When was the last time you took a risk? While feeling secure in your career is comforting, being excited about your work is also important. If you’re feeling flat, don’t wait for serendipity to step in and breathe life back into your career.  After all, the twists and turns make life interesting, and it’s no different on your professional journey.

So, if you’ve been thinking about changing careers, we encourage you to find a new direction because success isn’t a straight line. It’s about daring to detour. When you step outside of your comfort zone, there’s the potential to find fulfilment and success that exceeds your highest expectations.

So, where should you start? In this blog, we explore why taking detours in your career can lead to surprising opportunities, long-term success, and, perhaps most importantly, professional fulfilment.

Shifting the ‘Straight Line’ Mindset

Shifting a straight-line mindset can be challenging, especially when societal, educational, and corporate expectations value a singular path. But there’s no doubt that linear career paths are outdated. It’s a fast-paced, dynamic world of work, and rigid career plans rarely hold the security they once did generations ago.

Today, some of the most successful professionals have learned to take risks. They pivot, adapt, and embrace the inevitability of changing careers in their lifetime. Research shows that most people will change careers at least once in their lives, but the average person is more likely to experience 3-7 careers before they retire. So, how do you change your mindset and detour at any age or stage in your career?

What is a Professional Detour?

A successful detour is any change in direction that improves your professional life. It may mean applying for a promotion, changing your career or creating a profitable side hustle. Whatever detour you take, the new direction ensures you embrace change when the road ahead no longer serves you.

Changing Careers

A major detour is when changing careers means switching industries, which often involves investing heavily in education or training and possibly sacrificing your salary, at least temporarily. This is a bold career move that changes your life significantly. It’s a choice that reflects a commitment to honouring your interests and values, and while the short-term cost can be high, the long-term payoff in fulfilment, motivation, and opportunity is often worth it.

Changing Roles

Moving into a new role involves less risk but still requires courage. It could mean transitioning into a leadership position or applying for a different role in the same industry or organisation. These role changes broaden your horizons in terms of professional development, skill set, and understanding of your field. Often, it’s the only detour you need to reignite your passion and enthusiasm for your work.

Freelancing

Freelancing offers an alternative path that carries less risk and can potentially replace traditional corporate work. The gig economy provides flexibility, autonomy, and creative control. Many professionals find that freelancing enhances job satisfaction by allowing them to pursue passion projects while accommodating personal priorities. But keep in mind that if you choose to make this freelance lifestyle permanent, you may face inconsistent income and the expenses related to self-promotion.

Surprising Skills Development

Sometimes, a detour isn’t as dramatic as changing careers or taking on a side hustle. It can be as simple as learning something new on the side. Whether taking a course in a completely different field or volunteering in your community, you’ll gain new skills that give you a competitive advantage or a whole new career.

 

Professional Development Detours in Action

What does a professional detour look like when changing careers, switching roles, freelancing, or developing surprising skills? Below, we’ve provided examples of dramatic and more subtle detours to inspire you to confidently navigate your own new direction.

Changing Careers – Finance to UX Design

A finance analyst who took night classes in user experience design now leads digital product strategy at a tech firm, combining analytical skills with creative problem-solving.

Switching Roles – Teaching to Corporate Training

A high school teacher transitioned into corporate training and development, where she applied her communication and leadership skills in a new way, leading to a new career.

Freelancing – Corporate to Creative Consulting

A marketing manager left her full-time role to launch a creative consulting business. What started as a freelance gig became a successful agency, allowing her to set her own schedule and discover a passion for business storytelling!

Surprising Skills Development – Admin to Analytics

An administration assistant started a professional development course on marketing data analytics. Within a year, he transitioned from an administration role to a new career as a junior marketing analyst. Changing careers wouldn’t have happened without his unexpected skill development.

How to Dare to Detour

If you’re considering changing careers or taking a slightly less dramatic detour in your professional life, these simple strategies can help you succeed.

Get Curious

When was the last time you reflected on what you are truly passionate about? Reflect on your career and whether it still resonates with your values and future goals. If you’re not engaged in work that you love, what steps can you take towards changing careers to suit your passions?

Calculate Risk

Not all detours are equal, so learn how to calculate risk to ensure changing careers makes sense for your professional and personal circumstances. Consider factors such as job market trends, skill requirements, financial implications and your own readiness for change. When you carefully weigh these risks and benefits, you can make an informed decision that supports your long-term success.

Stay Open but Intentional

Keep learning and growing even if you don’t have a perfect professional plan. Changing careers might not be an option right now, but continual professional development in areas you are passionate about can lead to a fresh new direction in future.

Remember, success rarely comes to those who rigidly follow a straight path in their career. It comes from finding a new direction occasionally through acting on opportunities and trusting in your ability to adapt to change.

Can we help you with professional development courses to support a detour or changing careers? Simply contact one of our Course Consultants today at 1300 76 2221 or via Live Chat for more information or support.