5 Tips to Be Prepared for Career Changes

Have you heard the saying: “Don't wait until you’re thirsty to dig a well” by Chinese philosopher Zhu Xi from over 800 years ago.

The implication when thinking about your career?  Be prepared for inevitable change.

In these tumultuous times I have dealt with clients who approach this issue of being prepared in two ways.

Some come to me desperate to find a new career after being laid off or because of changes in the industry they have been in for decades.  There’s an urgency to find a solution quickly – and with this approach more stress.

Then there are my clients who are more forward thinking.  They might not want to change their career right away, but they can sense change coming in the future and they want to be prepared.

I want to share 5 Tips to help you be prepared for possible changes in your career, so you can take steps now and not be taken by surprise.

Tip #1: Keep Learning Before You “Need To”

Don’t wait for a career crisis to upskill. Continuously invest in learning — whether that’s taking an online course, earning a certification, or attending industry events. The more skills you build before you need them, the more agile and confident you’ll be when opportunities or challenges arise.

Tip #2: Nurture Your Network Regularly

Your professional connections are like the water in your well. Build genuine relationships now — not just when you’re job hunting. Stay in touch with mentors, peers, and former colleagues, and offer help or insights whenever you can. When change comes, your network will already be a trusted circle of support.

Tip #3: Hire a Career Clarity Coach

A career clarity coach can help you identify your strengths, clarify your direction, and anticipate what’s next before you feel stuck. They act as a strategic partner — helping you see opportunities and blind spots early, so you’re not “thirsty” when change hits.

Tip #4: Build a Financial Cushion

Career shifts often come with temporary uncertainty. Cultivating financial stability ahead of time — saving a portion of your income or reducing unnecessary expenses — gives you freedom to make thoughtful career choices rather than desperate ones.

Tip #5: Reflect and Reassess Regularly

Set aside time every few months to evaluate your goals, career satisfaction, and progress. Ask yourself: Am I still growing? Does my work align with my values? Do I feel able to be “myself” in my career?” This kind of reflection ensures you recognize the early signs of change and can act intentionally instead of reactively.

If you found this information helpful I would like to offer a free resource to help you look into the future to discover possible career opportunities.  The resource is a Future Self Visualization and Journal.  It’s a way to peek into the future 10 years from now and see what you might be up to, take that knowledge and bring it back to the present day.  If you are interested please click here for instant access.