Moving to another industry? You have more chances to change industries than you think!
Peter was thirty-eight years old when he woke up one morning and realised he couldn't take it anymore. Fourteen years as a financial analyst at a major bank, he was paid a high salary, respected and loved by his colleagues - but he felt like he was living in a cage. Every day the same spreadsheets, the same numbers, the same grey office. When he told his wife that he would like to move to a different industry, something completely new, the reaction was familiar: "But that's what you do! Why would you throw all that away?"
This story may sound familiar. There are many of us who feel stuck in our current industry but are afraid to take the big leap. But the reality can be surprising: in 2024, 59% of US professionals and 48% of European professionals were actively looking for a new job, and this not only means changing positions, but often a complete industry switchover is.
Why do we think it is impossible to move to another industry?
Deeply rooted in our thinking is the belief that our professional identity determines what we can do. If you're a lawyer, you're a lawyer. If you are an engineer, you are an engineer. But it's a limited perspective that can rob us of opportunity.
A CoachLab experience shows that the most difficult step is often not the another industry but finding the confidence to even dare to imagine yourself in a completely new environment. Often the problem is not that we don't have transferable skills - it's that we don't recognise them.
The real face of fear
Sarah Blakely, the founder of Spanx, worked as a fax machine salesperson for seven years before revolutionising the women's lingerie industry. When she first pitched her idea, many people said to her, "What do you know about fashion?" Her answer was simple: "I'm not good at it - but I understand the problems and I know how to solve them."
It is this attitude that distinguishes us from the unsuccessful. It's not about having all the knowledge in a new field - it's about be able to adapt, learn and create value.
What do the figures say about career change?
The statistics are surprisingly encouraging for those who want to have a to another industry change. According to the EdX survey, 32% of 25-44 year olds are considering a career change and 29% have already made one. That means you're not alone in thinking about it.
In addition, during the Covid-19 crisis, millions were forced to look for work in new areas, and in many cases successfully crossed a to another industry. Compulsion is often the best motivation for change.
| Career change statistics | Rate | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Active job seekers (2024) | 59% | Not just a change of position |
| People considering a career change | 32% | 25-44 years old |
| Already switched | 29% | Successful transitions |
| People looking for telecommuting | 69% | New options |
Source:USA Today February 2024
New opportunities in the digital revolution
The World Economic Forum estimates that automation could eliminate more than 85 million jobs globally by 2025, while new areas also open. This means that the to another industry change should not be a luxury, but a necessity. And the changes that occur with the advent of AI must be followed both to maintain and to change levels.
How to identify your transferable/adaptable skills?
Most people underestimate the skills that are valuable in other industries. In the case of Peter - who we talked about in the introduction - his background as a financial analyst gave him a great foundation for a career in the tech sector. Data analysis, project management and attention to detail are as valuable in fintech companies as they are in banks.
Categorisation of skills
Hard skills:
- Programming
- Data analysis
- Project Management
- Language skills
- Technical skills
Soft skills:
- Communication
- Leadership
- Problem solving
- Stress tolerance
- Teamwork
In our view, soft skills are often more important than to another industry because they are universal. A good communicator can be as valuable in health as in marketing or education.
"Success is not in what you know, but in how fast you can learn." - Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn founder
What are the most important steps for a successful transition?
1. Thorough self-awareness and goal setting
Before we go ahead and cross a to another industry, we need to be clear about why we want to change. It's not just a question of 'us' rebelling against, but of 'us' choosing.
2. Market research and networking
A LinkedIn data show that 70% of the positions are never publicly advertised. This means that the to another industry you need a network, connections. But how do you build contacts in a field where you are not yet working?
Practical tips:
- Join professional meetups
- Follow industry leaders on social media
- Take part in online webinars
- Offer yourself and volunteer for relevant projects if possible
3. Gradual transition strategy
It is not always necessary to make sudden, drastic changes. To the other industry can be gradual:
- Launching side projects - Start working in the target area in your free time
- Consultation work - Take on freelance projects
- Internal crossing - Look for opportunities in other areas in your current job
- Partial transition - Reduce your current working hours while you build the new one (If you can)
4. Skills development and education
The acceleration of technological change and the emergence of AI requires constant career rethinking. This means that learning never ends.
Modern learning opportunities:
- Online courses (Coursera, edX, Udemy)
- Professional courses and qualifications
- Mentoring
- Cross-functional projects
A true story: How a teacher became a successful marketing manager.
One of our former clients, Zsófia, taught maths for ten years as a teacher in a secondary school. She loved her job, but felt burnt out and not even proud of her salary, and after repeated reflection she decided she wanted to try something new. A to another industry had long been on his mind, but he didn't know where to turn.
Coaching process detail:
"For Sofia, the biggest breakthrough came when she realised that her teaching skills - explaining complex information in simple terms, capturing attention, motivating - are all core marketing competencies. His teaching experience and understanding of students gave him an excellent foundation for understanding customer behaviour."
Zsófi, although she was working hard, successfully made the transition to digital marketing in four months. First she took online courses, then smaller projects, and finally a marketing coordinator position at a medium-sized company. He now works as a marketing manager. She enjoys and loves her varied job and earns more than she ever will as a teacher.
What are the biggest pitfalls and how can you avoid them?
The trap of perfectionism
Many people believe that they can only cross a to another industryonce they have mastered all the knowledge. This is not true. Most successful career changers started out prepared in 70-80% and learned the rest on the go.
The "impostor syndrome" phenomenon
When a to another industry it is natural to feel that we do not belong. This is a normal reaction, but it should not be allowed to paralyse us. All professionals started as beginners at some point.
The problem of impatience
A career transition is like an onion - it's complex and has many more layers than you see on the surface. A successful transition takes time, usually 6-18 months, depending on how far apart the two areas are.
Which industries offer the most opportunities in 2026?
Labour market trends suggest that certain sectors are particularly open to career changers based on 2025 information:
Technology sector
- Data analysis
- Data visualisation
- IT security / Cyber security
- Software development
- UX/UI design
Health and well-being
- Mental health
- Gerontology
- Health technology
- Fitness and wellness
Green economy
- Renewable energy
- Sustainability advice
- Environmental and environmental compliance
- Green building
Education and training
- Online education
- Corporate training
- Ed-tech development
- Adult education
How to make a strategic plan for change?
Based on CoachLab's knowledge so far, the most successful career changers are those who a structured approach are used. Here is a proven 6-step method:
Phase 1: Self-assessment (1-2 months)
- Inventory of skills
- Clarifying values and objectives
- Mapping motivations
- Assessment of financial situation
Phase 2: Market exploration (2-3 months)
- Researching target areas
- Getting to know payment bands
- Identifying the competences needed
- Networking building
Phase 3: Preparation (3-6 months)
- Acquiring missing skills
- Building a portfolio
- Revising your CV
- Preparing for an interview
Phase 4: Active search (2-4 months)
- Apply for positions
- Attend networking events
- Organisation of informal interviews
- Evaluation of offers
Phase 5: Transition (1-3 months)
- Handover of the workplace
- Adjusting to a new position
- Building relationships
- Achieving early results
Phase 6: Stabilisation (6-12 months)
- Achieving performance expectations, evidence
- Looking for further development opportunities
- Preparing long-term plans
- Mentoring others
What to do if you get stuck in the process?
A to another industry is not always a smooth transition. There are periods when nothing seems to work. It is important not to give up, but to re-evaluate your strategy.
Common obstacles and solutions:
- Little feedback on CVs → More personalised approach, stronger networking
- Rejected at interviews → Further skills development, practice
- Financial pressure → Gradual transition, earning a side income
- Family resistance → Open communication, minimising risks
The role of coaching in career change
As experienced professionals, we know that to another industry is a complex process that often requires external support. A CoachLab Coaching Services has helped several customers make this transition successfully.
A career coaching we not only plan the concrete steps to be taken, but also address the internal barriers that may hold back change. Credibility and trustworthiness are the key to achieving real results - not just in terms of changing positions, but also in terms of long-term career satisfaction.
Financial considerations: how much does it cost to switch?
An to another industry requires serious financial planning. A coaching prices variables and more, but the investment will pay off if we successfully move to a higher paying sector.
Typical costs:
- Training, courses: 100.000 - 500.000 Ft
- Coaching/consulting: 90.000 - 400.000 Ft
- Networking events: 20.000 - 150.000 Ft
Expected income change: Successful career changers can achieve an average salary increase of 25-75% in the long term, which quickly pays back the investment.
The future labour market and career change
Globally, 70% of workers are actively looking for an opportunity to leave their current position. This means that to another industry is increasingly becoming a mainstream phenomenon.
Leading trends in 2025
- Skill-based hiring - Specific skills become more important than qualifications
- Remote work - Reducing geographical barriers creates new opportunities
- Gig economy - More flexible working patterns
- Lifelong learning - The need for continuous training
- Purpose-driven careers - Value-based career choices
Technological support for career change
AI and machine learning offer new tools for those who to another industry want to change:
- Skill mapping platforms - Automatic capability mapping
- Career matching algorithms - Personalised job offer
- Learning path recommendation - Optimised learning pathways
- Interview preparation AI - Interviewing chatbots
Inspiring examples at international level
There are countless examples of successful career changes around the world. Take Reed Hastings, who went from maths teacher to founder of Netflix, or Andrea Jung, who as the first female CEO of Avon, gave the company a whole new direction after working as a fashion designer.
These stories show that the to another industry is not only possible, but can often lead to revolutionary innovations. An "outsider" perspective can be valuable in a sector.
What do the experts say?
According to Herminia Ibarra, Professor at the London Business School, the difficulty of career transitions is often underestimated. Successful change requires strategic thinking and patience.
In our view, the most important success factor is Flexibility and the openness for learning and change. Those who do best are those who do not stick rigidly to one idea but are able to adapt to market opportunities.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about career change
How long does it take to successfully move to another industry?
The time it takes to move to another industry varies between 4 and 18 months, depending on how far apart the two areas are. A gradual transition usually takes 12-24 months, while a radical change can be achieved in 4-12 months with adequate preparation.
Is it worth taking a pay cut to move to another industry?
In the short term, and in some cases, it may be necessary to take a pay cut, but in the long term, a move to another industry will usually lead to higher earnings. Experience has shown that in 2-3 years, switchers can achieve an average salary increase of 35-90%.
What skills are most valuable when moving to another industry?
Soft skills (communication, problem-solving, adaptability) are often more important than professional skills. Digital competences, project management and data analysis skills are transferable to almost any other industry and are of great value.
Summary: Change and transformation are not a luxury, but a necessity
A to another industry is no longer an exceptional event, but a natural part of a modern career. With the acceleration of technological change, we all need to be prepared to redefine our professional identity on several occasions.
The story of Peter - whom we met at the beginning of this article - has a happy ending. Today, he works as a data analytics manager at a fintech startup, his salary is 72% more than he had at the bank, and he finally feels that his work gives his life meaning. The transition has not been easy, but all the energy invested has paid off.
If you feel it's time for a change, don't hesitate. A to another industry making the move, changing industries can be the key to a happier, more fulfilling professional life. The point is. don't try to do it alone - ask for help, prepare thoroughly and trust yourself.
A CoachLab team is ready to support you on this exciting journey. Because we believe that everyone has the potential for a successful career change - you just need to find the right path.
Our lives are too short to spend them in a job that doesn't make us happy. A to another industry a change can be the first step towards a truly fulfilling career.
