HERE’S HOW TO MAKE A MID-LIFE CAREER CHANGE WITH EASE

Are you middle-aged and feeling stuck in a career slump? It’s understandable. Our twenties are all about getting experience in our field, and our thirties are about becoming experts at what we do.

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According to Indeed.com, the average age of someone considering a career change is mid-career, at 39 years of age. Usually, we feel like we’re stagnating. Covid-19 has added to this. Having to work from home has forced people to re-evaluate their working lives. It’s becoming more common to want to leave our current jobs. We see ‘The Great Resignation’ around the world. And many believe this is the perfect time for a career pivot.

The South African College of Applied Psychology reckons that ‘as many as 70% of people are looking to change their current career path’. If you’re part of this percentage, read on for steps you should take in the process.

Related article: How to find your true calling

Ask yourself key questions
First off, evaluate your reasons. Why do you want to start a new career? If it’s just because you don’t like your manager or salary, perhaps you simply need to switch companies. Good reasons include feeling undervalued, being unstimulated, staying in a dying industry or lack of employment opportunities in your chosen field.

Next, consider what you want from your new career. More money? A better work-life balance? Creative fulfilment? Greater purpose? Knowing this will help you research your options. For instance, if money’s what you’re after, learn which jobs are the most lucrative.

Take personality tests to find which jobs will best suit you. You’ll find these ‘in books, on the internet in the offices of guidance counsellors, vocational psychologists and career coaches’, says Richard N. Bolles, author of What Color is Your Parachute?

Identify your skills
Starting afresh, without years of technical experience, could make it difficult to secure a job in a new field. That’s why you should identify which of your skills are transferable. Consider both soft and hard skills. ‘If you have transferable skills and can easily transition from one job to another, you may be given a chance to prove yourself,’ says Nova Buchan, a specialist consultant at Capital Edge Recruitment in Cape Town.

Related article: Why mentors and coaches can boost your career

Consider moving within the same company
Entering a new industry and acquiring a job title can be a long route to take. It’s a two-step change but, perhaps, you only need to take one. Can you transition into a new role within your current field or company? ‘Candidates often find something they love when working in a job and start to move in that direction. For example, you may be a business analyst but want something more creative, so move into marketing,’ advises Buchan. ‘It’s easier to transition while working for a company than trying to do this once you’ve left.’

Build your network
Who do you currently know who could help you in future? ‘Build relationships with people you’ve worked with, whether a supplier, client or internal staff. You never know when you might need their input or a good reference,’ says Buchan.



Start making meaningful industry connections, too. Attend events, join social media groups, and reach out. To get a sense of your ideal job or field, approach those already doing the work for a coffee meeting. Or ask to job shadow them for a day. Down the line, these contacts could help with that foot-in-the-door referral.

Consider your finances
You could be without a salary for a while. Or, you may start with entry-level pay. So you’ll need money to tide you over during the transition. Do you have an emergency fund to cover your expenses for a minimum of three months? Revise your budget to see where you can trim down expenses. If financial planning isn’t your strong point, see a financial adviser.

Use online resources
Do online research to find out what qualifications, skills and experience you may need. Try to fill the gaps in your knowledge or skills. Can’t afford a formal qualification? Look at online courses by FutureLearn, Udemy or Coursera. Buchan also recommends joining relevant groups on social media to get involved in their discussions.

Take small steps
Start small if you’re not ready to jump in at the deep end. Could you try out your new job as a side hustle? Start freelancing as you update your skills and CV. Above all, accept that you’ll be a beginner. Starting from the bottom means learning from the missteps you may initially make.

Related article: What’s your workplace personality?