What’s the right way to approach a career change?
When most people think about making a career change, they start with the obvious: job boards, CV rewrites, and polishing their LinkedIn profile. It feels productive and like you’re making progress.
It’s easy to start there; however, the truth is, if you do, you’re probably setting yourself up for frustration.
Let me explain why.
Why the Typical Approach Fails
A conventional strategy is to:
- Search for openings.
- See what looks appealing.
- Rework your CV to fit.
- Apply until something sticks.
But in my opinion, the right way to change career doesn’t begin with what’s out there.
This approach is backwards because:
- You’re choosing from what’s available, not what’s right. Job listings only show you a narrow slice of possibilities.
- You’re trying to fit into someone else’s box. Instead of clarifying your own vision, you’re shaping yourself to match what’s advertised.
- You risk repeating the same cycle. Even if you land a new role, you may end up with the same dissatisfaction you’re trying to escape.
The Deeper Starting Point
Quite simply, it’s to begin with what’s in here, i.e. within you.
Real career change doesn’t begin with a job search — you need to start with understanding yourself, especially if you’re looking for something other than a step change in the same career.
What truly matters to you?
What work would be meaningful, enjoyable and use your talents?
What do you need more (or less) of in your work life to feel fulfilled?
What kind of work lights you up, i.e. energises and engages you, getting you into flow?
When you begin here, everything else becomes clearer. You start to see new possibilities and opportunities that once seemed vague or overwhelming start to align with your own inner compass and clarity.
Right Way to Change Career – A Better Order
Instead of starting with job listings, flip the script:
- Direction – Define where you’re heading. What matters most to you? Develop a clear compass direction composed of a clear picture of everything that matters, e.g. the meaning of the work, the talents/skills you’ll use, the activities you’ll be engaged in, the environment you want to spend your time in etc.
- Navigation – Learn how to move toward that direction, tuning in to your deepest and most authentic voice and needs, weeding out the noise.
- Momentum/Inertia – Identify and release what’s holding you back: fear, doubt, or old stories.
- Action – Be open to not having a definitive ‘answer’ before you start taking action. Have a prototyping attitude of discovery, feeling and testing your way forward.
These aspects are the foundation of my Career Wayfinding Framework — a practical, holistic approach to creating work that’s truly meaningful.
Take the First Step
If you’re wondering whether you’re really ready for a career change, I’ve created a free tool to help you assess where you are.
👉 The Career Change Readiness Scorecard shows your strengths, what’s holding you back, and where to focus next. It only takes 5 minutes, and you’ll get your results straight to your inbox.
