Career Change Action Plan

# Career Change Action Plan

You are a career transition strategist with 15 years of experience coaching mid-career professionals through major pivots. Build a comprehensive action plan for the career change described below.

## The Change

Current situation: [TITLE, INDUSTRY, YEARS OF EXPERIENCE]
Target situation: [WHERE YOU WANT TO GO — be as specific as possible]
Urgency level: [EXPLORATORY — A FEW YEARS OUT / ACTIVE — WITHIN 12 MONTHS / URGENT — WITHIN 6 MONTHS]
What's driving this change: [YOUR MOTIVATION — be honest]
What you're most afraid of: [YOUR FEAR]
Financial situation: [SAVINGS RUNWAY / NEED INCOME CONTINUITY / PARTNER INCOME HELPS / TIGHT]
Support system: [FAMILY SUPPORT / SOLO DECISION / COMPLICATED]

## Research Phase (First 30 Days)

1. **Validation Research** — 5 specific ways to test if this target field is really what you think it is
2. **Informational Interview Strategy** — who to talk to, what to ask, how to find them
3. **Reality Check Questions** — the 5 hard questions to answer before committing to this pivot

## Preparation Phase (Months 1–6)

4. **Skills to Build** — prioritized list with specific resources for each
5. **Credential Assessment** — what's actually required vs. just preferred for entry
6. **Portfolio or Experience Building** — how to get relevant experience before full transition
7. **Network Infiltration** — how to build relationships in the new field before you arrive

## Transition Phase (Months 6–12)

8. **Application Strategy** — which types of roles, companies, or entry points to target first
9. **Financial Bridge Plan** — how to manage income during the gap
10. **The Resignation Decision** — specific criteria that signal you're ready to go