Published: 20 January 2022
Last year a quarter of workers in the UK said they were thinking of changing jobs. It’s a trend which grows annually.
There’s something about the New Year, with all the potential it brings, that encourages people to reassess their lives and think about what they’d really like to be doing.
But changing careers isn’t something you should just jump into. As a University of Sunderland in London student, you’re already on the path to increasing your skills and achieving your career goals.
So, what else do you need to think about when it comes to changing jobs in 2022?
COVID-19
Of course, the number one thing that has affected the jobs market for almost two years now is the coronavirus pandemic.
A fifth of British people when asked in September 2020 said they were worried about the security of their jobs.
With a very changeable environment, you’ll see a lot of roles becoming available, some companies disappearing and others popping up to fill the spaces.
There’s even more room now for entrepreneurs to launch well thought out businesses that address issues in this new world.
Why do you want a change?
There are plenty of reasons to consider moving jobs, whether it’s because there’s little room for growth where you are right now or you’d like to put your skills to use in a different environment.
Are you thinking about working for yourself? While that’s a very attractive idea, it’s important you understand the complexities it involves.
It’s worth considering our BA (Hons) Business Management and Entrepreneurship (Top-Up) course to give you a start.
Alternatively, there are careers where a range of backgrounds can be of huge benefit.
Both law and teaching, for example, regularly prove popular with people looking for a different line of work because they both benefit from having a wider pool of knowledge.
The drawbacks
Although changing careers can come with a lot of benefits, it’s important to know as much about what you’re getting into as possible.
There could be some costs involved in moving jobs, whether that’s for relocation, training or even a pay cut. You need to make sure you can afford it.
You’ll also be changing your routine. We get very used to doing the same thing every day but starting something new will disrupt that for you. Make sure you factor in the time it takes to learn new things.
The best way to combat the issues of doubt that surround a big change is to have a group of people around you for support.
Making sure you network effectively and can rely on your group of friends from University will help steady you during the transition.
The positives
But there are arguably many more good things about changing careers than negatives.
Finding work that you consider fulfilling can have a major impact on your health and wellbeing.
You’ll spend a third of your life at work, so why not make that time as enjoyable, rewarding and memorable as possible?
Think through what’s important to you and try to find roles which match that, whether it’s working for a charity or travelling overseas.
You deserve to have a job you love, so this new year, go out and get it.
Are you at the University of Sunderland in London for a career change?
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