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When Is the Right Time to Make a Career Change?

Jess Armooh
9–14 minutes
When Is the Right Time to Make a Career Change?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve stared at your computer screen on a Monday morning wondering if there’s something more fulfilling out there. Or maybe you dread the end of the weekend because work leaves you feeling uninspired.

You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not behind.

Career changes have become increasingly common, with estimates suggesting that the average person changes careers between 3 to 7 times throughout their working life. This trend is particularly prevalent among current and upcoming generations of workers.

Whether you’re 25 or 45, questioning your career path is normal and reflects the evolving nature of modern work.

In this guide, we’ll explore the signs that it might be time for a change, practical steps to take, and how to navigate the transition with confidence.

What Does a Career Change Really Mean?

A career change involves switching careers to an entirely different profession, industry, or field that may require new skills, knowledge, or training. This should not be confused with a job change.

A job change typically means moving to a different company or role within the same field or industry.

For example, moving from one marketing agency to another is a job change. Moving from marketing to becoming a product designer is a career change.

Why Do People Consider Career Changes?

Career changes typically stem from a combination of internal shifts and external circumstances. Understanding your motivation(s) can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Here are 7 common reasons why you may be considering a career change:

  1. Burnout: You feel mentally and emotionally drained by your current job, with little energy or motivation left to give.
  2. Lack of growth: You feel unchallenged or stuck, with no clear opportunities for advancement or skill development.
  3. Changing interests: Your passions or curiosities have evolved, and your current field no longer excites or inspires you.
  4. Evolving values: You now care more about purpose, impact, or alignment with your personal beliefs, and your job doesn’t reflect that.
  5. Industry changes or decline: Automation, outsourcing, or reduced demand is making your current field unstable or obsolete.
  6. Life changes: Events like relocation, starting a family, or health challenges may have shifted your priorities and work needs.
  7. Compensation or work-life balance: You may want better pay, more flexibility, improved benefits, or a healthier workplace culture.

According to FlexJobs’ recent survey, nearly 70% of respondents have changed or considered changing career fields in the past year. The top factors driving this reevaluation include remote work options (67%), improved work-life balance (52%), greater job fulfillment (48%), and expanded skill sets (40%).

The key takeaway? You’re not alone, and you’re not behind if you’re considering a career change. You’re simply responding to your evolving needs and circumstances.

Is There Ever a “Right” Time to Change Careers?

There’s no perfect, universal time to change careers. But there are clear signs that indicate you might be ready for change.

Here are 7 signs that it might be time for a career change:

  1. Chronic boredom: Your work feels monotonous, uninspiring, or like you’re just going through the motions.
  2. Feeling stuck: You can’t see the next step or upward path where you are. It always feels like a dead end.
  3. Sunday night dread: You experience anxiety, stress, or sadness at the thought of starting another workweek.
  4. Feeling undervalued: Your skills, ideas, or contributions are constantly overlooked or unappreciated.
  5. Curiosity about other roles: You’re consistently exploring other careers, industries, or “what if” scenarios.
  6. Values misalignment: There’s a disconnect between your personal values and your work environment or company culture.
  7. Loss of motivation despite success: You have a stable job, decent salary, or a respected title, but you still feel disengaged or unfulfilled.

You’ve got your reasons…and the signs are clear. So, what should you do next?

How to Change Careers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing careers can be overwhelming, but you can manage that with a roadmap.

At the NoCode Required webinar, Joel Anaman, Lead Career Coach at Career Wheel, shared a 5-step playbook designed to make career changes feel less uncertain and more actionable.

Watch the breakdown of his process below or continue reading:

Step 1: Discover Potential Paths

Many people get stuck in trial and error, constantly unsure about their next step. The key is to accelerate your discovery process through structured self-assessment. This means looking inward first.

💡 To help make the discovery stage a bit easier, Joel Anaman and his team at Mande built PIVOTS — a tool designed to help you explore career paths based on your personality, interests, values, opportunities, threats, and skills. Try Mande PIVOTs today →

→ Time to upskill based on your current competencies

→ Time to practice and gain experience

→ Regular job hunting timeline (typically 3–6 months)

💡 Remember: longer timelines aren’t meant to discourage you; they help set realistic expectations.

Step 2: Clarify Your Chosen Path

Think of this step as building a house. In this context, reading job descriptions is your foundation.

Step 3: Bridge Your Skills Gap

Use the 70–20–10 learning rule:

→ Volunteer in industry communities

→ Contribute to open-source projects

→ Pitch your services to resource-constrained small businesses

Step 4: Reimagine Your Previous Experience

As you build skills and gain experience, document everything and ask: “How can I reimagine my previous experiences to showcase my competencies for my target career?”

Step 5: Attract Opportunities to You

Job applications are just one part of the game. The other part? Visibility.

You don’t need to be a content creator or influencer; just someone who shows up, shares consistently, and engages intentionally.

Recommended Readings:

  1. Transitioning into Tech: A Guide to Exploring Unconventional Paths
  2. 7 Best Practices for a Smooth Transition into Tech

Common Career Change Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)

“I don’t know what I want”

This is a common concern. Start by taking career and personality assessments like StrengthsFinder, 16Personalities, or Myers-Briggs. Keep a journal of tasks that energise or drain you, and have conversations with people in roles you’re curious about.

You don’t need all the answers to begin. Clarity often comes from taking action.

“I don’t have experience”

You likely have more relevant experience than you think. Focus on transferable skills and build a skills-based resume. Volunteer, freelance, or take short courses to boost credibility.

Soft skills like communication and leadership also go a long way. And entry-level roles can be a smart entry point.

“I’m too old to switch careers”

Your experience is an asset. Highlight your reliability, professional network, and the fresh perspective you bring.

Many companies value maturity, especially in leadership or client-facing roles. Focus on organisations that appreciate experience and long-term thinking.

Fear of starting over

It might feel like you’re starting from scratch, but chances are you’re not. Around 80% of your existing skills, experience, and industry knowledge are often transferable. Instead of focusing on what you lack, reframe your mindset around long-term growth.

If a big leap feels overwhelming, consider gradual transition strategies like freelancing, part-time study, or side projects to ease into your new path.

Watch how Priscilla Alagbe navigated her career transition and gradually built a new path:

5 Mindset Shifts to Support Your Career Transition

Making a successful career change can be mentally draining, and it helps to have the right mindset to get through it:

  1. Normalise fear and uncertainty: Feeling scared or unsure is normal and doesn’t mean you’re making the wrong move.
  2. Celebrate curiosity and courage: Questioning your path shows growth; it takes bravery to consider change.
  3. Value your past experience: Everything you’ve done adds value and perspective to your next chapter.
  4. Embrace the learning process: You don’t need all the answers to start. Progress comes from action.
  5. Focus on progress, not perfection: Small, consistent steps are more important than having a perfect plan.

FAQs on Career Change

What’s the easiest career to switch to?

The “easiest” career change depends on your background and transferable skills. Generally, roles like customer support, sales, content writing, social media management, community management, project coordination, operations, and administrative support tend to have lower barriers to entry.

However, “easy” shouldn’t be your only criterion. It’s important to also consider roles that align with your interests, values, and long-term career goals.

What’s a good answer for “Why do you want a career change?”

Focus on what you’re moving toward rather than what you’re leaving behind. Example: “I’ve realised that my passion lies in helping people solve complex problems, and I want to use my analytical skills and communication abilities in a consulting role where I can have a direct impact on client success.”

What should I do if I want a career change?

Start with self-reflection to understand your motivations, interests, and values. Then research potential careers, network with people in those fields, and begin building relevant skills.

Take action through informational interviews, volunteer work, or small experiments before making a full transition.

How long does a career change typically take?

Career changes can take anywhere from 6 months to 2+ years, depending on how significant the change is and whether additional education or training is required. Many people make gradual transitions while continuing their current work.

Should I quit my job before finding a new career?

Generally, it’s advisable to explore your new career while still employed. This provides financial security and allows you to be more selective about opportunities.

However, if your current situation is truly unsustainable, consider taking time off if you have sufficient savings.

Bottomline

Changing careers can feel overwhelming, but remember that it’s a normal part of professional growth. Whether you’re 25 or 45, it’s never too early or too late to pursue work that aligns with your values, interests, and life goals.

The key is to start where you are with what you have. You don’t need a perfect plan or perfect timing–you need curiosity, courage, and a willingness to take the first step. That might mean taking a career assessment, having a conversation with someone in a field that interests you, or signing up for an online course.

Remember: you have more options than you think, more skills than you realise, and more time than you fear. You got this!

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Jess Armooh