As the new year begins, many Australians are wondering if 2025 is the year to make a career change.
Whether it’s better pay, more growth, or just finding work that makes you happy, switching careers is no small feat.
Feeling stuck in your job? Here’s how you make the change.
On Wednesday’s episode of The Briefing, we chat with career consultant Tammie Ballis from Realistic Careers.
From navigating new industries and retraining to leveraging transferable skills, Ballis breaks down the challenges and opportunities of switching paths.
“I think the best time to be looking for a job is when you’re looking for a new job,” Ballis said.
“The thing is with changing careers, a lot of people hesitate because of the unknown. Right? But if you don’t try it, you’re never going to know,” she said.
Ballis said career changes might sometimes require starting from the bottom.
“Be prepared to take a pay cut. You’re going to start from the bottom again, depending on the severity of the career change,” she added.
Key transferable skills—such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability—can be the foundation for success in a new industry.
Ballis also highlighted the importance of keeping your resume updated regularly, cleaning up your digital footprint, and making the most of platforms like LinkedIn to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market.
For anyone hesitant to take the leap, Ballis suggests testing the waters through side hustles or part-time opportunities before committing fully.
“My advice for someone, if they’re looking for a part-time job, is to cold-call and look around yourself while they’re being reactive and applying online.”
She explained that this approach could lead to discovering job share vacancies or employers recognising the valuable skills you bring to the business.
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