Sometimes, moving down the career ladder, rather than up, can make sense. It could be by choice, if you need to opt out of a fast-track career for a job that is less tough or for a job that is more fun. In other cases, specifically in a down job market or an industry that is not doing well, it can make sense to appear at alternative job options and downsize your career ladder.
How do you move down the career ladder rather than up it? First, you require considering the fact that you might earn less money. But you might also have more flexibility, less stress and more employment options. Then, you require considering what alternatives are available and how to find and apply for them.
Ways For Moving Down Career Ladder
Make a decision. Decide if you can get by on a lower salary. If so, how much less? Are the advantages a lower level job might have worth what you’re possibly giving up in a more lucrative position? Use a salary calculator to see what you could gain in a different job. Consider some of the ways you can change careers without having to go back to school.
Consider job options. What are you fascinated in? What would you like to do? Do you need to leave your job as a college administrator to work in a bookstore? Or maybe you would like to leave an economical services position to sell real estate, to work at home, in a seasonal job or at a couple of part-time positions. Review career and job options to get ideas, then spend some time deciding what your ideal employer would be like.
Tap your links. Your online connections and personal contacts are resources you can use to get data on career options and to assist with a job search. See if you can set up few informational interviews to seek out more about jobs of interest.
Give it an attempt. When you are not certain what you need to do, try it out. Consider a part-time job or volunteer to make certain that it is actually something you need to do. Before you give up a high-paying job, it makes sense to test the waters, if you can. There are several chances for gig jobs you can explore while you yet have your day job.
Revamp your resume. Resume experts commonly tell you that you should mention your skills and experiences to increase your employment prospects. In this case, you will need to edit your resume, focusing on what you want to do (rather than what you are doing). Tone it down so you don’t come across as high-powered as you really are. Here are tips for writing a resume when you’re overqualified.
Utilize your cover letters. When writing cover letters, concentrate on your transferable skills that are relevant to the new job. You can use those skills to assist explain your transition. Here is an instance of a career change cover letter and tips for writing a cover letter when you’re overqualified for a job.
Get to know job applications. You might never have had to fill out a job application, so it is a good notion to get to know them. You may need to fill out an online job application, a paper job application or apply in person. Here’s what you need to know about job applications and how to complete them.
Initiate a job search. This part is one of the simpler steps in the procedure of downsizing your career. The higher the level of the position, the fewer jobs are available and the more competition there is. The opposite holds true, so you will have more choices and more job listings to consider when you are searching for lower-level jobs. Start with the job search engines, then use niche sites to find job postings in the geographic location and industry in which you would like to work.
Consider it a transition. Rather than considering your new job a step down, consider that you’re doing something different. Every job is of value, regardless of what we’re doing. It’s what you give — and what you get out of your work – that is significant.
Be courageous. Change is scary for most individuals. It can be even scarier if you are searching for a mid-career change and starting over. The alternative is worse though. It can be better to take the leap and try something new than it would be to stay stuck in a job you hate.
Be humble. This is possibly the most significant advice there is. When you are moving down the career ladder, by choice or not, you might not be considered as the important person you once thought you were. Be humble, be flexible and be willing to do what your bosses need you to do.