Switching careers can be daunting. It may require learning new skills, facing fears and making sacrifices - which may make the journey all the more daunting.

Though changing careers may present many obstacles, it can also be extremely rewarding. Here are five tips that will make the transition smoother while simultaneously decreasing anxiety associated with it.

1. Know What You Want

One of the key steps in transitioning careers is understanding your desired outcomes. Without being aware of what kind of life you wish to build, it will be impossible to map out a path leading towards them.

Making a list of aspects you don't like about your current job and which aspects would be more rewarding in another career, as well as which skills can transfer across, as well as any additional education or certifications necessary, can help.

At first, it's helpful to assess how committed you are to making a career change. Establish a realistic schedule of research, informational interviews and networking each week; find a mentor or sponsor who can assist with this change; this could be someone already successful in the new field that interests you or an industry connection who can guide your transition process; this person can keep you motivated while developing their network alongside supporting you along the way.

2. Research Your Options

If you want to change careers, it is crucial that you conduct thorough research into all available options. From complete career changes or sector shifts, research must include finding out what skills, education and experience is necessary for making that move.

Research can also help you to ascertain whether additional training or certifications will be required for success in the new field, helping set an appropriate timeline for transition.

Talking with people already working in your desired industry may provide invaluable advice on how to navigate its nuances, find jobs and improve performance. Perhaps asking someone involved with them might even help set up interviews!

Remember to highlight any transferable skills from previous careers when applying or interviewing for jobs, as this can give you an edge over other candidates. Furthermore, courses or workshops that will give hands-on experience in your desired career field could also prove valuable.

3. Create a Plan

Once you know what your desired career path entails, the next step should be figuring out how to reach it. This could involve training courses or certification programs or making a list of tasks necessary before switching careers such as paying down debt or building savings accounts.

Do your research before entering any new industry; make plans on how you will network in it; arrange informational interviews with those already working there and inform friends and family of your plans; they might know of opportunities not advertised publicly that you could take advantage of.

Create a system to monitor your career progression. Even something as basic as keeping a spreadsheet or journal may help keep you accountable to your goals while providing metrics for assessing success. Consider setting milestones such as completing certain research or networking activities per week, or applying for specific jobs each month.

4. Network

No matter whether it is to advance within your existing industry or make a leap into another, networking will play a critical role in helping you get to where you need to be. Networking may take many forms - casual meetings, informational interviews or group events (both online and in person). Being genuine when networking will build long-term connections which may come in handy later on.

Many people assume their existing networks cannot offer much help when embarking on a career transition; this couldn't be further from the truth! Simply by spreading the news that you want to change industries, someone might know someone who could point you in the right direction.

Reach out to friends and family members in your desired industry and set up an informational interview. These discussions shouldn't be about finding work; rather they're meant to give an inside view into its inner workings as well as providing practical pointers.

5. Take Action

Once you've decided to change careers, taking immediate steps is key. This may involve job searching, applying for jobs, learning about your new field of interest or networking within it; as well as negotiating with employers to provide trial periods or work remotely.

If your current career leaves you discontented, it is crucial that you identify what's causing that dissatisfaction. Is it due to specific people at work, or perhaps more generally is there something amiss within the culture of your company? A change of scenery might help alleviate your discontent but if its cause runs deeper you may require more substantial action such as switching careers.

Prior to embarking on a career change, it is also crucial that you assess both your financial stability and personal circumstances. Being prepared will make the transition more successful; more hours may need to be put in, risks taken and new skills learned, but the result will be an enriching life. Switching careers won't be easy but doesn't need to be terrifying!