Why do so many people change careers when they're over 30? By then you've accrued a lot of years in the work force, and you're pretty clear about what you like or don't like.The biggest problem is that at 30, 40 or 50, you've also gained responsibilities like kids, car notes, and mortgages. But it is possible to manage a career change while keeping your income.
Four Career Changes
I've had over 50 jobs during the course of my work life; and I've changed careers four times.
Right after college (at 21), I convinced myself that my drama BFA couldn't get me work. So, I started a career as a secretary. That evolved (at 25) to legal word processor - supporting me while I did theater in my spare time.
But I was unhappy. At age 30, I was sick of breaking myself in two: half-breadwinner, half-artist. Television directing seemed like a good way to merge the two.If I'd had to quit my "real" job to focus on making this change, it never would have happened. Not being much of a risk taker, I wasn't inclined to climb out on the limb of the unknown in pursuit of the ideal job. Fortunately, I stumbled on a way to keep my job while looking for my next move.
I kept my night job (working 5 PM to midnight, typing in a law firm), committed to spending at least an hour a day on the job search for my new career, and followed the steps outlined in How Did You Get That Job.
And that's how the third career change - from legal typist to television production coordinator - came about. I took a salary cut and started at entry level - however, it only took me only 18 months to double the salary I'd raked in as a legal word processor. Although I'll admit those 18 months were some of the toughest of my life; the challenge was offset by the joy, excitement and fulfillment I experienced at finally having a job where skills and talents could be fully engaged.
I was surrounded by people who liked what they were doing. And being a production coordinator on a soap opera was so interesting, I didn't mind working long hours - much. The work was absorbing and rewarding - what a job should be. Also, my enthusiasm for the work translated into promotions and increased income.
Over the course of 5-1/2 years, I worked my way up to television director. My goal was achieved, my future set - I thought. But after working over a decade as a director, I was burned out, and about to go into computer programming when another career opportunity knocked on my door - to be a soap opera writer.
I accepted that challenge, and had another new career - at 43! And the four Emmys I received as a writer proved that this was indeed a match made in career heaven.
The Upside of the Midlife Career Change
Sure, there's more anxiety involved in facing the unknown in job hunting when you're older and have more to lose. But there's an upside to job hunting when you're older. You're a proven entity. The fact that you've been in the work force for X number of years means you've got a track record for showing up on time, bringing in new business, creating systems, team achievements, troubleshooting, getting along with fellow employees - whatever is applicable to your new career.
So, test the waters. Meet some people, ask some questions, build some dreams. Realize that your years on the planet haven't made you less hire-able. On the contrary, with those years you've gained the wisdom, stamina and determination it takes to make your dream jobs come true.
Four Career Changes
I've had over 50 jobs during the course of my work life; and I've changed careers four times.
Right after college (at 21), I convinced myself that my drama BFA couldn't get me work. So, I started a career as a secretary. That evolved (at 25) to legal word processor - supporting me while I did theater in my spare time.
But I was unhappy. At age 30, I was sick of breaking myself in two: half-breadwinner, half-artist. Television directing seemed like a good way to merge the two.If I'd had to quit my "real" job to focus on making this change, it never would have happened. Not being much of a risk taker, I wasn't inclined to climb out on the limb of the unknown in pursuit of the ideal job. Fortunately, I stumbled on a way to keep my job while looking for my next move.
I kept my night job (working 5 PM to midnight, typing in a law firm), committed to spending at least an hour a day on the job search for my new career, and followed the steps outlined in How Did You Get That Job.
And that's how the third career change - from legal typist to television production coordinator - came about. I took a salary cut and started at entry level - however, it only took me only 18 months to double the salary I'd raked in as a legal word processor. Although I'll admit those 18 months were some of the toughest of my life; the challenge was offset by the joy, excitement and fulfillment I experienced at finally having a job where skills and talents could be fully engaged.
I was surrounded by people who liked what they were doing. And being a production coordinator on a soap opera was so interesting, I didn't mind working long hours - much. The work was absorbing and rewarding - what a job should be. Also, my enthusiasm for the work translated into promotions and increased income.
Over the course of 5-1/2 years, I worked my way up to television director. My goal was achieved, my future set - I thought. But after working over a decade as a director, I was burned out, and about to go into computer programming when another career opportunity knocked on my door - to be a soap opera writer.
I accepted that challenge, and had another new career - at 43! And the four Emmys I received as a writer proved that this was indeed a match made in career heaven.
The Upside of the Midlife Career Change
Sure, there's more anxiety involved in facing the unknown in job hunting when you're older and have more to lose. But there's an upside to job hunting when you're older. You're a proven entity. The fact that you've been in the work force for X number of years means you've got a track record for showing up on time, bringing in new business, creating systems, team achievements, troubleshooting, getting along with fellow employees - whatever is applicable to your new career.
So, test the waters. Meet some people, ask some questions, build some dreams. Realize that your years on the planet haven't made you less hire-able. On the contrary, with those years you've gained the wisdom, stamina and determination it takes to make your dream jobs come true.
Looking for a job in SG, you can search a list of latest jobs at job banks WDA.
A recruiting article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment coach that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.
Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.
No comments:
Post a Comment