The world and our life is always changing and career choices are no different. The hard part about career change is the dread of losing everything you’ve built up to this point. Maybe it’s the clout you’ve established and work, the expertise, the title, heck maybe even a pension plan. The thought can be both exhilarating and daunting. But the burning question remains: how to change careers without starting over?
As Black women, we’ve faced and overcome countless challenges. This? This is just another mountain to climb, and with the right tools, we can reach the summit without losing our footing.
I can say that successfully as someone that has changed careers a few times and successfully made each change without starting at ground zero every time. In fact with each change came a more challenging role, more pay, and satisfaction.
Determining Your “Why”
Before diving into how to change careers without starting over, it’s essential to understand why you’re seeking this change. Is it a passion you’ve always wanted to pursue? A better work-life balance? Or perhaps a more fulfilling role? Recognizing your ‘why’ will be the compass guiding you through this journey.
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For many of us, the desire for change stems from a deep-seated need for growth and evolution. It’s not just about escaping a job we don’t like; it’s about pursuing a life that aligns with our values, passions, and dreams.
We, as Black women often carry the weight of expectations – from society, from our families, and sometimes, from ourselves. Let that go!
It’s crucial to remember that our career paths are ours to define.
Whether you’re seeking more financial stability, wanting to make a broader impact, or simply craving a new challenge, understanding your motivations will provide clarity and direction as you navigate this transition.
Table of Contents
Discover how to change careers Without Starting OVer using 7 points of LEverage
1. Recognize Your Transferable Skills
Every role we’ve held, and every challenge we’ve faced, has equipped us with a unique set of skills.
Whether you’ve been in customer service, teaching, or even tech, there are skills you’ve acquired that can be applied elsewhere.
For instance, if you’ve been a teacher, your communication, leadership, and organizational skills are gold in corporate training roles. So, when thinking about how to change careers without starting over, start by listing down these transferable skills.
2. Network, Network, Network
The power of networking cannot be overstated. It’s often through connections that we find the most unexpected opportunities. Attend industry events, join online forums, or even start by updating your LinkedIn profile to reflect your new career aspirations.
There are some fearless black women like Cierra Walker that busted their way through the door of a new career as a flight attendant with this leverage point.
And as a side note… a big thanks to @workitblackgirl on Instagram for compiling an awesome grouping of Black women showcasing their career journey, some of which are featured in this post.
The keyword here is visibility. The more people in your desired field know about your aspirations, the higher the chances of finding the right opportunity.
3. Seek Mentorship
One of the most effective ways how to change careers without starting over is to find a mentor in your desired field. This person can offer insights, share their journey, and even introduce you to industry insiders.
We stand on the shoulders of giants—women who’ve paved the way for us. And this is not a concept we think about often, but it’s real, whether we talking about our mothers, grandmothers, and aunties, or whether it’s a stranger.
Reach out, be genuine, and you’ll be surprised at how many are willing to guide you.
4. Continue Your Education
While your transferable skills will be invaluable, there might be specific skills or knowledge you need to acquire.
Consider online courses, night classes, or workshops. Not only will this equip you for the new role, but it also demonstrates to potential employers or to yourself, your commitment to the field.
5. Start Small
Before taking the full plunge, dip your toes in the water. Consider part-time roles, internships, or even volunteering. This approach allows you to gain experience, understand the industry better, and even decide if this change is right for you.
Starting small also offers a safety net. It’s a way to test the waters without fully committing, allowing you to see if this new path aligns with your expectations. For instance, if you’re considering a move into the non-profit sector, volunteering during weekends can give you a firsthand look at the challenges and rewards of the field.
Similarly, if you’re eyeing a shift to a creative profession, taking on freelance projects can help build your portfolio and establish industry connections. Remember, every big change starts with a single step.
By starting small, you’re giving yourself the space to learn, adapt, and grow, ensuring that when you’re ready to make the full transition, you do so with confidence and a wealth of experience behind you.
Document Your Journey
Consider starting a blog or a vlog documenting your journey. It serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it’s a reflection tool for you. Secondly, it can act as a portfolio showcasing your passion and commitment to your new career.
This is something I did when I finally made the decision that I wanted to start and run my business full-time.
I documented the journey on a podcast and committed to doing an episode a day for 1 year. At about episode 200 something, I had resigned from my corporate job and was working in my own business full time.
The interesting thing that happens when you document your journey is that you learn just how fearless you are because you can see where you were and where you are now.
And even more exciting is that you’re likely to help someone else that’s trying to make a similar change.
It’s massively rewarding when your life, experience, and fearlessness can be that growth catalyst in the lives of others.
If your career change is entrepreneurship especially, I invite you to run over to Ambition, Honey, and Hustle, grab yourself a drink, and binge on the 340+ episodes waiting to both inspire you and give you concrete action paths.
Stay Positive and Be Patient
Patience is crucial. While the idea is not to start over, the reality is that there might be setbacks.
But remember, setbacks are setups for comebacks.
Keep your end goal in sight, stay persistent, and trust your journey.
Conclusion
Changing careers, especially without starting over, is a bold move.
But as Black women, boldness runs in our veins.
It’s about channeling our experiences, our skills, and our passions into a new direction.
So, when you find yourself wondering how to change careers without starting over, remember that it’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. And in this journey, every step, every challenge, and every victory counts.
To all my fearless Black women out there, remember: your past experiences are not anchors but wings. Use them to soar into your new career.
Make your plans fearlessly!
