Changing Fields? A Guide to Successful Retraining

When does retraining make sense and how to grasp it correctly. Get inspired by stories of those who succeeded.

Do you feel your current job no longer fulfills you? Are you thinking about a radical change, but are afraid to start from zero? You are not alone. According to our experience, up to 40% of professionals change their career path completely at least once in their lives. And the good news is that with the right approach, it can be the best decision of your life.

When Is the Right Time for Change?

Green Signals for Change:

  • Long-term dissatisfaction (not just the Monday blues)

  • Health problems caused by stress at work

  • Loss of meaning – you feel your work creates no value

  • Declining industry – automation, digitalization threatens your position

  • Personal growth – you have outgrown your role and the field offers no further options

  • Change of values – what was important at 20 is no longer valid at 40

  • Clear vision – you know exactly where you want to be instead

Red Flags – Wait:

  • Momentary crisis – conflict with a boss is not a reason to change the whole field

  • Financial pressure – "anything just to make money" is not a good motivation

  • Running away from problems – some things go with you

  • Unrealistic expectations – "easy money in IT"

  • No research – you don't know the reality of the new field

  • Isolated decision – you haven't discussed it with family

Most Common Directions of Change (And Why They Work)

From Corporate to Startup

  • Who: Managers tired of bureaucracy

  • Why: More autonomy, faster decision-making, visible impact

  • Challenges: Lower job security, often lower pay initially, more hands-on work

To IT from Anywhere

  • Who: Analytically minded people, problem solvers

  • Why: High demand, remote work options, good salary conditions

  • Challenges: Necessity of intensive study, high competition among juniors

From Business to Education

  • Who: Experts longing to pass on knowledge

  • Why: Meaningfulness, working with people, stability

  • Challenges: Significant salary drop, necessity of pedagogical education

From "Boring" Work to Creativity

  • Who: Accountants, officials, administrative workers

  • Why: Self-realization, variety, freedom

  • Challenges: Unstable income, necessity to build a portfolio

From Employment to Entrepreneurship

  • Who: People with a clear vision and courage to take risks

  • Why: Being your own boss, unlimited growth

  • Challenges: Financial risk, responsibility for everything

How to Manage Change Strategically

1. Exploration Phase (3-6 months)

  • Informational interviews – ask people from the field

  • Job shadowing – a day with a professional in the new field

  • Online courses – find out if you enjoy it

  • Volunteering – gain first experience

  • Market analysis – is there demand? What are the salaries?

2. Preparation Phase (6-12 months)

  • Education – courses, certifications, self-study

  • Networking – build contacts in the new field

  • Portfolio – personal projects, case studies

  • Financial cushion – minimum 6 months of expenses

  • CV Update – emphasize transferable skills

3. Transition Phase (3-6 months)

  • Gradual transition – reduced hours, part-time jobs

  • Internships/Practice – unpaid if you gain experience

  • Junior position – be prepared to go lower

  • Mentoring – find a mentor in the new field

  • Patience – the first year will be tough

How to Sell the Change to Employers

Transferable Skills – Your Secret Weapon

  • From Accounting to HR: "My experience with numbers and details helps me in compensation & benefits. I understand budgets and can argue with management."

  • From Sales to IT: "Years of communicating with customers give me a unique view on UX. I know what users need because I spoke with them every day."

  • From Production to Project Management: "Managing shifts taught me to plan resources and meet deadlines. Usually, I coordinate people and tasks just like in IT."

Structure of a Cover Letter for Career Change

  1. Acknowledge reality – "I know I am coming from another field..."

  2. Show value – "...but precisely that gives me an advantage..."

  3. Prove preparation – "In the last year, I have educated myself in..."

  4. Connect experiences – "My years in X gave me Y, which I will use..."

  5. Show enthusiasm – "This change is not an escape, but a conscious choice."

Most Common Mistakes During Career Change

"I'm starting completely from scratch"

Reality: You have experience, soft skills, work habits. Use them.

"I must manage it immediately"

Reality: A quality change takes 1-2 years. Rush = bad decision.

"Education will solve everything"

Reality: Practice > certificates. Look for ways to gain real experience.

"Don't tell anyone until I succeed"

Reality: Networking is key. The more people know, the more opportunities.

"I must be perfect"

Reality: Accept the role of a beginner. Humility opens doors.

Inspirational Stories from Our Candidates

Martin (42) – From Banker to Teacher

"10 years in the bank taught me structured thinking. Today I teach math and financial literacy. The salary represents about 40% of the previous one, but for the first time in my life, I look forward to work."

Petra (35) – From Lawyer to UX Designer

"Law taught me to analyze client needs and seek solutions. That is exactly what I do now, only instead of contracts, I design apps. It took 2 years of preparation, but it was worth it."

Tomáš (38) – From Chef to IT Tester

"In the kitchen, you must be precise and follow processes. That applies exactly to testing. I started with half the salary, after 3 years I make double what I made in gastronomy."

Practical Action Plan

This Week:

  • List 3 fields that attract you

  • Find 5 people from these fields on LinkedIn

  • Read 10 job ads from the new field

This Month:

  • Complete 3 informational interviews

  • Sign up for an online course

  • Analyze your transferable skills

Next 3 Months:

  • Create a first project in the new field

  • Attend a networking event

  • Adjust CV for the new direction

Change of Field by Age

20-30 Years: Ideal Time

  • Few commitments, high flexibility

  • Employers expect experiments

  • Fast learning, energy for education

30-40 Years: Strategic Change

  • Use accumulated experience

  • Watch out for financial obligations (mortgage, children)

  • Ideal for shift to management

40-50 Years: Change with Deliberation

  • Rich experience – competitive advantage

  • Emphasis on stability and certainty

  • Possibility of consulting/mentoring

50+ Years: New Beginning

  • Change for meaning, not money

  • Passing on experience, lecturing, coaching

  • Portfolio career (more partial employments)

Need Help Deciding?

Changing fields is one of the biggest career decisions. You don't have to go through it alone. Our consultants have experience with thousands of career transitions and will be happy to help you:

  • Analyze your options

  • Identify transferable skills

  • Prepare a transition strategy

  • Write a CV and cover letter

  • Prepare you for interviews

Remember: It is no shame to change direction. The shame is to stay in work that destroys you. Life is too short for that. Be bold.

No matter how you decide, we wish you courage to follow your dreams. And if you need encouragement on this journey, we are here for you.

Contact us at kandidati@no77.eu or +420 733 224 516.