Changing careers is a significant life decision. A new opportunity can help you achieve a better work-life balance, higher earning potential, or greater alignment with your passions and values. While learning the process of changing careers can be daunting, working in an industry you love can be life-changing.
You’re the writer of your life’s story. If you aren’t happy with your current job, it’s time to do something about it! This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully transition to a new career and explore how real estate, particularly in North Carolina, can be a smart and fulfilling path forward.
Key Takeaways
- Recognize When It’s Time to Change: If you feel burned out, stuck, or uninspired in your current role, this guide helps you recognize those signals and take the first step toward change.
- Follow a Clear Career Change Roadmap: Learn how to assess your current role, identify transferable skills, explore new career options, gain required qualifications, network effectively, and prepare for a successful job transition.
- Stay Positive Through the Process: Discover strategies for overcoming setbacks, staying motivated, and setting goals to keep your career change on track.
- Explore Real Estate as a Second Career: Real estate offers flexibility, entrepreneurial freedom, and strong earning potential—ideal for career changers seeking greater fulfillment.
Is It Time to Change Careers?
If you’re constantly asking yourself whether you’re in the right field, you’re not alone. Recognizing when it’s time to change careers is crucial. Common signs include burnout, lack of motivation, limited growth, or misalignment with your values. If you’re wondering how to change careers, you’re already on the path to something better.
Ask yourself:
- Do I feel energized or drained by my work?
- Is there something I’ve always wanted to pursue professionally?
- Have I hit a ceiling in terms of growth or satisfaction?
- Do I want more freedom, purpose, or financial opportunity?
Acknowledging the desire for change is the first step. Let’s explore what comes next.
Step-By-Step Advice on How to Change Careers
Have you decided that it’s time to try something new? Here’s some advice on how to transition into a new industry.
Step 1: Assess your current situation
Before making a career change, it’s crucial to evaluate your current professional situation to ensure that a career change would improve your overall satisfaction, align with your long-term goals, and provide opportunities for growth. Assess whether your current role aligns with your personal and professional priorities, such as achieving a work-life balance, maintaining financial stability, and fostering a passion for your work.
Here are some questions to ask yourself about your current position:
- How do you feel about your workplace culture?
- Do you have opportunities for growth in your current position?
- Is your work interesting to you?
- Do you make enough money to maintain your preferred quality of life?
- Are you content with your work/life balance?
- Would you choose this career/job again?
- Is there an industry/job that has always interested you that you wish to explore?
We all have bad days at work. But if you find yourself having more bad days than good ones, perhaps it’s time for a change.
Step 2: Identify transferable skills
Unfortunately, some workers feel stuck in a job that doesn’t make them happy because they think they can’t do anything else. However, you’ve most likely developed skills in your current role that can transfer to another job or industry.
Analyze the skills you’ve developed in your current job. Many skills, such as communication, leadership, project management, and problem-solving, are transferable to other positions. Recognizing these skills will help you identify career paths where they can be applied and boost your confidence as you search for a new role.
Tip: Soft skills, such as empathy, teamwork, adaptability, and time management, are often just as valuable as technical knowledge when switching careers.
Step 3: Identify new career paths
Once you’ve assessed your situation, it’s time to explore potential new career opportunities. Here are some tips to help you get started.
- Research industries and roles aligning with your skills, interests, and values.
- Consider practical factors like job demand, salary potential, long-term growth opportunities, and work-life balance.
- Utilize websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to get detailed information about different professions.
- Use tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Strong Interest Inventory, and O*NET to learn about careers that best suit your personality type, strengths, and interests.
In addition to using these formal tools to identify new career paths, consider your hobbies and interests. Do you see any patterns that could lead you to a new career?
Once you have a short list of careers, try to connect with people in those industries. Most people are happy to talk about their experiences and would give you a low-down on the pros and cons of their jobs.
Step 4: Gain necessary education, skills, and experience
Transitioning to a new career often requires acquiring additional skills or experience to meet industry expectations.
Consider enrolling in courses, certifications, or degree programs that provide the knowledge and credentials needed for your new field. For instance, learning programming languages or earning IT certifications can boost your employability if you’re transitioning into tech. If you are considering a career in real estate, learn how to become a real estate agent in your state.
Volunteer opportunities and internships can provide hands-on experience in your target field. These experiences enhance your resume and allow you to confirm your interest in the new career.
Step 5: Network and build connections
Building a strong professional network is essential for a successful career change. Connections can open doors to job opportunities and provide valuable insights into your new industry. Here are some networking tips:
- Reach out to former colleagues, friends, and industry professionals who can provide advice, referrals, or job leads.
- Social media platforms like LinkedIn are excellent for reconnecting and expanding your network. Share your career change journey and express your enthusiasm for your new direction. This might attract unexpected opportunities.
- Participate in industry events, workshops, and conferences to meet professionals in your target field. These events provide networking opportunities and help you gain a deeper understanding of industry trends and expectations.
Step 6: Apply for jobs and prepare for interviews
It takes a lot of work to get a job. Acknowledge this as you approach the process. It will be worth all the hassle when you land a job in your new industry!
Here are some tips about resumes and applications.
- Consider seeking professional help with your resume, applications, and interview skills.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight transferable skills and relevant experiences.
- Use language and keywords specific to your target industry to demonstrate your suitability for the role. (Use AI for this!)
- Focus on achievements that showcase your adaptability and value, even if they come from a different field.
- Practice answering common interview questions, especially those related to career changes. Be prepared to explain why you’re transitioning and how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate.
How to Stay Positive Amidst a Career Change
The journey to a new career can be daunting, but persistence and a positive mindset are key to success.
Remember, rejections are a natural part of the job search process, especially when transitioning to a new field. Treat each setback as a learning opportunity and refine your approach as needed.
Set clear, achievable goals and celebrate small milestones along the way. For example, completing a certification, attending a networking event, or landing an informational interview are all accomplishments worth recognizing. Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and mentors who can offer encouragement and guidance throughout the transition.
Why Real Estate Is a Popular Second Career
Many professionals exploring how to change careers are drawn to real estate because it offers:
- Low barrier to entry (no college degree required)
- Fast training and licensure
- Entrepreneurial freedom
- Strong income potential
- The ability to make a meaningful impact on clients’ lives
The Benefits of Changing Careers to Real Estate
Here are some additional benefits associated with working in the real estate industry in North Carolina.
Improved work/life balance
Many people switch careers to escape demanding schedules and achieve a better balance between personal and professional life. In real estate, you can set your own schedule. Even if some weeks you may work more than 40 hours per week, you’ll do so on your own terms.
High earning potential
Transitioning to a more lucrative field can provide financial security and freedom.
Are you considering becoming a real estate agent (called “broker” in North Carolina)? According to Indeed, in July 2025, real estate brokers earned an average income of $101,996 in the Tar Heel State. Keep in mind that most real estate brokers work on a commission basis, which is typically calculated as a percentage of the property’s sale price.
Professional growth
Are you ready to reignite your passion for work and open doors to long-term opportunities? Real estate is a rewarding career with a lot of opportunities for specialization. You might also be surprised by the wide range of jobs you can get with a real estate license. Not everyone in the industry works in residential sales.
Personal fulfillment
A career aligned with your interests and values can improve your life. Real estate professionals report deep satisfaction in helping others with their housing or real estate investing needs.
Take the first step today toward a career that fulfills your aspirations and brings you closer to the life you envision. If that career is real estate, Superior School of Real Estate can help. Superior has all the required courses you need to become a real estate broker in North Carolina. Get started today!
