Author: Maja Springer
There is a common assumption that we choose our career path once in our lives when going to college. However, changing careers later in life is becoming more common. While previous generations mostly spent their entire lives in one job, there is a trend toward changing the workplace and the profession, even a couple of times in a lifetime. What are the reasons for these changes and what does it take to change your career later in life?
Why Do People Change Careers Later in Life?
Given the education system, it is assumed that one should choose one's career while still in high school. For many still, choosing a university and major seems to be a lifelong decision. Increasingly, however, completed studies have less impact on future careers. More and more people are working in professions completely unrelated to their studies after they graduate. Sometimes they do another course of study or decide to take further training courses, the offerings of which are expanding more and more.
This is primarily driven by factors such as economic change, technological advances, and evolving cultural attitudes toward work or age itself. Studies suggest that the average person changes careers multiple times during their working life. The job market is changing very rapidly, new jobs are emerging and some professions are being automated by artificial intelligence, for example. This situation forces professionals in certain fields to change careers.
In addition, nowadays, thanks to the Internet, we have increasing access to information and cheaper, or even free education. People can also constantly be inspired by watching the lives of others on social media. This allows them to learn about career opportunities they didn't know about before. Many people also, due to the living conditions they grew up in, did not have the opportunity to try different things or pursue their passions before they became financially independent. Therefore, many people choose to learn new skills and change careers later in life.
Are There Age Limitations to Changing Careers?
The idea of “age limitations” is largely a myth based on societal expectations and internal fears. While some occupations - such as those requiring intensive physical training or years of specialized education - can pose practical challenges for older people, most industries value skills that can be learned at any age. What's more, as life expectancy and retirement age increase, professionals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s often have decades of productive work ahead of them.
Increasingly, during the recruitment process for some positions, age is not allowed to be included on resumes, and recruiters are not allowed to ask about it either. This is to prevent age bias and to help focus on a candidate's personality, skills, and experience, without any assumptions based on age.
It is worth noting that middle-aged people born in the same year can have very different fitness, both physically and intellectually. Nowadays, thanks to new technologies, it is also possible to study the biological age of the human body, which is not always compatible with its chronological age. Differences in biological age are determined by many factors, including genetics and lifestyle. So it is important to remember that in some cases, age can indeed only be a number.
What Does It Take to Change Careers?
Changing careers at a later age is a growing phenomenon, it is possible, but for many, it can also come with a significant risk. So it's worth thinking carefully before taking serious or immediate steps towards changing a career.
Define your direction. Changing careers, while it can happen even a few times in a lifetime, is still an important decision. Before embarking on a new path, it is crucial to assess your interests, skills, and values. What drives you? What are you best at? If you want to make a career change without a precise direction, it's a good idea to consult with a career counselor or coach.
Find your way to learn new skills. Career changes often require gaining new qualifications or improving existing skills. Online courses, certifications, or part-time degrees are more available than ever, making lifelong learning a practical option.
Build a contact network. Building contacts in your chosen field is crucial. Attend industry events, engage in social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Facebook groups, and seek out informational conversations to gain insight and advice. Networking can open doors to mentoring, internships, or job opportunities.
Prepare yourself for taking a risk. Changing careers might bring risk and involve overcoming uncertainty, financial adjustments, and periods of self-doubt. Make sure you have financial security or start your career change gradually, for example educating yourself while still working in your current profession. This will save you stress and pressure if your re-branding process is slower or more difficult than you anticipated at the beginning.
Embrace your unique path. Remember that everyone's path is unique and unrepeatable. Everyone has a completely different background, experiences, support and starts from a different place. Comparing yourself to others who are working in your target industry for years can only discourage you and slow down the process of reaching your goals. Benefit from the knowledge of others, and get inspired, but at the same time try to develop your own techniques for achieving your goals. Create an action plan that takes into account your capabilities and limitations (time, financials) and take advantage of the resources you have.
When Should You Consider Changing Careers?
The decision to change careers is very personal and depends on individual circumstances. A career change should be considered by those who are dissatisfied with their work life, are experiencing burnout, or see no further opportunity for themselves in their current job. A valid argument for changing careers, regardless of age, is also the feeling that one's current job is completely unrelated to one's current interests. Interests, passions, and priorities in life can change throughout life. Over time, they might not be completely compatible with the career we previously chose for ourselves. Our health or family situation may also change. Whatever factor makes us consider a career change, each is worthy of attention and careful consideration.
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