Many of us hold passions beyond our daily work schedule, those pursuits that infuse our mornings with purpose. Perhaps you're an avid athlete, an aspiring artist, or a dedicated volunteer in your community.
While some are fortunate enough to combine these personal passions with professional life, many people’s jobs fall well outside the scope of their interests. In fact, 85% of people are dissatisfied at work — a staggeringly large number.
If you fall within this whopping percentage, it may be time to consider a career switch. After all, you’ll spend 90,000 hours at work over your lifetime. You deserve to feel engaged and fulfilled by your career.
Yearning for a career change can feel nerve-wracking — even guilt-inducing — especially if you already have a flourishing professional life. But it’s nothing to feel bad about. Even though it may be challenging, switching jobs is ultimately an opportunity to earn more, boost your skills, and take on more meaningful work. Let’s explore some of the best jobs for a career change, no matter your professional background or experience.
Considering changing careers? Follow your gut
If you’re experiencing burnout in your current role, that’s a good enough reason to start looking for a new one. But if you’re still on the fence, there are a few more great reasons to consider a career transition. Career changers can:
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Earn more: Whether or not your decision to make a job leap is financially driven, there are many easy career changes that pay well. And some of these roles don’t even require further schooling if you possess the right transferable skills.
For example, data science and social media management roles pay well, and people who’ve worked in communications-oriented roles can hone a few new skills and land one of these jobs.
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Achieve better work-life balance: Working a traditional nine-to-five, 40-hour-a-week role can be draining, making it a strong motivator behind career changes.
Perhaps you wish you had more time during the day to spend with young children or would like to have Friday afternoons off to get an early jump on your weekend adventures. A new role that allows for flexible schedules could improve your work-life balance and overall satisfaction with life.
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Challenge yourself: Embarking on a career transition encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace change. Whether you're transitioning into a different industry or taking on a role with greater responsibilities, pushing yourself to try something new can invigorate your professional journey and reignite your passion for your job.
Overcoming obstacles and pushing your boundaries can foster personal development, enhance problem-solving skills, and boost your self-confidence — so don’t be afraid to embrace the unknown.
7 best jobs for a career change
You’ve been thinking critically about how to make a career change, and your mind is full of doubt. What if the job doesn’t pay well enough to make ends meet, or your skill set isn’t aligned with the work?
It’s natural to have these kinds of questions when switching careers. You can soothe some of this anxiety by considering the right roles — ones that pay well, are fulfilling, and tap into skills you already have. Here are seven great jobs (that don’t even require prior work experience in a related field) to consider:
1. Project manager
Project managers (PMs) run complex initiatives by planning the work, keeping it on schedule, and meeting clients’ expectations. They head up teams and ensure colleagues are clear on their tasks and have the tools they need to complete them.
With every project, PMs dive into exciting new challenges and build strong partnerships across departments. They collaborate with various professionals such as developers, marketers, salespeople, and more — sometimes on a single initiative. To excel in this role, key skills include clear communication, attentive listening, excellent organization, efficient time management, and navigating conflict.
Plus, the average annual salary for a PM is a solid $101,610. It's a role that offers both great experiences and a promising paycheck.
2. Business consultant
Consultants are business advisers who analyze the state of an operation and make recommendations for improvements. For example, a consultant might intervene in a startup that’s not hitting its sales numbers, identify that the brand isn’t targeting the right audience, and then help revamp the business’s marketing approach.
What makes being a consultant so special? Well, they have the rewarding opportunity to apply their business knowledge to positively impact other people’s operations. They constantly take on complex challenges that connect them with new people and use their analytical skills to decipher operational puzzles.
To succeed as a business consultant, data analysis, strong interpersonal skills, and a background in business administration or management are essential. And if that wasn’t enough, consultants take home an average annual salary of $72,091.
3. Software developer
Software developers design new applications that meet client specifications and test them for errors. Developers often work in teams and develop specific features as their peers code others.
The allure of the software development role lies in its dynamic blend of creativity, innovation, and technical prowess. Plus, the industry’s fast-paced environment often offers swift project turnarounds and gratification.
And this role isn't just intellectually rewarding — it also pays well, with the potential for a substantial paycheck that might not necessitate a traditional college degree. In fact, strong technical abilities alone can make you a sought-after candidate in the eyes of many tech companies.
Vital skills include problem-solving, adept coding and tech knowledge, effective data analysis, impeccable time management, and the unwavering tenacity to tackle complex challenges. With an average salary of $132,930, software development not only promises an exciting career but also considerable financial stability.
4. Real estate broker
At baseline, realtors show and sell properties. Those who work for themselves or have more responsibility within an agency may also photograph and market listings or hold events, like open houses, to drive interest in a property.
This role offers an enticing blend of interpersonal interactions and professional engagement. So, if you thrive on building connections and meeting new people, working as a real estate broker could be a great fit.
Beyond that, it's an intriguing avenue for those with an interest in architecture and interior design. Brokers must unearth the unique appeal of each of their properties, arranging them attractively and marketing them effectively.
Working as a real estate broker brings in an average annual salary of $90,930. Notably, the commission-based structure provides a compelling incentive for go-getters who land lucrative, desirable listings — which earn commissions far greater than the average property. To succeed, brokers must have polished communication and social skills, a keen eye for design and aesthetics, adept negotiation abilities, and a knack for event management.
5. Logistician
Logisticians manage supply chains, directing purchasing, transportation, and inventory activities. This analytical role is essential to ensuring that products arrive at their destinations in excellent condition and on time.
Logisticians earn an average salary of $81,220 because they keep the world’s operations running. It’s a high-responsibility, high-reward charge, as these professionals ensure that everyone from individuals waiting for packages at home to governments needing supplies get what they need.
Strong analysis, problem-solving, and data management skills are a must — after all, each day presents new, head-scratching challenges.
6. Data scientist
Data scientists use their analytical and technical skills to collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. Then, they translate their findings into actionable insights that can inform decision-making and strategy within an organization.
For instance, they might use a company’s consumer and sales data to determine the reason customer retention is down. Data scientists also clean up and gather disorganized information so that it’s easier to read and supports accurate conclusions.
Data scientists gain the satisfaction of helping organizations solve problems affecting performance. It’s an ideal career option if you’re comfortable with interpersonal interactions and enjoy math and analysis.
Data science can also be a lucrative new career path if you have a business or communications background — just ramp up your technical skills in a boot camp program (an express job training). Other key knowledge areas include machine learning, statistics, and computer science.
The role of a data scientist is a high-demand job, meaning positions are almost always opening. And you can earn a very comfortable salary — the current average annual earnings in this role are $115,240.
7. Social media manager
Let’s face it: social media is here to stay. Billions of people enjoy using social apps for fun, and these platforms have become impactful marketing hubs. Social media managers help individuals and organizations develop and execute a strategy for these platforms.
Strategizing can include market research and tracking engagement metrics, creating aesthetically pleasing content, and helping clients set marketing goals.
Social media work is fast-paced and exciting. Each day you can expect to get your hands dirty planning, drafting, and posting content, as well as monitoring the performance of existing posts. The role offers an avenue to channel both your creative and analytical prowess, combining internet culture with marketing. Plus, each client poses new challenges, guaranteeing a continuous stream of fresh experiences that prevent professional stagnation.
A proficiency in creativity and design, adept client management skills, a flair for data analysis, persuasive copywriting abilities, and effective time management are what it takes to hack it as a social media manager. The best part? This vibrant and intellectually stimulating profession has an average salary of $57,528.
8. UI/UX designer
Do you have a knack for digital products and an eye for design? Then a career in the field of UX/UI design might be for you.
User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers shape the way people interact with digital products and platforms. They create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces for apps, websites, and more — all while ensuring a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
By combining creativity and technical skills, UX/UI designers play a pivotal role in modernizing and improving digital interactions. To succeed in this position, you need to have strong technical knowledge and skills, experience in graphic design or marketing, and a unique ability to empathize with the needs of end users. Coding skills are a bonus — if you don’t have them, you can take a course or work in no-code development platforms.
With the demand for skilled web design — including UX/UI design — on the rise, this career path offers both artistic fulfillment and solid job prospects. The annual salary for UX/UI designers averages $101,740.
Onward and upward
When you’re burnt out in your current role, it’s natural to wonder how to find a new career that better aligns with what makes you tick. Of course, it’s possible your number-one passion in life isn’t a viable career option — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A bit of variety in your day helps you enjoy both your work and downtime more and prevents you from growing sick of what you love most.
Remember: planning a career change requires some soul-searching, no matter your age or stage in life. Consider your strengths and weaknesses and exactly what you want in a job — and don’t be shy. Whether you’re aiming for a bigger salary or more flexible working hours, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a better life for yourself. It's time to dust off that resume and start applying.
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