Whether it is due to stagnating salary, loss of passion, or other factors, many people consider changing careers at some point. But a lot of people avoid doing so due to fear of failing at the attempt and wasting time and resources on the process.

However, success often hinges on having a developed plan.

Joseph Liu who writes about career change, personal branding, and self-employment for Forbes, shares the collected wisdom of what you really need to know before making such a big change, and some of the steps may be simpler than you think gathered from 50 different conversations with people pivoted from one career to another.

No Quick Solutions

Part of what makes a career change unappealing for some is you know it will require a lot of work on your part. Don’t let that lead you to buying into any claims of quick results. Career changes don’t have to be grueling, but they will not be overnight either.

Look at the Small Steps

It’s good to know everything you will need to do to get where you want to be, but you are not doing all of it at once. Look at the first steps you can begin taking. Break the process down into small goals to accomplish one at a time.

Be Willing to Experiment

Not everything that does not work out is a waste. You learn what you enjoy by trying. If you are interested in another career, maybe take an online course to get your feet wet. If you don’t enjoy it, you have at least gained information to narrow down your focus.

Stop Comparing Your Progress to Others

Your career journey is going to be different than everyone else’s. You can be your own worst enemy if you constantly put yourself on a timeline against someone else. They have different obstacles than you. You can’t compare two different journeys.

It’s Not All About Passion

People always say to follow your passion, but not everyone’s passion is lucrative. Lui instead recommends following your energy. Look at what best holds your interest even if it is not your biggest source of excitement. Motivation trumps entertainment.

You don’t have to take the plunge of changing jobs immediately. Start slow, do your research, and build your new network so you can start laying the groundwork now.

For all the steps to prepare for a career change that you need to be aware of, read the Forbes article here.

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Laura E.P. Sheehan, career strategist and founder of E.P. Career Strategies provides tips on how to find success anywhere you are.

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