How soon should you switch careers?

Switching careers—for both new professionals and seasoned veterans—is a risky decision to take. While burnout and lack of salary increments contribute towards experienced jobholders looking for better opportunities, a less roughened employee will want to switch to either upskill or explore a different field.

So, for both the new and old alike, when is the optimal time to consider switching careers? Let's take a look.

Pulling the trigger too early... or too late

Career switchers are often judged by their work history and skills from previous roles. This is more so the case if you're new in your industry and haven't built a reputation for yourself yet. If you are changing jobs too frequently, it will be difficult for you to build expertise in one field, which will in turn make employers hesitate to choose you for a higher-level job or a possible promotion.

Keep in mind that growth in any career usually takes time. When you change too early, you risk leaving just before a potential promotion, specialised training sessions, or the experience of working on a major project that could enhance your skill set. 

On the other hand, staying in one job for a long time can turn both physically and mentally straining for certain individuals. If you have been working for over 4 years without a major promotion or significant salary increase, it would be professionally sound on your part to start exploring other options in your field or push towards a better role in the same workplace. 

Nonetheless, whether you are new or old in your field, it is always a wise idea to consult someone more experienced than you, so you can gain insight into how far your industry-relevant skills have developed and how well you can potentially fare in a completely new work environment.

Finding that 'sweet spot' for the switch-up

The question "How soon should you switch careers" does not have a one-size-fits-all answer. However, the 'sweet spot' typically tends to be between 3 to 7 years. This is because 3 years is often enough time to master fundamental skills and showcase your potential. By then, you are likely to know if this field resonates with you. 

If you have been working at the same job for 5-7 years or more, you should be seen as an experienced professional; someone regarded as highly valuable in your field by new and old employers alike. At this point in your career, you should also have enough financial security to afford a potentially risky career switch - something less experienced employees will not have the comfort of. 

At the end of the day, you should not consider a career switch before extensive, thorough self-assessment. Do you have a strong enough reason to switch? Have you researched the new industry/position? Can you leverage any existing skills? Remember, when it comes to switching careers, the timeframe is never as important as the strategy and preparation you put towards it. A thoughtfully considered move can lead to a fulfilling career and a brighter professional future.