Now what?

Making a move to a new career can be incredibly exciting, but it can also be frightening. That's understandable, since you're moving toward the unknown and away from the stability of your current position. But it may be helpful to know that there are actually some solid steps you can take in order to make this transition as smooth and as comfortable as possible. Just follow this three-part formula:

1) Do your research.

Your new career is going to require new skills, new knowledge, and a strong understanding of a new industry. Do all the necessary reading and research on that industry to prepare yourself. Do some online checking, contact colleagues and friends in the area you'll be transitioning into, read trade or specialty publications, and so on. Utilize all the resources at your disposal in order to develop a solid base of knowledge for your new career.

2) Bring relevant skills with you.

There is likely to be a lot of crossover even though you're changing careers and transitioning into a new industry. But many people make the mistake of completely clearing the slate and not recognizing the places where their old skills can help them in their new jobs. For example, let's consider that you've opened your own bakery and left your job at a bank. Well, just because your new job is creative, don't let yourself swing too far over to the artistic side without bringing along some of your business savvy. Remember that all jobs require a balance of creativity and professionalism—you can use your head for numbers to create a cost-saving budget and invest your profits in wise ways.

Even if you're making a less dramatic shift—say, from public relations to advertising—you will still need to demonstrate to potential employers that being new to the industry doesn't mean you're starting from scratch. This idea that skill sets overlap from industry to industry is an important one to keep in mind as you shift careers because it will provide a sense of emotional continuity.

3) Don't change everything all at once.

If you quit your job, move to a new city, break up with your boyfriend or girlfriend, buy a dog, start a new career and purchase a new home all in the span of a month, you're setting yourself up for emotional frenzy. Make life easier for yourself, and make change more palatable, by taking small steps, and take them one at a time. Try to maintain as much continuity as you can while making the big change of shifting careers.