Using a Part-time Job to Make a Career Change

If you’re considering making a career change, you’re not alone. According to a 2020 iHire survey, nearly 62% of workers are considering a major career change.

There are many reasons why someone might want to make a career change, and the pandemic has certainly encouraged many to re-evaluate their priorities and adjust their lives as needed. According to iHire’s President and CEO Steve Flook, many “job seekers are exploring alternative industries not only due to layoffs but also because their sectors … have changed dramatically due to COVID-19.”

For example, some working parents have realized that they’d benefit from changing from full-time to part-time work. Others may have experienced significant stress in their current roles and are ready to make a change.

However, jumping into a completely new role and perhaps industry can be a daunting task. This is especially true if you’re considering searching for career change jobs with no experience. That’s where using a part-time job to make a career change can prove beneficial.

Benefits of Working Part-Time vs. Full-Time

When you’re making a career change, you’re probably switching roles and industries. While this is a great learning experience, you may not be fully equipped or trained to succeed in your new role. As a result, jumping in head-first to a brand-new full-time position can be extremely stressful.

Looking for part-time work when you’re making a career change can help you get your feet wet in your new role and new industry without bringing the overwhelming responsibilities of full-time work. Moreover, a part-time job in your desired new career path can help you build the skills you’d need to land a full-time role.

For example, if you want to move from the education industry to the insurance industry, you’ll likely need to learn about insurance trends and obtain a broker license. Working a part-time job in the insurance field can help you learn more about the field and help you hone needed skills. Then, if you choose to make the transition to a full-time role in that field, you’ll have the necessary skills and some experience, which can make your resume and application more appealing to recruiters and hiring managers.

Finally, you may be able to test the waters of a new career while still holding down your current full-time role if you seek part-time work. This is a practical step to take, as it protects your paycheck while you hold down your current role and allows you to see whether making a career change is right for you. Plus, you’ll most likely also be making additional funds by working a side hustle, which can give you a cushion if you’ll be without a job during your career change or if the switch would involve taking a pay cut.

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Preparing To Make Your Career Change

If you’ve decided that you’re ready to search for a new career, it’s time to get serious about preparing to make the change. Be sure to check out this comprehensive Career Change Resources Toolkit, in which you’ll find great tips and tricks for identifying a new career, building your resume for a career change, and even understanding mistakes to avoid while planning a career change.

Beyond that, the experts at iHire are here to help you make a successful career change, whether that involves a new full-time or part-time job. If you’re a Premium member, you’ll receive access to Career Explorer, a feature that will help match you to a new career based on the skills you’d like to use and industries that interest you. Or, start by browsing iHire’s directory of 57 industry-specific talent communities.