It's risky for newly hired executives to make multiple changes at once, switching both industry and job level, for example.

WSJ: How to Switch Careers, Companies and Roles

Even if you are switching career paths, people will judge you based on your past success and your own level of confidence in your new endeavor.

FORBES: It's Time to Reinvent YOU

A-level pupils take fewer subjects than those studying for Scottish Highers, they have more scope to boost their grades by switching subject.

ECONOMIST: Exam results