Switching careers

mused · 07-10-2016, 05:01 PM

I'm wondering if any expats out there have switched careers successfully and any advice for me. I currently work in finance but looking to get out of that and have been studying for a degree in the social sciences. I still have a while until I finish and feel like I should at least be getting some experience in the new field.

How would I go about getting experience in a completely new field? It seems like I would be taking a big salary drop for entry level roles which would be difficult with rental prices here. Most also seem to require at least a Bachelors. Is it more preferable to stick it out until my undergrad/masters is done and try for volunteer work in my spare time? The language barrier is also an issue as I don't speak Cantonese. Any jobs that would be good for psych/social sciences? Sorry for the random ramblings.

subbu.arun · 07-10-2016, 05:29 PM

All I could suggest is to watch your spendings and turn to a mere spending mode. You may consider moving to a shared apartment, frugal life style now itself while you still have a full time good paying job to make you prepared for your next step.
Most of the learning is done while doing a project out of office hours and its proved. You may start searching for some part time volunteering or trainee projects based role as long as you get hands on the new industry.
Once you are good to take a plunge seek a full time and you could be good.
congrats on your new endeavour.

MandM! · 07-10-2016, 05:34 PM

Try to highlight the more relevant duties of your previous roles on your CV. You can find some cross over between industries and only mention those. Sometimes being silent on major studied in university can help. Once you have the interview you can go into detail as you see fit.

Most companies are willing to take a chance, you just need the chance to get an interview to prove you get on with them.

mused · 10-10-2016, 03:24 PM

Thanks for the advice. I think I am just getting impatient and not feeling fulfilled in my current job. It's good advice to save as much money as possible though before taking the plunge and probably better to finish my undergrad first. If anyone knows of any relevant volunteer programs I would love to hear them.

Drunken Master · 10-10-2016, 04:30 PM

You are a brave guy. Most people are not willing to take a salary cut if switching careers even if the new position will bring more satisfaction. I know people slaving away in jobs they hate until one day they wake up and realize retirement is near.

mused · 10-10-2016, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by Drunken Master:

You are a brave guy. Most people are not willing to take a salary cut if switching careers even if the new position will bring more satisfaction. I know people slaving away in jobs they hate until one day they wake up and realize retirement is near.

Yeh that's exactly what I'm trying to avoid! I've been in my current career long enough to know it's not what I want to do for much longer. I have a plan, it's just going to take a long time to get there - better than staying stagnant though!