Are you asking yourself when to change careers? Throughout their working life, the average person is predicted to change careers five to seven times. U.S.-based research According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker holds up to ten different occupations before the age of 50, which is expected to increase even more in the future decades.
Your ability to shift careers may be greater than earlier generations due to the evolving nature of the workforce. More and more people are finding new ways to work, whether flexibly, remotely, or part-time. As a result, education and training are now becoming a continuous element of a more dynamic society than they once were when skills and professions were learned for life.
Understanding the IT Industry
Information Technology (IT) encompasses a broad range of technologies used to manage and process information. The IT industry is experiencing exponential growth, driven by digital transformation, the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data. On the hunt for a new gig? You’re in luck – the current job market is overflowing with chances to kick-start your career or make a splash in a more senior role.
IT offers a multitude of career paths, each requiring different skill sets and expertise. Key roles include software development, where professionals create applications and systems; cybersecurity, focused on protecting data and systems from cyber threats; data analysis, which involves interpreting complex data to aid decision-making; network administration, managing an organization’s IT infrastructure; and IT support, providing technical assistance to users. There’s a spot in IT for everyone – systems architect, IT consultant, or something in between; each job journey has its hills and valleys, helping you zero in on what gets you excited and stoked to contribute.
Assessing Your Readiness for IT
Self-Assessment
Before transitioning to IT, evaluate your current skills, interests, and career goals. Consider your technical aptitude, problem-solving abilities, and interest in technology. Use online tools and career assessments to gauge your suitability for various IT roles.
Learning and Adaptability
Rate your readiness to stay ahead of the tech curve by learning new tricks. Successful IT professionals stay updated through continuous education, professional development, and hands-on practice.
Educational Requirements
Different IT roles have varying educational and certification requirements. Some positions may require a degree in computer science or a related field, while others might only need specific certifications like CompTIA A+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Research the requirements for your desired role and plan your educational pathway accordingly.
Support System
Transitioning to a new career can be challenging. Having people who believe in you can be the deciding factor between barely scraping by and truly thriving. Lean on the collective wisdom of your inner circle – friends, family, and mentors – to get the feedback and encouragement you need to keep moving forward. Financial stability is also crucial during this period, as securing your first IT job may take time. Plan your finances to cover the transition period.
So, when to change careers? You should change careers if you feel any of the following:
When to Change Careers?
Finding a meaningful career might take time and effort. Few people begin the job with clear career goals. In fact, by age 50, the average person has worked in 12 different professions in search of the “perfect fit,” which, for many, means completely switching fields. Over 6.2 million workers switched to work in a completely different industry in 2016 alone.
Thus, you’re not alone if you’re thinking of changing careers.
Signs that you should change your career include:
- You feel that you need a new challenge. You may say that you are content in your current workplace. You have friends and great co-workers, but you might have been going there for years. A career change can be ideal if you’re the type of person who needs to challenge yourself and attempt new things. Sometimes, stepping outside our comfort zone is just what we need to feel fulfilled and productive in our professional lives. Starting a new job path that motivates you to acquire new knowledge and skills may help spice things up if you feel a little too comfy.
- You hate going to work. Everyone has days when they do not want to go to work. Is the project you’re working on boring you? Maybe, you are anxious about meeting with your boss. You look forward to the weekend all week, but despite your best efforts, you start to dread Monday by Saturday night. When you’re unhappy in your job, it’s time to consider careers that might align with your interests. However, if you feel that it is happening every day, this is a sign that you should change jobs.
- Your values have changed. A job is like a personal relationship. Sometimes, you grow in different directions. You might no longer be as enthusiastic about your firm’s mission as you once were. It’s not a new notion to think that people might undergo significant life changes; what makes you happy at age 22 could not make you happy at age 40. You might have experienced a spiritual awakening and be yearning to leave the office and work in a more laid-back setting. Instead, you may now want greater stability than what your current employment as a freelancer offers, even if when you were younger, financial security may not have been a top priority for you. A professional change may be necessary given these shifting values, issues, and priorities.
- You do not feel fulfillment. In a recent survey of British workers, job satisfaction was found to be the second most significant predictor of total life satisfaction. There is no real shock here. One of the first places to look if you’re unhappy is your place of employment. Your personal life can impact your work life, so if you’re unhappy, changing your career might help you find something new to focus on.
In addition, as each day goes by, you start to feel more and more distant from the initial motivations that drew you into the field. You have mentally checked out; your performance is poor, you’re missing deadlines, and you just don’t have the energy to pretend to be enthusiastic about the company’s objective any longer.
Steps to Transition to an IT Career
Research and Planning
Start by researching the IT industry to understand the various roles, required skills, and current demands. Identify which IT career aligns with your interests and goals. Create a detailed transition plan outlining the steps needed to enter your chosen field.
Education and Training
Enroll in relevant educational programs to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Online courses provide flexibility, and certification programs validate your skills. One trusted online school is Yellow Tail Tech. It has programs that will help you with certification and land your first high-paying IT job. You can choose a program that fits your learning style, budget, and schedule.
Networking
Networking is vital in the IT industry. Attend industry meetups, join online forums, and connect with IT professionals on LinkedIn. Tap into the collective wisdom of your professional network and you’ll uncover valuable resources, discover unadvertised job openings, and maybe even find a seasoned pro to show you the ropes.
Gaining Experience
Practical experience is crucial. Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer projects to build your resume. Freelancing and contributing to open-source projects are also excellent ways to gain hands-on experience.
Portfolio
Building a portfolio means embracing the messy, iterative process of creativity – experimentation, trial, and error – and then showcasing the resulting gems. Create a portfolio to showcase your projects and skills. Include examples of your work, such as code samples, project descriptions, and case studies. A strong portfolio can set you apart from other candidates during job applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tech a good career change?
Tech is one industry where you can actually find both financial reward and peace of mind. The jobs are there, the money is good, and the stability is hard to beat. For those who live and breathe tech, the hottest skills in demand right now span from programming mastery to cyberdefense expertise.
Is tech still a good career path?
As innovation speeds ahead, the tech job market beats to the same drum, generating a steady demand for experts who can speak the language. Wherever you look, industries are leveraging technology to grab hold of fantastic long-term prospects and leap forward.
When is it too late to change career?
Whoever said you’re stuck in your ways hasn’t met the kind of people who refuse to settle – and that person can be you, whenever you decide to make a change. Anyone can reinvent themselves professionally if they’re willing to put in the work. Keep learning, and believe in their own potential – age is just a number.
Is 27 too late to be successful in IT?
No, 27 is not too late to be successful in IT. Many people stumble upon a tech career later in life and go on to achieve some truly remarkable. You’re all set! You can seize the tech industry by the horns with persistence and the right guidance.
Wrapping Up
If you are experiencing any, some, or perhaps, all of the mentioned signs, then it is high time for you to change and take hold of your destiny. A career shift provides numerous potential advantages, whether you’re unhappy in your current position or simply want to try something new.
Yellow Tail Tech offers 7 to 12 month-programs for IT students who want to transform their careers. Founded in 2016, we have experienced and top-notch instructors who provide mentorship. With Yellow Tail Tech, we can prepare your career for the future. Book a 10-minute intro call with our Enrollment Advisors now!
