Career Switch Feasibility Calculator UK 2025/26

Our calculator is based on real UK employment data from ONS (Office for National Statistics), industry salary benchmarks, and analysis of thousands of successful (and unsuccessful) career transitions. The feasibility score considers 12+ weighted factors including financial readiness, skills overlap, market demand, and personal circumstances. While no calculator can predict the future with 100% certainty, our algorithm provides a realistic assessment based on statistical patterns. Your results should be used as guidance alongside professional career counselling and personal research.

Feasibility scores are categorised as follows:

• 80-100 (Excellent): Highly feasible - strong position to make the switch soon with minimal barriers
• 60-79 (Good): Feasible with planning - addressable challenges, realistic timeline of 6-18 months
• 40-59 (Moderate): Challenging but possible - significant preparation needed, 1-3 year timeline
• 20-39 (Low): Difficult transition - major barriers to overcome, may need to reconsider timing or target
• 0-19 (Very Low): Currently unfeasible - substantial changes to circumstances needed before attempting

Even a low score doesn't mean "give up" - it means you need more preparation time and strategic planning.

Career switch timelines vary significantly based on the industries involved and your starting point:

• Similar Industry Switch: 3-6 months (e.g., Marketing to Sales, Retail to Hospitality)
• Related Industry Switch: 6-12 months (e.g., Finance to Data Analysis, Teaching to Training)
• Complete Industry Change: 12-24 months (e.g., Retail to IT, Construction to Healthcare)
• Regulated Profession Switch: 2-4 years (e.g., any field to Medicine, Law, Teaching - requires formal qualifications)

Our calculator provides a personalised timeline estimate based on your specific situation, skills gap, training requirements, and available time commitment.

Absolutely not! A low feasibility score simply means you need more preparation before making the switch. Our calculator identifies specific areas where you're struggling (financial readiness, skills gap, market demand, etc.) and provides targeted recommendations to improve. Common improvement strategies include:

• Build a larger financial safety net (6-12 months expenses)
• Gain relevant skills through courses, certifications, or volunteering
• Network extensively in your target industry
• Start with a related "bridge" role rather than jumping directly
• Extend your timeline to allow more preparation time
• Consider part-time or freelance work in target field while keeping current job

Many successful career switchers initially had low scores but improved their feasibility through strategic planning and preparation.

Age is a factor but not a barrier. Different age groups face different challenges:

• 18-25: Highest flexibility, less financial responsibility, but less experience and savings
• 26-35: Good balance of experience, energy, and time to build new career. Ideal switching age.
• 36-45: More financial responsibilities (mortgage, children), but also more savings, maturity, and transferable skills
• 46-55: Significant experience and potentially strong finances, but may face age bias in some industries. Better to switch to consulting or contracting
• 56+: Approaching retirement but still viable, especially for passion projects or flexible work

UK employment law protects against age discrimination. Many employers value mature workers for their experience, reliability, and professional networks. Your feasibility score considers age realistically but emphasises that career switches are possible at any life stage with proper planning.