What's going on?
Some will say its learning from the pandemic, we now want more flexibility in careers and desire meaning and purpose. The adage “people don’t quit their jobs, they quit their bosses” is also prevalent in many people’s decision to change .
Boredom and lack of growth are often a deciding factor. I, like many parents took a job because it allowed me to do the school run. As soon as I didn’t need that flexibility it was time to move on.
Dr Lucy Ryan in her book “Revolting Women” notes that whilst middle aged women are the largest workforce demographic, we are excluded from organisations because of gender, age and non linear career paths. Transition then becomes necessary.
People aren’t just changing to familiar roles ( ” a change is as good as a rest” as one of my clients described it) , they are moving to completely new endeavours, many becoming entrepreneurs.
A 2018 study by Rest Less showed that self-employment among women aged 45-65 grew by 57% over the past decade, reflecting a significant rise in later-life entrepreneurship. Over 50% of female entrepreneurs in the UK are aged 45 and over.
What’s important here is that is entirely possible to change to a fulfilling purposeful career.
Transitions to a whole new lifestyle
Transitions aren’t just about doing something different – they are actually about creating a whole new lifestyle. This might mean changing location, earning more or less money, working different hours , releasing or gaining responsibility , changing industry.
All are achievable when approached with purpose, clarity and an acceptance it wont always be easy. Persistence is the key.
Pause for Perspective
We all have good days and bad days. A return from holiday can feel incredibly bleak and end of year accounts and reporting can frustrate the calmest of us. There’s a difference though from short term irritation to long term unfulfillment, feeling compromised and approaching work with apathy even dread.
In my experience the feelings of needing a career change and wanting a new life are unmistakable. They can be masked but inside you know a change is required.
"When you know, you know"
Values , Strengths and Interests
The key to a fulfilling career is working to your values – those core beliefs that drive your behaviour. Compromising on those leads to unfulfillment and dissatisfaction. What actually drives you – where do you spend your time, money and energy?
What are your strengths – where’s your experience. A coach will be able to work with you to translate experience into the skills it actually took to ensure success. Think about it leading a family holiday dinner without anyone arguing is actually a masterclass in negotiation and conflict resolution!”
Finally, think about what truly interests you — Is there a particular part of your current role you absolutely love and want to do more of?
Maybe you’re the type who can spend hours organising a home until it’s a masterpiece of colour coordination and organisation. Believe it or not, that’s not just tidying up, it’s a sign of excellent project management, attention to detail, and the ability to see a vision through to completion.
Do you like to work with people? Not everyone does. What about children or animals?
I once thought I wanted to be a podiatrist – it would give me flexibility, I’d meet people. I soon found I really do not like feet! It was easy to discount that as a career path.
Understanding your values, strengths and interests can set a direction of travel.
"Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion." Simon Sinek
research, networking and exploration
This is your best friend in career change. Look at the industries and roles that fit the direction you want. Find out additional skills you’ll need. There are so many options now for skills development that can be done alongside an existing role, maybe even as part of your current role.
Volunteering is a great way to gain additional skills or learn about an organisation, many firms already have volunteering schemes.
I can’t emphasise enough, the power of networking. Think of it as meeting people who share similar interests and have knowledge of the area you want to work in. People are incredibly generous in my experience. We love to help. Some will make introductions for you, others will learn from you too. Get on LinkedIn, follow people in your area of interest, comment on posts, write posts. There’s so much to learn form others experience. Many experts in their field don’t actually realise the impact a simple LinkedIn post can have – because its “just what they know” I’ve had some incredible wow moments.
Getting known either in person or virtually is important. We hire people we know, like and trust. Therefore get to know people. Be authentic.
I for example knew I could teach people the technical aspects of job, there are some skills that seem innate such as great communication or ability to put others at ease. Employers will hire for these and teach the technical aspects of a role.
The big gamble in a total life transition can be lifestyle change. If you are hankering after a move to somewhere you’ve been on holiday or a move from city to country or vice versa – Check it out with others who have done the same. Learn the drawbacks and see if you can work with them. From my experience, living in a remote area with teenage children who need to taken to school or clubs in a nearby town can present many often expensive logistical problems!
"People do business with people they know, like, and trust." — Bob Burg
Handling the Emotional Challenges of Career Transition
Changing careers, especially in midlife, can stir up a lot of emotions— from joy and excitement to uncertainty, fear of the unknown, anxiety or even self-doubt. That’s normal.
Acknowledge them, feel them and recognise them for what they are – signs you are making a change that matters. Surround yourself with a support system of friends, family. A coach and or mentor will enable you to overcome and use them to move you forwards. A coach will also keep you on track and keep you accountable.
Mindfulness practices such as meditation or journaling can help. Exercise and getting outdoors are great to.
Remember, it’s okay to take things slowly and trust that this transition is part of your personal growth.
financial stability
"Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear." — George Addair
One of the biggest concerns in a career transition can be maintaining financial stability.
Start by honestly assessing your current financial situation—track your expenses and create a realistic budget that includes both short-term needs and long-term goals. Also think about benefits from your current employment – e.g. private healthcare, company car or discounted travel.
A financial advisor can help manage your resources effectively and ensure you’re well-prepared for the move. If you need to finance your new venture, they will be able to advise on options for this. They will also be able to advice on long terms protection of future pension arrangements
If you’re leaving a steady job, do you needs to build a financial buffer, e.g. like 3-6 months of living expenses.
You may also want to diversify your income by taking on freelance work or part-time work as you transition into your new career.
It is worth considering whether redundancy options are available in your current career. If so, is this something to factor in your future planning
Take the leap!
You’ll have learned loads in preparing for this change. That’s of no use, if in a year’s time you are still bored and unfulfilled!
Take your learning and make the change.
If you need a coach, get one. I’m a coach, I also have a coach. (every great sportsperson does too!) The investment is worth it.
What about a mentor? I’m learning to run my business , doing what I love. I have a mentor to help me. Could a mentor help you in your transition too?
Our time is precious, use yours to create the career and lifestyle you really want.
