When It's Time: How to Change Industries and Own Your Next Career Move

Making the decision to switch industries feels a lot like standing at the edge of a cliff. You know there's something better waiting on the other side, but taking the leap is terrifying. Still, staying stuck in a career that no longer fits isn’t doing you any favors either. If you're ready to pivot but aren't sure where to start, you're not alone—and the good news is, there are more ways to move forward than you might think.

Get Honest About Why You're Moving

Before anything else, you need to sit with yourself and figure out why you want to leave your current industry. Is it burnout? Boredom? A craving for a bigger challenge? Without knowing the real reason, you’ll risk dragging old problems into a new situation, which just resets the cycle. Clarity about your "why" helps you choose an industry that will align with your deeper goals, not just your surface frustrations.

Forget Job Titles—Focus on Your Skills

It’s tempting to think you need to start from scratch when you change industries, but that’s rarely the case. Your transferable skills—things like leadership, communication, problem-solving—are what make you valuable across any industry. Start looking at your experience through the lens of what you can do, not just what you’ve been called. Skills are your currency now, and how you frame them will open more doors than any old title ever could.

Take the Leap into Entrepreneurship

Starting your own business is one of the most empowering career moves you can make, and it all begins with a clear idea, a solid plan, and the right structure to support your goals. You’ll also need to register your business name, set up a business bank account, and get any necessary licenses or permits. Forming an LLC is a smart move because it protects your personal assets while giving your business added credibility. Many online formation services make the process even smoother by offering customized registration packages that also include EIN filing and registered agent services, making it easier than ever to start an LLC today without getting buried in paperwork.

Network Like You’re Starting a New Social Life

When you’re changing industries, networking isn’t about begging for jobs—it’s about making real, human connections. Think of it like building a new circle of friends: ask questions, stay curious, and show up with a genuine interest in other people's work. People are way more likely to help when they feel seen and heard, not pitched. Relationship-building now will pay off in unexpected ways later, sometimes years down the road.

Test-Drive the Industry Before You Commit

Jumping headfirst into a brand-new industry sounds bold, but it's way smarter to dip your toes in first. Freelance projects, part-time gigs, informational interviews, or even volunteering can give you a sense of what the day-to-day reality actually feels like. Industries often look glamorous from the outside but feel completely different once you're in the trenches. Sampling first saves you from a full-blown regret later.

Work With Someone Who Can See the Bigger Picture

Sometimes, you’re too close to your own story to see it clearly—and that’s where Britt Larsen at Livlyhood comes in. Britt specializes in helping women get career clarity when they’re standing at a crossroads, ready for something more but not sure what that “more” looks like. Working with a coach who actually listens, challenges you, and helps you map out real options can be a game-changer. You’ll walk away with a plan that feels aligned, not forced, and a clearer idea of where your best energy belongs.

Prepare to Redefine What Success Looks Like

A career change isn't just about swapping industries; it’s about reimagining what success means to you. Maybe success used to look like climbing the corporate ladder, but now it’s about flexibility, creativity, or making an impact. Letting go of the old benchmarks frees you up to chase goals that actually light you up. This shift in mindset will make the transition feel a lot more like growth and a lot less like loss.

Stay Resilient When the Transition Gets Messy

Changing industries isn’t always a clean, straight-line process. There will be moments where you second-guess yourself, face rejections, or wonder if you made a mistake. That doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path—it just means you’re doing something hard and worthwhile. Treat every hiccup like proof that you’re brave enough to bet on yourself, and keep moving even when it feels uncomfortable.

Switching industries might feel overwhelming at first, but it’s also one of the most powerful ways you can take back ownership of your career. When you lead with intention, stay open to learning, and trust yourself enough to start, you’re not just chasing a new job—you’re building a life that actually feels like yours. This journey isn’t about finding the perfect next step; it’s about finding a next step that feels true. If you can stay committed to what you really want, there’s no industry out there you can’t make your own.

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