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5 Career Change Obstacles and How to Overcome Them

By Lumify Learn Team | February 26, 2024

Making a career change can be a daunting task. However, it’s important to remember that many individuals have successfully navigated this transition before you. Whether you’re considering a shift due to dissatisfaction in your current role or a desire for new challenges, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the uncertainties that you’ll face. But with the right approach, you can transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and fulfillment. By cultivating a resilient mindset and devising a clear strategy, you can easily navigate the complexities of switching careers.

In this blog, we’ll explore five common obstacles that individuals encounter when trying to make a career change and provide best practices for overcoming them. We’ll also highlight the critical role that the IT industry and Lumify Learn’s courses can play in teaching you essential skills and knowledge to make a successful transition to your desired field.

What are Some Common Career Change Obstacles?

1. Building a new set of skills

When considering a career change, you may feel daunted by the idea of starting from square one or perceiving your prior education and experience as irrelevant. However, this could not be further from the truth, as leveraging your existing skill sets and transferring them to your new career path is not only possible, but also beneficial.

Soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are typically valued across various industries, as these show your adaptability and versatility. Additionally, emphasising how your diverse background grants you a unique perspective can distinguish you from other candidates and provide a competitive edge in your transition.

When acquiring new skills, it’s important to invest time, money, and effort in education and training. This may seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be as you can choose flexible learning options that suit your schedule, budget, and goals. For instance, if you want to start a career in the IT industry, Lumify Learn offers plenty of certificate and diploma courses in IT. You can learn from industry experts, get hands-on practice, and earn globally-recognised certifications from CompTIA, AWS, Google, and other organisations.

2. Accepting lower compensation

Transitioning to a new career may involve grappling with the reality of lower compensation compared to your previous field. Adjusting to a reduced income may require lifestyle changes and can cause financial stress. Despite this, it’s crucial to recognise that this situation is temporary and can be viewed as a short-term sacrifice for long-term gains. Preparing for this transition by saving money beforehand and exploring supplemental income options like freelancing, consulting, or part-time work can help ease the financial burden and provide a smoother transition.

What’s more, it’s important to focus on the potential growth and earning opportunities inherent in your new career path. Certain fields may even offer higher average salaries, bonuses, or superior benefits, providing promising prospects for financial advancement. In fact, the IT sector stands out as one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying industries in Australia. For instance, software engineers can earn as much as $130,000 annually, while data analysts earn an average of $95,000 per year. These salaries are higher than the national average of $90,800, making them lucrative options for those seeking a rewarding career.

3. Establishing a new professional network

It’s natural to feel apprehensive about building connections in a field where you may lack experience or familiarity. But approaching this obstacle with intention and perseverance can lead to valuable relationships that open doors to opportunities. Here are some things you can do:

Leverage your existing network: Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts who can provide insights or introductions to individuals in your target field.
Attend events: Participate in industry-specific events, workshops, and conferences to immerse yourself in the community and meet like-minded professionals.
Use online networking platforms: Social networking sites like LinkedIn can expand your reach and facilitate connections with professionals in your desired industry.
Join professional associations: Membership in industry-related organizations provides access to networking events, resources, and forums for collaboration and learning.

The good news is that when you enrol in any Lumify Learn course, you can connect with fellow students, trainers, and mentors who will help you navigate the exciting journey ahead. And once you complete your course, you can gain access to our corporate clients who are on the lookout to hire talents like you.

4. Facing rejection and competition

Confronting rejection and navigating through competition can feel like weathering a storm in the vast sea of career change. These things may feel disheartening, but it’s crucial to view them as opportunities for learning and development rather than setbacks.

Cultivate resilience by understanding that setbacks are a natural part of any transformative journey. Seek feedback from rejections and use it as a guide to refine your approach and skills. Additionally, consider leveraging rejection as a chance to reassess your goals and make adjustments that align better with your strengths and aspirations.

And as you navigate the competitive landscape of a new field, remember that your unique qualities and diverse skills from previous experiences are your greatest assets. Tailoring your resume and cover letter to highlight your fresh perspective can set you apart from the competition.

With persistence and a positive mindset, each rejection becomes a stepping stone toward your desired career path, guiding you toward success in the face of challenges.

5. Overcoming fear and uncertainty

Fear and uncertainty are two of the most significant roadblocks when considering a career change. You may be afraid of failure, regret, or criticism. You may also be uncertain about the outcome, the timing, or the process of changing careers. These things can paralyse even the most determined individuals. To overcome these fear and uncertainty, you can try the following:

Educate yourself: Take the time to thoroughly research your desired career path. Learn about the skills required, the job market, potential challenges, and success stories of others who have made similar transitions. The more informed you are, the less uncertainty you’ll feel.
Seek support: Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, mentors, or career coaches. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your abilities. Their encouragement and guidance can improve your confidence and help you navigate through uncertain times.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself as you transition into a new career. Remember that it’s okay to feel scared and uncertain. Acknowledge your feelings and remind yourself that it’s normal to experience such emotions during times of change.
Visualise success: Take some time to visualize yourself succeeding in your new career. Imagine yourself enjoying your work, achieving your goals, and living a fulfilling professional life. Doing so can help alleviate fears by making the transition seem more attainable and less daunting.

Make Career Change Easier with Lumify Learn!

By overcoming these career change obstacles, you can pave the way for a fulfilling and rewarding professional journey.

As mentioned, Lumify Learn offers a wide selection of IT bootcamps, certifications, and diploma courses in the following areas:

All courses are conducted online by expert trainers and mentors, so you can study while they pursue other commitments. When you complete a course, you will gain nationally-recognised qualifications, with some certifications offered under leading IT firms like Microsoft, Amazon, and CompTIA.

Make the jump to a rewarding IT career. Enquire with us on a course today.