Changing careers in your middle years can seem daunting, but I’m finding it’s becoming increasingly common as many of my customers seek more fulfilling and rewarding work.
Whether you’re looking for a better work-life balance, a career that aligns with your values, or simply a fresh start, there are many paths to explore. In this blog post, I’ll discuss key considerations for a successful career change, including transferable skills, identifying your priorities, and finding a career that suits your values and lifestyle.
Understanding Transferable Skills
One of the biggest hurdles when changing careers is the fear that you’re starting from scratch. However, you likely have a wealth of transferable skills that can be applied to new roles. These are skills and competencies that you’ve developed throughout your career, education, or personal experiences that can be used in various fields. Here are some examples of transferable skills:
Communication: Don’t underestimate this skill! The ability to convey ideas is valuable in almost every career.
Problem-solving: Employers value people who can think critically and find solutions to complex problems.
Project management: If you’ve managed projects or coordinated teams, you have skills that are highly valued in many industries.
Customer service: If you’ve worked in roles that require customer interaction, your skills can translate to sales, marketing, and customer-facing roles.
Take time to assess your skills and consider how they can be applied to new fields. Create a list of these transferable skills and keep them in mind as you explore career options.
Finding a Career That Matches Your Values
I don’t remember ever thinking that my values had a part to play in my choice of career! But our values have a powerful role in governing so much of our lives and they are equally powerful when it comes to careers! Think about what truly matters to you. Are you passionate about a specific cause? Do you want to work in an industry that aligns with your values? Many people find greater satisfaction in their work when they feel it has a purpose. Here are some questions to help you identify a rewarding career:
What causes or issues are you passionate about? Consider careers in non-profits, environmental work, or advocacy.
Do you prefer a structured or flexible work environment? Some careers offer more flexibility in terms of hours and location.
What type of company culture suits you? Are you looking for a close-knit team or a more formal corporate setting?
Reflecting on these questions can help you narrow down your career options and find a new rewarding career that aligns with your values.
Focusing on Your Needs: Work-Life Balance and Fulfillment
Changing careers in your middle years often involves prioritising work-life balance and career fulfilment. Consider your current and future needs, such as:
Working hours: Do you need a role with more flexibility or set hours?
Location: Are you open to relocating, or do you prefer remote work?
Career fulfilment: What aspects of work bring you the most satisfaction?
Exploring Career Options
Some careers are particularly popular among those seeking a midlife career change due to their flexibility, growth potential, or the ability to leverage transferable skills Here are some popular career choices for people looking to change careers:
Healthcare: Healthcare careers, such as nursing, medical billing, or radiology, are popular due to their strong job security and high demand. Training and certification can often be obtained relatively quickly.
Technology and IT: The technology sector offers a wide range of roles, from software development and IT support to cybersecurity and data analysis. It’s popular due to its high growth potential and flexibility, with many remote opportunities.
Education and Teaching: Careers in education, such as teaching, tutoring, or educational consulting, appeal to those who enjoy mentoring and sharing knowledge. It’s a rewarding field with opportunities for part-time and flexible work.
Project Management: With transferable skills like organisation, communication, and leadership, project management is a versatile career choice. It spans many industries, including construction, IT, healthcare, and more.
Human Resources (HR): HR roles focus on people management, recruitment, and employee relations. It suits people with strong interpersonal skills and an interest in workplace culture.
Sales and Marketing: These careers offer flexibility and the potential for high earnings through commissions. Sales and marketing roles are prevalent in various industries, including real estate, technology, and consumer goods.
Business and Entrepreneurship: Some of my clients have chosen to start their own businesses or consult as freelancers. This career path allows for greater independence and control over work-life balance.
Environmental and Sustainability Careers: For very obvious reasons this is a growth area as environmental issues become more impactful. Careers in sustainability and environmental advocacy are growing and you can find roles that include environmental consultants, sustainability coordinators, and conservationists.
Social Work and Counseling: If you’re interested in helping others, careers in social work, counselling, or therapy could be for you. These jobs offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
Creative and Design Careers: Many people find fulfilment in creative careers such as graphic design, writing, photography, or interior design. These roles often allow for flexibility and self-expression.
Don’t give up!
Sometimes it’s hard to imagine doing anything other than the job you are doing now but don’t give up hope! It always amazes me the variety of career options that are out there. For example, this year many of my customers have come from policing and have successfully moved into careers in aviation, sales, project management, environmental work, housing, risk management, football and AI.
You most likely have a wealth of skills and experience so work out what your skills are, what matters to you in life and what brings you joy then explore the opportunities that are out there!
Charlotte Eve
Charlotte Eve is an award winning CV Writer, LinkedIn Writer and Interview Coach, helping people internationally to move confidently into new roles. With an HR background, passion for writing and determination to pursue a ‘useful’ career, Charlotte set up C K Futures to support people most at risk in the job market. She is recognised by recruitment agencies, career coaches and back-to-work organisations nationwide as a specialist in helping people affected by redundancy, those seeking career change, individuals with complicated careers, parent returners and those with career gaps. Charlotte has helped more than 20,000 people into new roles, delivers her Masterclass Course to employment organisations and is sought out by businesses for her outplacement services. Also mum to two teenagers, Charlotte supports charities to help young adults and is a Youth Mentor.