What you need to know about career change stepping-stone jobs

You want to change career path, so what are your options when it comes to the road ahead?

There are two specific journey-types when it comes to a change of career:

  1. A straight switch from one career path to another.
  2. A stepping-stone route.

A straight switch is the most direct route. It works when the skills and experience gained in your current career transfers seamlessly into your chosen career path or you have gained new qualifications or training that is required by your chosen career path to enable you to step into a new role.

For example, a teacher who has developed relevant coding skills might change to a IT developer role.

But let’s face it, for many career changers, this is not always going to be the most suitable route available.

When to consider a stepping-stone career change route

Maybe you want to change career paths because you no longer want to remain in your current industry and just want out fast.

Maybe you have an idea of your next career path but don’t yet have the relevant qualifications, skills or experience to make the seamless switch.

Maybe you simply don’t know what else you want to do instead.

If this is you, then a stepping-stone route might be a good option to consider.

Stepping-stone jobs are roles that help you transition from one career to another but are not the end point. It enables you to leave your current role and keep income coming in whilst you consider your next move; done well, a stepping-stone route will enable you to build skills, experience, and confidence in a different setting, standing you in good stead when it comes to making the change into a new career.

But beware, done badly the stepping-stone route will simply be a random job on your CV that a future “ideal” employer may struggle to see the relevance. It also comes with the risk of becoming “stuck” on a path that you never originally intended if you get too comfortable and fear of change takes hold again.

If you want help to navigate a career change journey, I offer a range of coaching options to provide the level of support you need from one-off sessions, kick-start interventions and full personalised bespoke coaching with a 100% success rate in helping clients find a career they LOVE.

Book a free consult here.

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