Making the decision to leave your first full-time job and pursue a new career path in a brand new industry is not a small decision, especially when you’ve already made a mark somewhere.
It is not uncommon for people to find that their initial role after graduation does not always match their long-term ambitions or what they dream of doing for work. The process of changing careers from this first full-time position is an important milestone that can shape your professional journey for years to come, so it is important to make the best choice you can for yourself.
In this article, we’ll explain how to approach your first career change thoughtfully, the key considerations to bear in mind and the practical steps to making a meaningful job switch.
how to prepare for a career change: exploring your options
From the start, it’s important to reflect honestly on your reasons for why you want to leave your first job. You may feel like you lack growth or have peaked in your current role, or perhaps you’re seeking a better work-life balance.
Our 2025 Employer Brand Research found that 41% of Singaporeans left their jobs to seek stronger harmony between their professional and personal responsibilities, while 33% left due to the lack of career growth.
For people who feel dissatisfied with their jobs, it is important to understand the “why” behind the discontent. Does your job scope look entirely different from what you signed up for? Or perhaps you simply don’t see yourself continuing this career for the rest of your life?
If your dissatisfaction stems from a lack of long-term alignment with the industry you’re working in, then it’s time to review your career with a fresh pair of eyes.
There’s nothing wrong with being unsure about your career. In fact, understanding your motivations better will help you understand what you’re seeking in your next role and what you want to avoid.
before you leap, consider financial planning for a career switch
Before you make any concrete decisions about a career switch, take time to evaluate what you’ve enjoyed and disliked in your current job. Which activities and tasks were the most fulfilling and energising, and which responsibilities were you less fond of? Most importantly, do you see yourself growing in this career for the next 20 to 30 years?
What helps is to look into different industries and roles that align with your interests, and speak with people who are already working in those fields. You can read more about the job responsibilities and career growth of these different careers online or through networking. It’s especially useful to attend industry events or connect with professionals and experts on LinkedIn or Instagram to ask for an informative discussion to learn more about their career and specialisation.
Speaking with recruiters can also be helpful for those looking for a career switch in Singapore, as they’re deeply knowledgeable about hiring trends and in-demand skills in the industry, and the type of career growth track you can generally expect. Even if they are not the best person to speak with, they can refer you to their colleagues who specialise in the specific industry or career. While they get to connect with fresh talent like yourself, you’ll also be able to learn more about the specifics of a certain industry or role with their insights.
craft a powerful resume for your career switch
Once you’ve decided on your dream career, the next step is to close any gaps between your current skills and the requirements of your target job. It’s likely that you’ll need to enroll in courses or pursue professional certifications to qualify for the role.
If you’re thinking about entering an adjacent industry, you should review what your transferrable skills are. Request for informative interviews with relevant companies to find out whether your experience is applicable for the role you want, or if your skills overlap. Some individuals also choose to freelance, or take on related side projects to build experience and strengthen their CV as they continue their search to join adjacent industries.
When entering an entirely different industry, it’s likely that you’ll have to take some time off to return to school. For some, this may feel like a hit on their ego, having to attend school with peers who are younger or less experienced than them.
But this can be a humbling step, and embracing learning can open new doors and bring fresh opportunities for growth. Rather than viewing it as a setback, consider it an investment in your future. Taking this leap demonstrates resilience, adaptability and a commitment to personal development, qualities that are highly valued by employers.
Additionally, coming in with prior work or life experience, even if it’s in a different industry, can provide unique perspectives and advantages that set you apart from your new peers.
If financial commitment is an issue, consider taking a part-time degree while remaining at your existing job. You can also consider taking up an internship during your last year or semester of school to gain some work experience before you kickstart your second career.
Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile up to date, with clear examples of achievements and newly acquired skills, to show prospective employers your best side and seize any opportunities that may become available at a moment’s notice.
how to quit your first job gracefully
Your next position may come through someone you already know or someone you meet as you explore your new field of interest. Expanding your network is one of the most important parts of making a successful job switch.
The easiest way to grow your professional network is connecting with people on LinkedIn. Based on mutual connections, topics or organisations of interest, reach out to experts who have experience in your target area.
The other very impactful approach is an information interview.
The main purpose of an information interview is to learn more about a particular industry, role or organisation from a professional with direct experience. Rather than being a job interview you attend to secure a specific role, it’s an opportunity to gather insights and ask thoughtful questions.
During an informational interview, consider asking questions about the day-to-day responsibilities, natural career progression of the role, and how it fits into the organisation. You can try to find out what type of common challenges you will likely face or have an open discussion about how AI may disrupt the job requirements or career growth track. You could also use the opportunity to identify any gaps in your experience, knowledge, and skills that would otherwise make you a good fit.
While not a direct method for securing a job, informational interviews often help you develop your network and uncover opportunities that may not be widely advertised.
Building relationships within your preferred industry can help make the transition smoother, rather than simply trying to break into the sector without referrals or connections.
why do you want to switch careers?
When you are ready to leave your current job, review your employment contract so that you understand your notice period. Prepare a polite and thoughtful resignation letter, being thankful and appreciative of the opportunities and connections you have made.
If it is possible, you should arrange a face-to-face conversation with your manager to formally communicate your decision as a sign of respect and take the opportunity to explain your thought process. In most cases, employers will understand that it’s not an overnight decision and will even offer their help and support through the transition.
It is good practice to offer support during the handover period, including training your replacement if necessary so you can protect your professional reputation and maintain positive relationships. Preserving good work relationships can also help you to secure recommendations or references for future roles.
frequently asked questions about making a career switch in singapore
what is career transition planning?
Career transition planning focuses on attaining new skills or competencies to make a successful job switch to another sector or role. In Singapore, the government offers various programmes to support individuals through this process, such as the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) and the Career Conversion Programmes (CCP).
The SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme is a "train-and-place" initiative that helps mid-career individuals gain in-demand, industry-relevant skills, while the Career Conversion Programmes, offered by Workforce Singapore (WSG), assist mid-career hires or existing employees in reskilling for jobs with good long-term prospects.
how do I prepare for a career change?
To prepare for a career change, you should first reflect on your current job and identify your reasons for wanting to leave, such as seeking better work-life balance or career growth. Next, research different industries and roles that align with your interests, and network with professionals in those fields. You can also consult recruiters for insights into hiring trends and in-demand skills.
To bridge any skill gaps, consider enrolling in courses or getting professional certifications. Finally, update your resume to highlight transferable skills and new qualifications that are relevant to your desired career path.
how do I manage a mid-life career change?
When making a mid-career switch, highlight your transferable skills from your previous career, such as communication and problem-solving, as they can be valuable in your new role. Taking on freelance or volunteer work can also provide hands-on experience and build your portfolio.
One of our top tips is to conduct informational interviews and speak to recruiters, to understand the skills and requirements of specific jobs and uncover unadvertised opportunities.
is 40 too old to switch careers?
Age is not a barrier to switching careers, as a mid-career transition is not only possible but can lead to a more fulfilling professional life. Your age and experience can be an asset, as you bring valuable skills and wisdom to a new field.
The Singapore government has initiatives to support job seekers in their 40s and beyond, especially as mid-career training and reskilling are now the norm in the employment landscape. Many successful professionals have made career changes in their 30s, 40s, and even later.
thinking of a change? let us help you find your first job.
Changing careers is one of the biggest steps that can come with uncertainty and stress. Allow yourself time to adjust to new routines, responsibilities, and colleagues. Seek support from friends, mentors or professionals if you need it. Remember that every new role offers an opportunity to learn more about your preferences, strengths and ambitions.
You can take a look at your jobs page to read up responsibilities and requirements to learn more about the career or industry you are interested in joining. If you’re ready to switch your career soon, you can also let us know what you’re looking for in your dream job to receive specially curated job lists when the opportunity presents itself.