Which road will you choose?© Cedar/stock.adobe.comWhether you’re looking to change jobs or switch careers, getting started can feel overwhelming. But there are steps you can take to ease the journey, such as crafting a solid plan. It will take time and persistence, but a detailed road map can help lead you to a more fulfilling role.

　　You can make the transition smoother and set yourself up for success in a new job or career by taking stock of your skills and experience, furthering your education, and establishing and building connections.

　　Changing jobs vs. switching careers: Key differencesChanging jobs differs from switching careers, although the two can be easily confused. When someone talks about changing jobs, they may indeed mean finding a new field of work—a new career. But changing jobs usually involves simply changing employers, while typically retaining a job title or responsibilities similar to those associated with your former role. You may also end up moving to a new industry. For example, instead of working as a marketing manager at a consumer goods company, you may hold the same title and position at a health care provider.

　　A career change is a more significant shift that brings substantially different responsibilities and perhaps a new title. A career change may require you to develop expertise in a new field, especially if your chosen career is a significant pivot from your current occupation. For example, rather than working as a marketing manager, you may decide you want to learn how to code and become a software developer.

　　Job changes are less risky. Switching jobs is less risky than changing careers because you can leverage your existing skills and industry knowledge to find a similar role.A pay cut may be necessary to change careers. You might earn less if you start over in a new career, perhaps at entry level. In contrast, a straightforward job change may result in increased pay.Career transitions take more time. It takes time—months or even years—to acquire knowledge and skills, plus land a new position. Job changes can occur in a matter of days or weeks.A job change may have little impact. Hopping to a new job may improve your pay or get you away from a toxic manager who creates a negative workplace, but the nature of your work stays fundamentally the same. A career change is more like a life change, with a potentially enormous impact.Top reasons to change your job or careerYou may have several reasons for wanting to change your job or career. Whether you’re driven by financial necessity, a desire to have a greater impact, or some other factor, these reasons may resonate with you:

　　Automation is phasing out jobs in your industry.Concerns persist about your company’s financial or operational stability. Growth opportunities are limited or nonexistent within your industry. A toxic work environment is affecting your well-being or your job performance. Finding impactful work that makes a tangible difference is a priority. Your professional talents and abilities are underutilized. Having more autonomy and decision-making authority are key career goals. You’re burned out or your current job places overwhelming demands on you. Your work-life balance is unsatisfactory. The income or benefits your current role provides are insufficient.A shift in personal priorities has you rethinking whether your current job remains a good fit.7 strategies for successful career transitionEvery individual approaches changing jobs or careers differently, but these seven strategies can help you achieve the result you’re aiming for and expedite the process.

　　Make a job transition plan. Start by defining your objectives, the specific steps you’ll take, and a possible timeline. If you’re uncertain of the steps required, research the typical path for getting into your target profession.Evaluate your skills to ease your move. Which of your current professional skills will transfer to your targeted role? Talents such as leadership, project management, and problem-solving are useful and desirable in many professions.Get additional formal education. A specific degree may be required to enter your target profession, or the right academic credentials might make the transition easier. Getting more education and training can be a smart move if you want to smooth the way to a new career or if you don’t meet the entry requirements.Earn a relevant skill certificate. If years of formal schooling feel impractical or unobtainable, you can earn a certificate to demonstrate relevant qualifications for your target career. Certificate courses often teach practical skills that are fundamental to specific professions.Get hands-on experience. Gaining practical experience—whether through an internship, freelance or part-time work, or volunteering—is essential to switching careers. Real-world experience can:Create opportunities to apply your theoretical knowledge Develop your practical job skillsProvide insight into the profession’s day-to-day responsibilities and challengesBuild your resume to make you more marketable to your target employersBuild a professional network. The adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” is often repeated—and for good reason. When nurtured thoughtfully, the right professional relationships can provide valuable support, advice, and job opportunities. Form new professional connections by attending industry events, joining online communities, and using social media sites like LinkedIn to find professionals in your target sector who can help with your search.Consider finding a mentor or career coach. Mentors typically share valuable experiences, provide tailored advice, and can help you navigate major professional challenges. Career coaches offer similar personalized support that may focus more on developing career-switching strategies.The bottom lineChanging jobs or careers can feel overwhelming, but with thoughtful planning, it’s possible to make a successful switch. Important strategies include evaluating your skills, furthering your education, gaining hands-on experience, and expanding your network. Job changes typically involve staying in the same field with similar responsibilities, while career changes require more time and may involve learning new skills.

　　Whether you end up switching jobs or changing careers, exit your current role gracefully. Give adequate notice of your departure, document important processes, complete or otherwise hand off any ongoing projects, and generally make a sincere effort to minimize the disruption that will be caused by your absence. Keep the door open to maintaining the professional relationships you’ve developed, even among colleagues with whom you didn’t see eye to eye. Time heals all wounds, but a burned bridge takes time to rebuild—if it can be salvaged at all.