6 Steps To Transition Into A Career You Love

Is it time to stop dreaming and start acting? If you’ve clicked on this article then there is a good chance it is. If that brings up some anxiety in you, don’t worry. We are all escapees here, and we can promise you that when you admit to yourself that you deserve better, that you deserve a career you love and take action, it often leads to things you will be truly grateful for. The first step is always the hardest part, so if you steel yourself and read this with an open mind, it might just be a pivotal moment you look back on.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. There is not just one perfect job for you. Just like when you are deciding between cities to live, courses at university or two competing job offers, you aren’t simply choosing between the ‘right’ option and the ‘wrong’ option. They are just options. You can’t simply get it ‘wrong.’

Life is an experiment, not an exam.

6 steps....

What is missing in your current job?

If you have just taken a big inhale to let loose a tidal wave of reasons then we hear you. Alternatively, if you are someone that can’t quite lay a finger on precisely what it is other than it just… feels wrong, we hear you too. 

And everyone in between, we’re also hearing you - we just have great hearing.

However, having a couple of key reasons as to why your current job is unfulfilling really is crucial in deciding where to go next. 

It could be that you feel you aren’t making the kind of difference in the world that you feel you’re capable of, or maybe you even feel you’re contributing to something you’re actively against. Maybe the job keeps you inside when you want to be outside, maybe the company has no flexibility or toxic office culture. Maybe they have bad hearing… 

If you can get a few bullet points down on paper it will help free your mind a little to think of the next steps. 

What are the key things you’re looking for?

Ok, we know why we want to move on but what do we want to move on to? Do you want more flexibility for your home life or to be location-independent? Maybe you have a few causes in mind that you’re passionate about or skills you have that you want to start using. 

Get these down on paper too to create a little structure for your onward search. 

If you are coming from a toxic company culture it could be a great idea to look for B Corps or social enterprises that bake employee welfare into their business model. Check out our B Corp jobs here. 

If you have your eye on escaping the grind then check out our Digital Nomad To-Do List.

Set up alerts on Escape the City 

Our Escape 100 list hosts the top companies who are creating the most meaningful roles and the most inspiring missions. If you want to see what amazing looks like and what kind of companies are out there that will get you excited, you need to have a browse. Use the filters to ensure you’re searching for your particular passions or requirements.

If you want an even more condensed list then jump straight to the Top 10 Purpose-Led Organisations To Work For In 2022.

When you find companies or job titles you love, set up alerts and we’ll email you the second an opportunity becomes live. 

Write your CV and cover letter

I know… even we’re rolling our eyes.

We know that it’s not always the most fun and this is the hurdle most people fall at. Self-reflection, combing through your day job and looking for angles that best present your qualities can do can be daunting. However, it doesn’t take as long as you’re probably fearing, and if you get past this stage you are truly setting yourself up for a future to get excited about. 

Read our advice here on how to craft a great CV and secondly check out this guide to writing a cover letter that stands out.

If there is a company you love that isn’t hiring, then why not be bold? Read How To Write A Speculative Application.

Do you need to upskill?

If you want a career change, it’s likely that you may need to upskill in an area or two to ensure that you’re showing passion and ambition alongside your set of transferable skills.

Luckily for you, we’ve written this extensive guide on How To Upskill For A Career Change - Affordably! That’s right, lots of great upskilling options are free, and there are loads that are affordable.

This will not only help you stand out but also give you some real tools to hit the ground running in your dream job. 

Feeling bold… want to start your own thing?

If you’re feeling like none of this is quite hitting the spot and you keep thinking, ‘I want to be my own boss, I don’t want to work for anyone else’ then that is probably a voice you should listen to. 

If you’re someone that feels too confined by ‘normal’ jobs or are always bursting with ideas that you’re frustrated never get acted upon, then maybe you should consider building something of your own.

Read our advice in Should I Quit My Job And Do Something New? The Startup Route.

If you want a fun experiment then why not take this Entrepreneur Personality Test?

Finally. If you got down to here then we reckon you’re ready to begin working your way through these steps. Life is too short to do work that doesn’t matter to you.