Is it ever too late to change career?

From the age of 16, we’re expected to know what we want to do with the rest of our lives. Most of us follow a linear path through life, whether it’s doing A-Levels and heading off to university or finishing school and then looking to find a job. We are then expected to stick to that sector until the age of 67 when we retire.

Indeed, this mindset stems from the stigma attached to those employees who job-hopped, those who couldn’t show longevity to one company. Only a few years ago, when anyone was given advice on their career, staying loyal to one employer was at the top of the list.

Nevertheless, the past two years have completely redefined the workplace and have re-written these rules for good. Now, those giving advice on career journeys state boldly that the most integral part of going to work is ensuring you are happy, that you find a positive work/life balance and that you feel fulfilled.

The pandemic showed workers all over the world that there isn’t enough time to be stuck in a job you hate. Indeed, it became clear just how many people were unhappy in the workplace when research by PwC found that one in five workers are planning to change their jobs in 2022. The knock-on effect has seen the number of vacancies skyrocket in recent months. Looking locally, the number of Exeter jobs posted in the past 14 days currently stands at over 1,000.

However, despite far more acceptance around job-hopping in the current market, there still appears to be a divide between the younger and the older generation, with more Millennials and Gen Z employees moving around than their senior colleagues. In some cases, this is because those in managerial and senior positions are content in their current roles but for some, there’s still an ingrained concern about moving jobs.

There’s no time like the present

We spend a third of our lives at work and, on average, an additional 188 days of overtime. And with time being such a precious commodity, there’s no reason to be spending these moments being unhappy.

Unfortunately, recent stats have shown that those aged 35 and over were twice as likely to say they were unhappy in the workplace compared to their younger colleagues. Nearly a third of those aged 55 and over said they felt unappreciated and 16 per cent said they didn’t have any friends in the workplace.

It’s time for these statistics to change.

It’s never too late for anyone to redesign their career in a way that makes them feel happy and fulfilled. As someone with many years of experience, the transferrable skills you hold will be numerous and the knowledge you have garnered since starting work will be invaluable to any team. Additionally, with the vast number of options to undertake further learning and education at any age and at any time, the world is your oyster.

While change may feel daunting, and it may be tempting to stick with what you know, feeling content in life, professionally and personally, is imperative. There will always be a role out there for you that is the perfect fit, and now is the time to go and find it.

If you are thinking about changing careers but aren’t sure where to start and recruitment solutions advice from an Exeter-based agency would be helpful, please contact our friendly team who will be more than happy to help.