Thinking About a Career Change? How to Choose the Right Direction

There comes a point in many people’s working lives when the thought hits: “Maybe it’s time for a change.”Whether it’s burnout, boredom, a bad boss, or just a sense that you’ve outgrown your role, deciding to change careers is no small thing. It takes a bit of courage, a bit of planning, and a fair dose of self-reflection.

Making a career change can be a big step and decision that requires thought and planning.

So, if you’ve reached that crossroads, the big question becomes — what next?When looking for new roles, you’ll usually find yourself choosing between two broad directions: horizontal moves or vertical moves.

Horizontal Moves — Sticking Close to Home

A horizontal move is when you pivot into a new job or industry that’s broadly aligned with your current skills and experience.You’re not starting from scratch, but you are switching things up — perhaps moving from one type of company to another, or taking your existing role into a different field.

For example:

• A marketing coordinator moving from a not-for-profit to a tech start-up.

• A project manager shifting from construction to renewable energy.

• An HR advisor transitioning from a corporate setting to local government.

These sorts of moves can be less daunting because much of what you already know — the systems, processes, and soft skills — will still apply. You can hit the ground running, and employers tend to appreciate the mix of familiarity and fresh perspective you bring.

Vertical Moves — Reaching Higher (or Starting Anew)

A vertical move, on the other hand, is when you take a step up or across into a role that stretches your abilities.You might not tick every box on the job description yet, but you can see how your transferable skills fit the bill.

For example:

• A teacher moving into corporate training or learning and development.

• A retail manager stepping into operations or logistics.

• A journalist moving into content strategy or communications.

In these cases, you’ll likely need to highlight the experience you already have that can carry over — things like leadership, communication, problem-solving, or stakeholder management.Sometimes, it’s worth investing in extra training — short courses, certificates, or even a degree — to help bridge the gap and show employers you’re serious about the shift.

How to Decide Which Direction’s Right for You

When weighing up horizontal vs vertical moves, ask yourself:

1. How much change do I really want right now?If you’re craving variety but don’t want to start from scratch, a horizontal move can give you a new environment without losing your footing.

2. What’s my appetite for learning?If you’re ready to study, retrain, or take on something more challenging, a vertical move could open doors you hadn’t considered before.

3. What skills do I already have that employers value?Make a list of your transferable skills — leadership, communication, adaptability, tech know-how — and think about how they apply in other industries.

4. What do I actually enjoy doing day-to-day?Forget job titles for a moment. Focus on the tasks, people, and environments that give you energy.

Final Thoughts

Changing careers isn’t about starting over — it’s about building on what you’ve learned so far.Whether you move sideways into something familiar, or vertically into a whole new space, every step adds value to your story.

Remember: it’s never too late to change direction. The world of work is shifting faster than ever, and the skills you’ve built — no matter where you learned them — are often more adaptable than you think.

So, take a deep breath, do your research, and back yourself. The right opportunity might be closer than you imagine.

Disclaimer

This article provides general career information and should not be taken as professional or financial advice. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so consider seeking guidance from a qualified career counsellor or employment advisor before making significant career decisions.