Sales is an activity involving selling goods and services. In organizational parlance buying and selling are two sides of the same coin and a person or an organization showing interest in buying the products or services are potential buyers, and the people within the organization who facilitate this exchange are sales professional or salespersons depending on the type of business.

Sales is also considered as a persuading art and people in this profession are expected to have exceptional management and inter-personal qualities. These qualities are not only beneficial for them while working in the sales, but can also be fruitful for them in switching to a different career profile requiring a similar skill set.

Real Estate

Buying and selling of properties existed long ago and continues to be so. In recent times, most of the deals in the real estate sector are carried out through real estate agents. A real estate agent can work as a listing agent to help a client sell his/her property or as a buying agent to help clients buy new properties. Showing houses, coordinating appointments, negotiating offers, and closing deals are some of the duties that a real estate agent performs. As a major part of the duty is to work with clients and buyers, the job of a real estate agent is best suited for a person having good communication skills and having a prior experience in sales. So a person having a background in sales can be a real estate agent. Switching into Real Estate will also not be difficult as there are no specific prerequisites and joining a training program for a month or two would suffice.

Real Estate Agent

Customer Service

Companies provide customer service in order to address queries and resolve issues faced by the customers. The main intent of providing the service is to ensure customer satisfaction so that they keep buying their product or continue availing their service. Therefore, companies hire executives who help in achieving that objective. Attending phone calls and addressing the needs and concerns of the customers are the main duties of the customer service executive. The person best suited to perform this job must have a thorough understanding of consumer needs, their behavior and must have good communication skills. People in sales usually are adept in understanding the consumer sentiment and have a tenacious ability to satisfy the customers and meet daily targets. So a sales person can switch to this profile as core skills required in the profile are almost the same.

Customer Service

Academia

People working in a sales and marketing profile in a corporate sector usually hail from a commerce background. Some of them are postgraduates having a specialization in sales and marketing. Even companies prefer candidates having an academic background while hiring for sales. So, as sales professionals have a formal education in their respective domain, they always have an option of working in the academia.

Business Development

Business development typically involves growing a business by acquiring new customers, or by selling additional products or services to existing ones. Other than that, the executives in business development are responsible in pitching for new products, contacting potential clients, researching needs of clients or companies in case of B2B enterprise, and maintaining fruitful relations with the existing customers. Business development is a critical aspect in ensuring client acquisition and creating important tie-ups that help in business expansion. A person with a sales profile is apt when it comes to working in business development because both the departments have a target-oriented approach and progressively work with the intention of continuous and sustainable growth.



A career in sales is exciting and offers a lot of opportunities to grow. It is probably one of the few careers that people can pursue irrespective of their field of education, and it also provides opportunities for people working in sales to work in different domains that are mentioned above.

Career change is not a novel phenomenon. People today are willing to explore options, as they are in abundance. They are also susceptible to boredom due to the monotonous nature of work that they do, thus making room for exploring new options. Along with that the way a change in career was stigmatized initially is not prevalent these days. On the contrary, a person pursuing a different career and succeeding in it is glorified.

Therefore, it might sound exciting for a person who reads success stories related to career change. But it is important to realize that all that seems so easy is not actually the case. And a change in career involves a lot of efforts and risks. So it is advisable for anyone who wishes to change a career to scrutinize carefully all the variables at play and understand the key stages that govern the career change.

Stages in Career Change

Experiencing the need to change a career

This is often the first stage in switching a career. People who tend to pursue careers in which they don't have any interest, but still end up choosing it for various reasons, usually experience boredom very early in their career. However, there are several other reasons such as grim future prospects, stress, etc. that can induce the thought for a change and thereby force them to explore other options.

Contemplating on the reasons for the change

This is the next critical stage wherein a person who is serious about moving out of a career, pragmatically evaluates the need and reasons before taking any decision. The importance of this approach should not be undermined because if a person doesn't think critically and makes erratic decisions, it won't help him in the long-run and he/she might end-up getting trapped into a vicious cycle. He/she might suffer the same fate and would frequently experience the need to change careers.

Exploring different careers

Once there is a clear understanding of the need and reasons for the change, the next step is to explore the right career. Once people experience the pros and cons in their previous career, they have a vivid understanding about their own expectations from a career, which is helpful for them in the quest of a new one. For some people, exploring different careers might be based upon their childhood interests. And for others, it can be implementing an idea and be self-employed, whereas in some cases, it can be problems related to health or family issues.

Investing time and money in the new career

Changing a career is not easy. Initially, it involves serious thinking. And once you move into a different career, it can take a lot of time & investments before it starts yielding returns. Also, pursuing a different career may need you to acquire certain skills, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, individuals who wish to start something on their own may need a huge capital to invest.

Once an individual explores and finally decides the career to pursue, he/she arrives at a stage where investing time and money in order to nurture and develop abilities to withstand competition becomes necessary. This is the stage that can be challenging for a person as he/she might face situations that can be difficult to surmount.

Changing a career is a difficult choice. A proper due diligence and a right action plan is critical in ensuring a swift transformation. So it is advisable for individuals to factor all the critical stages and the necessary steps that need to be taken.

Generation X belongs to the people born during the period 1965 – 1984 and are probably in the early thirties or late forties. This particular generation forms a substantial part of the workforce population and often finds itself squeezed between two major groups, namely Boomers and Gen Y. As the professionals belonging to this group find themselves sandwiched between Boomers who are on the verge of retirement and Millennial who have a relaxed attitude towards company norms and protocols, they have also witnessed a paradigm shift in the choice of careers and are testimonials to the altered definition of career success. Times have certainly changed, and it is essential that people belonging to Gen X must keep up with it to avoid feeling dissatisfied or neglected. Hence, to match steps with Gen Y and save your job, it is necessary you follow these pieces of advice to ensure a long-lasting career.

Understand your brand value 

Today, individuals don't refrain from trying exciting career options or following their passion. The formula 'get good grades, complete education, get a job and live happily ever after' has already been laid to rest. Hence, even if you have been employed in a particular field for more than three decades, understand that the corporate would still need you. You are an important resource to the employer as you bring experience, reliability and some seriousness to the table.

Understand Your Value

Be the driving force of your career 

Even if you are an employee who has been working at the same organization for almost a decade, you should not be afraid to make a switch for better opportunities. Being loyal is definitely an excellent trait and is also appreciated in the job industry. Many Gen-Xers are facing midlife crisis juggling between job and other responsibilities. If the work has become monotonous or is not something that makes you tick, it is never too late to pursue a career in a field of your interest.

Be The Driving Force

Get a hands-on experience with social media 

To stay aloof and detached from the latest buzz in your domain, means you are deliberately showing a smug attitude and are unwilling to learn new things. Being ignorant about social media can affect your status in the society as well as create a negative impression on potential employers. In today's tech-savvy world, it is important to stay connected and embrace opportunities that are available on the Internet. You can discuss opinions with like-minded people or listen to their views and thus be in a continuous learning process.

Get Experience  with Social Media

Relate to your colleagues beyond work 

Gone are the days, when work only meant giving hundred percent to carry out the assigned tasks. The changing company environment has emphasized the fact that work and fun must mutually exist to boost productivity in the workplace. Hence, it is necessary to develop informal relationships with your coworkers that exist beyond the desk. You can try going on short road trips or mini picnics to develop a stronger bond.

Relate to Your Colleague

Break your skeptical attitude 

The people from Gen X are often said to have a typical stereotype mindset. Even if you have been an employee who was with the company since its inception and have watched its phenomenal growth, do not act like an individual who is difficult to talk to or has a strong sense of cynicism. As you belong to the middle generation of workers, become a bridge between the youngsters and older colleagues and keep sarcasm out of it.

Break Skeptical Attitude

Whenever you have a chance to learn new things, grab the opportunity instead of lamenting 'I am too old for it now'. Even if you failed to get the outcome, you will be glad that you at least made an attempt. If you want to see your career progressing, it's time to get started. Stop giving excuses and learn to adapt. Instead of being critical, assimilate these minor changes in your professional life.

Career transitions are often daunting irrespective of who you are – an experienced professional or just a starter in the industry. A career change is a big decision and there might be many stakes involved, but it is necessary to do so at the right time than staying stuck at the same place and compromising with the life you always desired to live. Do you think your work-life balance has been completely thrown off guard, and life sucks? It's time when you should take the leap and not be afraid of risks for there will always be better possibilities. Changing careers is often tumultuous and an individual might not be able to navigate the entire process on its own. At such times, he/she must take inspirations from influential personalities who have jumped the ship or even took assistance from a career coach. Taking help from a career coach can prove beneficial in the following ways.

Career Coaching

Gives you a better idea of present and past

As your mind plays tricks in such delicate situations, a career coach is always in a better position to understand your condition and the challenges you might have to face and accordingly guide you on the same. The mentor will help you understand whether you want to shift just because you feel unexcited about work and want to precipitously make a decision, want to follow the footsteps of a colleague who has just resigned, are persuaded by peers who are doing well in their field, or there is an underlying ambition to achieve something big in life. The career guide will help you assess yourself and know the real reason behind seeking a change.

Helps you realize your potential

Even if you are hell-bent on making a transition and have a clear vision of what you want to achieve in life, but are low on confidence, a career coach will help you in boosting your confidence levels and take a look at the optimistic side of this life-changing phase. These mentors can help understand your transferable skills, talents and also assist in searching probable options that will guarantee success.

Makes the process manageable

Shifting careers can look like an obstacle race at first even if you know your goal. As you meticulously prepare yourself to begin a new phase in life, a career guide can help you build a platform to brush up your capabilities and make use of resources to live a life you have always imagined. These professionals can help you identify your dream lifestyle and break the entire transition process into small actionable steps. They will assist in setting achievable goals with specific deadlines and even help in emphasizing your vision, thus eliminating all trepidation.

Helps to build a network

As you have decided to move to a new field, it is important that you add connections in your network as well as maintain old ones. Since a career guide usually handles and comes across professionals working in diverse fields, he/she can direct you to establish connections with people working in the same field you are interested in. Also, you will need to rework on your resume and modify your profiles on professional sites as well as social media.

Sets up an action plan

Although you are convinced and have made up your mind to pursue a new career, there might be times when you have to make bold significant decisions in life. You are aiming to embark on something that you have never tried before and might be hesitant to come out of a comfort zone. During such times, a career change guide will act as a motivator and help you achieve small milestones that will boost your belief, which is essential for success.

Opening up your heart to a career coach can help in making a smooth transition and the entire process look less challenging. The career guide will not only eliminate unnecessary thoughts but also relate to your ideas and ignite the spark to succeed in your new venture.

Want to give a new direction to your life? Going for a career change is not something that has been just born. Although questioning yourself whether you are on the right career path can induce anxiety and fear among many individuals, it is not something that has not been tried before. As the adage goes: “Better late than never,” some people do take time to realize their inclinations and get the right start. It is always better than being stuck with the wrong job. Today, there are plenty of examples of people who have switched their careers midlife and are living a successful life after taking the bold decision. Here are a few examples that demonstrate it is never too late to alter the career path.

#1. Jane Doze – DJ duo who make you tap your feet

Mozentor and Schlissel, the female DJs who are among the most renowned electronic DJ artists hit the right notes when they met at a show. Their bonding increased over the time while discussing electronic dance music and mash-ups of different songs. Before their instinct took over, both the ladies were employed in a full-time day in Manhattan. After their Chicago show and a print featured in Billboard magazine made them overnight stars, they decided to take the plunge and shift from a paycheck job to a full-time career in the music industry.

Jane Doze

#2. Roz Savage – An expert ocean rower

This woman in mid thirties with no previous experience in adventure gave her family and friends the shock of their lives when she suddenly announced her decision to row across the world's biggest deep-blue oceans. Roz actually wrote down two obituaries to determine if her current job was giving her the freedom to live a fulfilled life. When she noticed that it was taking her in wrong direction and forcing her to live a life of obligation, not only did she ditch the job but also became the first woman to row across the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Indian ocean.

Roz Savage

#3. Walt Disney – Creator of the most loved cartoons

A testimony to his own thought, 'If you can dream it, you can do it'. Walt Disney did not reach the pinnacle easily. Braving various childhood odds, he started to work as a newspaper editor at Kansas City Star newspaper, but was fired from the job due to 'lack of imagination and creativity'. He soon started his own venture 'Laugh-O-gram Studios' but went bankrupt. In later years, he went on to create the iconic Mickey Mouse and his group of friends, which is still quite a rage among children.

Walt Disney

#4. Andrea Bocelli - Struck the right chords with music

He holds a law degree from the University of Pisa and was working in a highly qualified role of Defense Attorney until the age of 34. Following his love for music, Andrea quit the high profile career to become a full-time singer. He struggled for the initial years until Pavarotti listened to him on tape and become one of the world's most famous classical singers.

Andrea Bocelli

#5. Jeff Bezos – Amazon chief and entrepreneur

Bezos went on to make a lucrative career in computer science in top firms of Wall Street after completing graduation. He served as the youngest vice president at an investment firm, D.E. Shaw before quitting the job to start his own setup in Seattle and created history by transitioning the world of e-commerce with Amazon.

Jeff Bezos

#6. Brad Pitt – Hollywood's heartthrob

Eldest among his siblings, Brad Pitt dropped out of college when he was just two steps away from completing a journalism degree at the University of Missouri. He worked as a limousine driver to make a living before realizing his love for films. Driven by his passion, he left that job and entered the world of glamor. He won several accolades, and the rest became history.

Brad Pitt

#7. Shaina Olmanson – For love of desserts and passion for food blogging

Shaina was working as a typewriter in 2008 typing the interviews taken by other journalists. Though the job kept her on toes and occupied a major part of the day, she knew this job was not something that would be appreciated in her career. Aspiring to be a writer, she was urged by her friends to take up writing as a serious career. Shaina slowly started getting recognition for her work and went on to become a successful food blogger and even published a book on desserts.

Shaina Olmanson

Changing careers is always a big decision and definitely not for the fainthearted. If you have the courage to ditch your monotonous job and guts to follow your dreams and accept the challenges, take example of inspirational individuals who dared to make the transition and took the jump.