First of all, there’s no shame or guilt into changing careers.
A lot of my clients want to transition but they are in the ‘I have been doing this for so long… that I feel bad leaving all behind’.
The thing is, if you are not happy anymore or you think you will be happier doing something else, isn’t it worth trying?
Secondly, you're not starting from scratch. You developed a lot of skills already that are probably transferable to your new career path.
If you know what you want to transition into, I would recommend following the next steps:
Check Out Job Descriptions
Look at job postings in fashion and other areas if you are willing to work in other industries. See what skills they're after, both the technical and the soft skills. Figure out what you've already got and what you need to work on. How are you gonna beef up those skills? Will you do it in your current gig or take some courses? Pay attention to the keywords on job descriptions because you will use them for your CV/LinkedIn profile etc.
As for the responsibilities of the new job, think of the most similar ones from your previous job and position them at the top of your CV. You will probably come across responsibilities that you have no experience in, these are the ones that you will have to learn and the ones that involve skills that you need to start developing.
Show Off on Your CV and LinkedIn
Make sure your CV and LinkedIn profile show off those skills. Show how you're moving towards your dream job and how you are developing the required skills you still don't possess. Keep your intro or summary clear about what you're aiming for so recruiters understand why you are applying for a position you have no experience in.
Build Your Personal Brand
If you wanna be known for something, start posting about it on LinkedIn for consistency. If you can, make a portfolio to show your stuff. This way, you can show you're an expert in your field and get more chances. Comment on posts, share your thoughts, and keep building up your profile. Go to events and meetups related to your interests. Connect with folks in the industry you're eyeing and chat with them if you can. Drop comments on their posts, too—it helps you get noticed.
I would love to hear your stories. Any questions about Career transitioning? Let me know on the comments and I promise to get back to you.
Love,
Sandra