5 Lessons I Learned After My Career Shift

Recently updated on: January 25, 2024

It's been over four years since I made a career shift from ICT to college teaching and then to remote work. 

Though it was a thought-out decision, there were still considerations I hadn't considered before I took the leap.

Here are some lessons I learned after changing careers to a different industry that may help you decide before taking a huge change in your professional life.

• What Is a Career Shift?
• 1. Your Decision May Be Misunderstood.
• 2. Expect A Lower Salary At First.
• 3. There's No Shame With Working In A Job Not Connected To Your Degree.
• 4. You're Not Starting Over. You're Starting From Experience.
• 5. You Will Be Thankful For Taking The Leap.
• Final Thought

What Is a Career Shift?

A career shift means leaving your current job or profession to "shift" to another job or industry that may or may not be aligned with your previous work experience or even your degree. 

For example, I'm an engineer by profession, but I shifted to teaching and then to freelance writing. Though I jumped from one career to another, I ensured that I considered the pros and cons of doing it.

1. Your Decision May Be Misunderstood.

When I did my first career shift, many people questioned my decision on why anyone working in a more technologically advanced company with an in-demand skill set at the time suddenly wanted to change careers and industries.

Their common concerns are usually about the salary and career progression, which honestly was in the lower half of my considerations when I made the switch.

I now know that having a purpose far exceeds any monetary gain that I would have if I stayed in my old job.

This is one of the hardest parts of changing industries. Though I don't need to explain my decision to everyone, I still owe that to my parents and family since they were the ones who would be directly affected. Plus, I will also live in our house again.

So, if you decide to change careers, it will raise some eyebrows and be questioned by some people, but continue with your journey because that decision may be the redirection you've been praying and waiting for.

2. Expect A Lower Salary At First.

An important consideration when changing industries is the strong possibility of having a lower salary because you still need to gain the experience or skills necessary for the job. 

This sudden drop in salary is specifically applicable if you are changing industries within the Philippines but may not be too much of a concern for other countries.

When I switched industries and shifted careers, my previous salary was almost cut in half because the salary in the IT industry is far more competitive than in the government, particularly in the academic arena.

Also, I was usually on the mid- or night shift, so I also lost the night differential and taxi allowances I previously enjoyed. The bonuses were also much lower.

And since I already knew that before I jumped ship, it was good that I had a simple lifestyle, so I didn't have any drastic change in that area. I was also returning to the province, so the cost of living is much cheaper than in Metro Manila.

3. There's No Shame With Working In A Job Not Connected To Your Degree.

Degrees or lack of it should not dictate our future.

Tying ourselves to an industry we are in for the sole reason that we studied for it in school, even if we are miserable, will only make us suffer.

There is no shame in starting a baking side hustle, even if you have a master in science degree or want to write a blog, even if you're an engineer, or if you are into online selling, even if you are an IT expert.

Also, you can try out a completely new arena of expertise. There is the thrill of learning new skills from seemingly unrelated fields. The important thing when changing industries is never to stop learning.

Many people go on with their miserable lives working for a soul-sucking job that they were so afraid to let go of because of all the years of work they put into it. If you have a choice, escape.

4. You're Not Starting Over. You're Starting From Experience.

The biggest misconception for people changing industries is they are throwing away everything they learned and experienced from their previous jobs and education.

They didn't notice that even if you change careers, you will always take the growth you incurred from all the years of working.

Using the principle of transfer of learning will allow you to apply old concepts to new situations and contexts.

Since transitioning to the academe, I still apply the knowledge of efficient processes, some IT skills, and automation, which I learned from my previous corporate job.

5. You Will Be Thankful For Taking The Leap.

Many people want to change to a career they like or have been redirected to. However, so many people are institutionalized and become too comfortable with their present lives that they become afraid to take the leap of faith.

Understandably, drastic changes are not always possible, especially for families or breadwinners who rely on their current income.

So, if you're asking when the best time to make the change is, it would be before you start your own family or after you minimize your present responsibilities.

At the end of the day, the decision you made while being afraid of the unknown can be the best decision you made in your life.

Final Thought

Changing industries is scary, but what is more horrifying is the thought that you never tried because regret can haunt you for a long time.

Do it while you're younger and have more shots for mistakes because as you grow older, you may regret not stepping outside your comfort zone someday.

Changing industries may cost you a lot of money or ridicule from others, but it will all be worth it if you find your calling.

God bless you on your career journey. 😊