The Big Leap. A new job? Or a radical Career Pivot?

Do you want to change careers? Sometimes you don’t just want a new job, you want a radical career change. Your next act starts now. You're ready for something new, but it's hard to start over. It’s not easy, but it is possible.

You need new skills to make a Career Pivot. Here’s how to find the time to build them.

With any significant change in your career comes the need for acquiring new skills and building new knowledge. You must set aside time for self-directed learning, training, or even a second job to gain the skills for the next step. And you need to commit a significant amount of time if you plan to leave your current career.

1. Accept the time commitment.

2. Research what’s required for your new field, whether it’s formal licensing, independent working, or a side hustle.

3. Layer new learning onto activities you’re already doing.

4. Designate specific times you’ll dedicate to skill-building — and stick to it.

Pick Your Focus

Research what’s required for your new field. That could be an education program that sets you up for formal licensing or certification, or it could be more independent learning or side hustle work. Before you put in a lot of time, make sure you are clear on how and where that time will count.

Layer in Learning

Layer your learning into activities that you’re already doing throughout your day. If you need to listen to course material, do that while walking, driving, or during other activities. If you need to read, do it during a commute or use an app on your phone that will read the text to you. Every little bit counts.

Designate Time

You need time to immerse yourself in the learning. A formal education program can be helpful if there are live class times when you’re expected to show up or attend virtually. This helps to force the issue and make your learning consistent.

For self-paced work, you’ll need to set up the time to get things done for yourself. Just make sure it’s consistent so it becomes routine.

Modify Your Work Schedule

You may have to modify your work schedule to make everything work.

Gaining a brand-new set of skills for a new career takes time, effort, dedication, and focus. But if you really want the change and you use the right strategies, you will have what it takes to make it happen.

Where to start? Visit the Virtual Resource Room at Calgary Career Hub. Resource Room Register — Calgary Career Hub. Check out the sections on Career Planning and the Labour Market.

(This Tip created with contributions from time management coach Elizabeth Grace Saunders)