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5 Best Practices for Recreating Your Career

Take charge of your future by seeking volunteer opportunities, pursuing higher education, networking, and focusing on your strengths.

Recreating a career may seem like a daunting task, but a growing number of working professionals are doing just that.

In the midst of what’s being called The Great Reshuffle, it’s estimated that 49% of U.S. workers are searching for a new job or will do so in the next few months.1 For those who’ve left their jobs already, they cited compensation, work-life balance, and benefits as their top three reasons.1

Whatever the reason, career changes are a regular occurrence. And no matter when you entered the workforce, there are many opportunities to take charge of your future. Here are five ways professionals can recreate their careers:

  1. Focus on your strengths. Too often we dwell on our weaknesses and how to improve them, when we should really be focusing on our strengths and finding a work environment that will appreciate and continue to develop those talents. One survey found that just 20% of Americans were passionate about their work.2 Think about it: If you can do what you do best every day, you’ll likely enjoy your career more and potentially produce better and more meaningful work.
  2. Change jobs or switch industries. Changing jobs may help propel you to a new title and more pay. The average salary increase when changing jobs is 14.8%.3 Keep in mind that too much change may raise a red flag for some employers, but career complacency may communicate a lack of interest in professional growth. The key is finding the right balance.
  3. Network. According to one survey, over 80% of job seekers said their professional network was instrumental in helping them find work.4 For 35%, a “casual conversation” on LinkedIn Messaging resulted in a new job opportunity.4 Who you know is still important, and hidden among your social media network could be a link to your next career move in the form of unpublished job opportunities or potential partnerships.
  4. Become a volunteer. After identifying causes you care about, seek volunteer opportunities that can help you acquire new skills while keeping you engaged in the working world. You’ll meet new people and expand your network while getting a feel for what it might be like to work in a new field or position. Volunteer opportunities can yield other tremendous benefits that can be useful when making a professional change, including improved self-confidence and a sustaining commitment to social change.
  5. Go back to school. Acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to recreate your career by earning a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. There are also certificate programs that allow professionals to gain needed skills through a shorter course of study.

A higher education degree could help you advance in your current career or prepare you to switch jobs or industries. One great way to further your education is to select an accredited online university that gives you the flexibility to earn a degree while staying engaged in your career.

Walden University, a pioneer in distance learning, offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs to help you recreate and invigorate your career. There’s also the School of Lifelong Learning, where you’ll find hundreds of online courses that can help you tailor your learning to your specific goals.

Leverage Walden's Personalized Career Report to gain insightful information about different careers based on your interests.

Consider all the possible pathways when recreating your career. Choose those that will not only set you apart when it comes time for your next professional move but will also prepare you to become the best version of yourself.

Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering online certificates and bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

1Source: www.shrm.org/executive/resources/people-strategy-journal/spring2022/Pages/data-watch-great-resignation.aspx
2Source: www.zippia.com/advice/job-satisfaction-statistics
3Source: www.zippia.com/advice/average-salary-increase-when-changing-jobs/
4Source: www.thebalancecareers.com/top-career-networking-tips-2062604

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.

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