Once you have a vision for your ideal career, the next step is figuring out what it will take to get there. This is where many people get stuck—thinking they need another degree, more experience, or a whole new resume. But often, the gap isn’t as big as it seems.
Let’s break it down together.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Position
Start by defining where you are today:
- Where are you now in your job/career path?
- Where do you want to be?
- What needs to be in place to propel you into your new role?
- Is it credentials?
- Is it experience?
Step 2: Compare Your Current Job to Your Ideal Career
Refer back to your dream role.
- What new skills or experiences would be required?
- What can you already do that translates into this new path?
- Where are the true gaps—and are they as big as you think?
Step 3: How Can You Gain Those Skills?
I often hear, “Paula, I want to leave this field, but I don’t want to start from scratch.”
Good news! You often don’t have to.
If you’ve been working for 10+ years, chances are you already have 80% of what you need. I often spend more time talking clients out of 3-year programs than into them.
Instead of going back to school, ask:
- What skills do you really need right now?
- What can you outsource, learn online, or put on hold until your new employer pays for it?
- What, if any, required experience can you start picking up with your current employer?
- Outside of your workplace, where can you acquire necessary experience?
- Volunteering?
- Side projects?
- Where else?
Quick Checklist: Are You Ready to Make the Leap?
- I’ve evaluated my current role honestly
- I’ve defined the role I want next
- I know which skills or experience I truly need to gain
- I’ve explored ways to bridge the gap efficiently
If the answers to these are, “Yes!”, then you’re ready to start your career transition.
Understanding the gap between where you are and where you want to be is powerful—because it gives you clarity. And often, the gap is smaller than it seems. Instead of making assumptions, take the time to evaluate your experience and align it with your vision.
Next Step: Read the next post on identifying and owning your strengths.
Want help identifying what you actually need to change careers? Book a free call and let’s talk it through.
