Industry Hopping: A Trend on the Rise

The idea of a "job for life" is well behind us. These days not only are people moving between companies, they're also jumping industries altogether. Industry hopping is on the rise, and for good reason. 

In the years following COVID-19, many people began re-evaluating what they wanted from their work. Some chased a healthier corporate culture. Others sought more motivation and purpose. In some cases, this meant a dramatic shift, such as moving from high-paying corporate roles to meaningful positions in sectors like education or not-for-profit. 

A Changing World 

In today’s environment, industry hopping is more about finding new opportunities. Some industries are shrinking. Others are being reshaped by automation or AI. In these environments, long-term job security or growth can feel uncertain. 

Take the print media industry, for example. As we consume media in new ways, newspaper circulation and ad revenue have declined. Many professionals have transitioned into digital content creation, and tech-adjacent roles. Or look at the travel industry, where roles such as travel agents have been largely replaced by technology. Many of these workers have successfully transitioned into new areas, for example, service roles within industries like fintech.. 

Others are driven by changes in life and stage. Parents who reduced their hours or responsibility while they had a young family, may now be in a position to seek more meaning in their work — beyond simply paying the bills. 

Thinking About Changing Careers or Industries? 

If you’re considering a career pivot, the first question might be: How do I position myself so employers recognise my value, especially if I’m entering a new industry? 

This is where career coaching can make a real difference. 

Start with You, Not the Job Market 

It’s tempting to jump straight to rewriting your CV or brushing up on transferable skills. But a great coach helps you step back and review your life and career goals. This process helps you create a vision and career map based on your priorities, goals, values and strengths, not just a list of open roles. Coaching can also lead you to consider industries or roles you hadn’t entertained before. 

Turn Experience Into Opportunity 

Once you have clarity, a coach can guide you through a skills audit, identifying which of your existing strengths can be repurposed and where you may want to build new capabilities. This forms the foundation of a career map. 

For example, we’ve worked with Defence Force personnel transitioning to commercial roles. These individuals bring deep experience in leadership, logistics, building resilience, and systems thinking. But the challenge is often in the translation. Defence Force job titles and language don’t always line up with what the private sector is used to hearing. A coach can help unpack those experiences and reframe them in a way that speaks the language of new industries. 

Finding Confidence in the Unknown 

Changing your path is a brave move. It takes courage to walk away from something familiar and test yourself in a new environment. Building confidence in the skills you have and presenting yourself positively to future employers is key. Coaching can help translate one industry’s jargon into the language of a new sector and provide you with the tools to position yourself for different industries. 

A Message to Employers: Don’t Overlook Industry Hoppers 

For employers, there’s a real opportunity here too. The most forward-thinking organisations are moving beyond traditional filters like only considering candidates with university degrees or industry-specific experience. 

By considering a wider range of candidates, businesses can tap into a more diverse talent pool. 

There’s enormous value in welcoming people who bring new ideas, different ways of thinking, and real-world experience from other sectors. Businesses that embrace broader hiring practices are seeing the benefits, including more diverse thinking and greater innovation. 

Ready to Explore a Career Change? 

Career transitions at the executive level come with unique complexity. If you're considering a shift or simply want space to reflect, I offer 30-minute consultations to support strategic thinking and clarity. 

Learn more about our coaching services or get in touch.