Deciding to make a career change later in life is a significant and often exciting decision. For Spanish learners, understanding how to express this idea accurately is important, especially since there are specific phrases that convey different types of changes in one’s professional life. Let’s explore the key terms and their proper usage.
“Cambio de carrera” and “Cambio de profesión”
When you want to talk about a career change in Spanish, you can use the phrases “cambio de carrera” or “cambio de profesión.” Both of these terms refer to a significant shift in your professional path, such as moving from being an engineer to becoming a teacher.
- Cambio de carrera: This literally translates to “change of career.” It is used to describe a switch from one career path to another.
- Example: Después de 20 años como abogado, decidí hacer un cambio de carrera y convertirme en chef. (After 20 years as a lawyer, I decided to make a career change and become a chef.)
- Cambio de profesión: This translates to “change of profession” and is used similarly to “cambio de carrera,” emphasizing a shift to a different professional field.
- Example: María siempre soñó con ser médica, así que a los 40 años hizo un cambio de profesión y empezó a estudiar medicina. (María always dreamed of being a doctor, so at 40, she made a career change and started studying medicine.)
“Cambio de trabajo” is Not the Same
It’s important to note that “cambio de trabajo” is not synonymous with a career change in Spanish. This phrase means a change of job and typically refers to moving from one job to another within the same field or for reasons such as better pay, better benefits, or a more convenient location.
- Cambio de trabajo: This translates to “change of job” and is used when someone switches jobs without changing their overall career path.
- Example: Juan decidió hacer un cambio de trabajo porque la nueva empresa ofrecía un mejor salario. (Juan decided to change jobs because the new company offered a better salary.)
Key Differences
- Cambio de carrera / Cambio de profesión:
- Involves a significant change in your professional path.
- Examples include switching from engineering to teaching, from law to culinary arts, etc.
- Reflects a shift in the type of work you do, often requiring new education or training.
- Cambio de trabajo:
- Involves changing jobs within the same career field.
- Examples include moving from one company to another for a better position, more pay, or other job-related benefits.
- Does not usually require significant retraining or a shift in professional identity.
So, if you’re planning a significant career change, remember to say “cambio de carrera” or “cambio de profesión.” If you’re just switching to a different job within the same field, then “cambio de trabajo” is the right phrase to use.
