carry it further. Test things out with internships in various firms. There is a lot to learn and get first hands on experience with systems, management tools, AI tools, and many more. You could always go for freelance projects, volunteering, or job shadowing. The real-world exposure teaches you so much more than scrolling through job descriptions. These low-risk trials can help you gain experience, build confidence, and determine if a particular path is right for you.

3. Be Curious: Don’t just wonder what a job is like. ask someone who’s living it. People like to share their career journey. Reach out to people in roles you’re drawn to. Ask them questions about work life, how they got started, what surprised them about the work, and what they wish they knew earlier. These real, unfiltered insights are more valuable than any job board description.

 

Related story: 5 Strategies to Build A Meaningful Career

 

If You’ve Reached Mid-Career

You’ve gained reasonable experience in corporate space, built  your network, and know the ins and outs  of your job. But, now you’re itching for more. That’s your cue: this stage isn’t about coasting. It’s time to level up. Read: Mindfulness in Leadership Can Make You A Better Leader, Here’s Why

1. Be Open to Feedback and Ask For It: Don’t wait until review season to find out how you’re doing. Instead, take the lead and ask for feedback before it happens. A simple question like, “What’s one area I could improve in?” shows you're serious about growth. It also opens the door to valuable insight that might otherwise go unsaid. Often, it's the small tweaks like improving communication or delegation that can make a big difference in how to change careers. 

2. Keep Up The Learning Spirit: Just because you’re experienced doesn’t mean you’re done learning. The best professionals stay curious. Whether it's an online course, a new software tool, or learning from someone from another department, every new skill adds depth to your career toolkit. Staying in learning mode keeps you adaptable and in demand.

3. Network with Intention: Keep the awkward small talk and think deeper. Join online communities where real conversations happen. Follow leaders you admire and engage with their ideas. Meaningful connections often start from shared curiosity, not just career talk like tips for a career change.

4. Keep Your CV Ready: Even if you're not actively job hunting, keep your resume and LinkedIn fresh. You never know when an exciting opportunity might come knocking.  

Related story: Thinking of a Big Career Change? Consider These Points

If You’re Feeling Stuck

We all hit career ruts and it’s normal. Maybe your work feels dull, or you’re just not growing anymore. Maybe the excitement’s gone, or you’re questioning what’s next. When that happens, talking it out with a coach or mentor can be a game-changer. They help you see the bigger picture, identify what’s missing, and spark fresh ideas you might’ve overlooked. 

1. Talk It Out with a Coach or Mentor: When you’re deep in it, it’s hard to see your own patterns. That’s where a coach or mentor comes in. They bring fresh eyes, ask for career advice, how to change careers, and help you connect the dots. Whether it’s identifying your strengths or exploring new directions, having someone objective in your corner can be a total mindset shift. 

2. Try Something New on the Side: Rather than searching for open positions, take on something small but exciting. You can enroll in a crash course or do an internship or a contractual job in a field you’re passionate about. You might start a blog about eco-friendly living just for fun and before you know it, you’ve built an audience and landed a job offer from a sustainable brand. By doing these activities, you will get an idea of what you really want and what resonates with your career goals. 

3. Self-Reflect on Your Habits: When you’re feeling stuck in a job, you may find yourself in a loop of infinite thinking. During such times, getting clarity and working on self-reflection helps. Set time aside each week or month to check in with yourself. Ask:

• What’s giving me energy?
• What’s draining me?
• What do I want more (or less) of?

Related story: 5 Strategies to Navigate Tough Conversations With Your Boss

Your career isn’t a straight line. It comes with curve trails and detours you never expected. And that’s okay. Be patient with yourself, stay curious, and remain open to new experiences. By taking bold steps and seeking support, you'll gradually uncover a path that aligns with your passions and strengths. And always listen to what your work is trying to tell you like about your values, strengths, and what truly fulfills you.

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.