Why This Is the Year to Make a Career Change

It’s no secret the pandemic has thrown the lives of billions into disarray. But it’s also prompting widespread change in regards to our careers, with countless studies showing that workers are restless and thinking about shifting to new careers or better jobs. After all, as some experts say, ‘crisis is an opportunity’ and it may force us to look deeper at what we really want long-term.

And, it makes sense when you consider just how much the workplace has changed. Employees all over the globe have suddenly had to work from home, companies have switched to being fully remote and millions of businesses have undergone a complete reinvention in order to stay afloat.

So here’s why 2021 is a great time to think about a career change.

As new technologies are introduced and businesses create new ways of working in the wake of Covid-19, it makes sense that workers start to reassess where they might fit in. While some jobs have fallen by the wayside, opportunities are on the rise in other areas, making it a great time to upskill and to get on the job-hunting bandwagon.

The Australian government predicts there’ll be demand in industries where employment has enjoyed strong growth in recent years, such as construction, healthcare and online learning.

There’ll also be a growing need for workers in aged care, childcare, home-based services. And, it’s thought that IT consultants, software programmers, analysts and accountants will also be in hot demand, too, in the coming years.

According to our research, employees may consider jumping ship for better benefits and greater career opportunities than they had available to them prior to the pandemic.

And companies are taking this on board, with 64 percent of employers investing in learning and development programs and 46 percent throwing money at wellbeing initiatives that prioritise the mental and physical health of their staff.

It’s also great to see that companies are recognising the value of flexibility, with 59 percent providing a range of different flexible workplace options. If you had a taste of working from home and want to keep working that way, lots more companies are on board with it.

That sounds crazy, we know – mid-pandemic, when many businesses are going under and jobs are being lost. But our research shows that a not-to-be-sniffed-at 30 percent of employers are investing in salary increases in order to attract and retain staff.

And as economies start to recover and grow, so will companies – in fact, our research indicates that 57 percent of employers are recovering and rebuilding their teams, with the demand for staff likely to increase in the next year. With experience and an up-to-date skillset, you could well command a higher salary.

If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s that life is short – and change is inevitable. So why tread water in a job or a career that’s not right for you?

More than ever, companies are starting to recognise what’s important to candidates, with 60 percent of employers investing in better communication about their strategy and company direction, and 40 percent encouraging more autonomy and decision-making from staff. Similarly, 40 percent are investing in improved tech, while 24 percent are looking into creating workplaces that embrace diversity and inclusion.

That could well add up to a role where you feel you have purpose, a chance to contribute and to make your voice heard.

Want more great content on careers? Check out our latest blog posts or download our new Feel Good Index Report.