A career change can begin with a familiar thought: “I know I want something different, but I do not know what else I can do.” Before rewriting your CV or applying broadly, turn that uncertainty into two or three role options you can investigate.
1. Separate what you want to leave from what you want to keep
Write down the parts of your current work you want to change: the tasks, industry, working arrangement, environment or progression. Then list the work you still enjoy. Wanting to leave one employer does not automatically mean you need a different profession.
For example, someone who enjoys client conversations but dislikes constant new-business prospecting might explore account management or customer success. These are possibilities to assess against actual vacancies, rather than automatic matches.
2. Describe skills through work you have done
“Communication” and “problem-solving” are starting points. Make them concrete. Have you explained a complex service, resolved a complaint, coordinated several teams or improved a recurring process? Write down the situation, your responsibility and what happened.
Keep a short evidence list. It will help you decide which skills transfer and give you material for your CV and interviews.
3. Compare a few real vacancies for each option
Read several current job descriptions with the same or similar title. Note the duties, required experience, tools, location and working arrangement. A title can mean different things at different organisations.
Mark each requirement as evidence you already have, a gap you could work on, or a requirement you cannot currently meet. Separate stated essential requirements from preferences. Check eligibility and location conditions in the vacancy rather than assuming a remote role is open everywhere.
4. Choose a realistic first move
You may be able to change function while staying in a familiar industry, or change industry while keeping a familiar function. Compare these with a move that changes both. Choose the option you can explain with the strongest evidence and a manageable preparation plan.
If a gap is practical, investigate a small project, relevant learning or a conversation with someone doing the work. Describe practice projects honestly; they are different from paid professional experience.
5. Tailor your CV after choosing the target
Put the most relevant responsibilities and achievements where the reader can find them. Explain the connection between your past experience and the new role, while keeping your job titles and history accurate.
Your next step: select one target role, save three vacancies and create a short role-to-evidence map. You can refine the direction as you learn more.