It's not too late to start again: How to change jobs and find your vocation

A career change can be an exciting adventure, regardless of age. Sometimes the change is dictated by necessity, sometimes by the desire for self-realisation and self-discovery. Some want to grow professionally, some dream of changing fields, and some seek work-life balance. A recent study found that 52% of employees have thought about changing jobs and 44% are actively planning to do so. However, this step can cause doubts and fears: will you be able to find yourself in a new field, will your skills be enough, is it too late to start from scratch?

In fact, there is no ideal age for a change of profession. The main thing is to approach the process consciously, plan it carefully and take into account your strengths, values and desires. In this article, we will look at the basic steps to a new career, job search strategies and ways to overcome fears.

Changing careers: Why do people decide?

In fact, a huge number of people have considered changing careers. The desire to change careers can arise for a variety of reasons. Most often it is due to:

• Dissatisfaction with current job: Monotonous tasks, lack of growth, toxic atmosphere;
• Desire to earn more: Need for financial stability or career advancement;
• Desire for work-life balance: Seeking a flexible schedule, remote work;
• Desire to work in an area that aligns with personal values: Moving from the corporate world to social, educational or creative endeavours;
• Development of new technologies: Some professions are losing relevance, while new directions open up more opportunities. 

Sometimes a change of profession becomes forced, as various unforeseen circumstances can happen in our lives. For example, crises, automation and technological innovations can make some professions obsolete. In such cases, adaptation and readiness to learn play a key role. 

How do I know when it's time to change jobs?

Before making a final decision, it's important to take an honest assessment of your current situation. After all, sometimes the desire to change jobs is not a necessity, but an impulsive thought. Ask yourself a few questions:

1. Are you happy with your job and does it bring you joy?
2. Do you feel that your efforts are appreciated?
3. Do you have opportunities for growth and development?
4. Do you see yourself in this field in 5-10 years?
5. Do you have enough income to live comfortably?

If most of the answers are negative, you should think about changing careers. However, it is important not to rush headlong into the maelstrom, but to make a clear plan of transition. After all, there is a myth that it is difficult to change careers after 40. In fact, age can be an advantage: a person already has skills, experience, understanding of work, which can be useful in a new sphere. The main thing is to package your experience properly and be open to new knowledge.

Planning a career change: Where do I start?

To make the transition into a new field as smooth as possible, there are four key steps to follow:

• Self-assessment and strengths analysis: Assess what you enjoy doing and what you are good at. Then identify key skills that are transferable to the new field. Work out which professions suit you and what you are interested in studying;
• Market research: What professions are in demand today and will be relevant in 5-10 years? Find out the average salaries in the new field and which companies offer good working conditions;
• Training and Development: If the new field requires additional skills, start with online courses, trainings, certifications. Use free educational platforms to learn new competencies. Network with professionals in the industry you are interested in;
• Financial cushion and transition strategy: Before changing jobs, build up a 3-6 month financial cushion if possible. Try freelancing or part-time work in your new field to gauge your prospects. Develop a clear transition plan to minimise risks.

How do you look for a new job?

Once a new direction has been chosen, it's time to start actively looking for a job. It's important to approach the process correctly to maximise your chances of success. The first step is to update your CV and cover letter. Even if you have no experience in your new field, you should emphasise the skills that can be useful in your chosen profession. Experience gained in a previous job can be valuable if presented in the right way.

Social media and professional communities also play an important role in the job search. Platforms such as LinkedIn and specialised Telegram chats not only allow you to find job openings, but also to make contacts that may be useful in the future. The more interactions you have with people in a new field, the more likely you are to get the information and recommendations you need. Employers often prefer to hire through recommendations rather than standard adverts.

Networking is an important tool for your job search. Networking with professionals, attending conferences, webinars and industry events helps you not only learn about current trends, but also make useful contacts. This can open doors to a company that is difficult to get into through the standard route. Many jobs are not advertised at all, but are closed through recommendations.

You should also prepare for interviews in advance. Employers often ask questions about why a person decided to change profession. It is important to be able to explain your motivation in a reasoned way and show how previous experience and acquired skills will help in the new role. Self-confidence and a clear understanding of goals increase the chances of receiving a job offer.

In some cases, entry into a new profession will require starting with entry-level positions. Internships, project work or even a temporary pay cut may be possible, but it is an investment in the future. It is important to realise that careers are built gradually and the first steps may not be the easiest. However, as time goes on, it is possible to take higher positions if you take initiative and constantly develop yourself.

Obstacles and fears on the way to a new career: Fighting anxiety

Changing careers is a major step that can come with its own set of challenges. Many people face the fear of instability because they fear that they will not be able to earn enough in their new field. This fear is especially true if you have to start from scratch or move into a profession that requires additional training. It is important to think about a financial strategy in advance and, if possible, create a reserve that will help during the transition period.

Another obstacle is insecurity. Sometimes it seems impossible to compete with younger professionals or that it will be difficult to learn new skills. However, it is important to remember that every newcomer goes through a period of adaptation. The main thing is not to be afraid to learn and develop, using all available resources: courses, books, communication with experienced professionals.

Age restrictions are often perceived as a barrier, especially if a person is over 40. However, practice shows that many employers value experienced employees who have developed critical thinking, discipline, and the ability to solve complex problems. Companies are interested in people who can adapt quickly and bring value to the business, and age is not always a determining factor.

Lack of experience in a new field is also a concern. Employers may not immediately entrust complex tasks to a newcomer, but if you show a willingness to learn, responsibility and initiative, you can quickly gain confidence. Some companies offer retraining programmes as well as paid internships to help you gain experience without significant financial loss.

To meet all of these challenges, it is important to think strategically and view a career change as a long-term project. You need to be prepared for challenges and not give up at the first setback. Each step in a new direction brings you closer to your goal, and confidence and perseverance will help you overcome any obstacles.

Conclusion: How to change jobs and find your calling

Changing careers is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter. Regardless of age and experience, it is possible to find a job that will bring joy and financial stability, but the main thing is not to be afraid of change and believe in yourself. If your current job doesn't give you satisfaction, it's a signal to look for new opportunities. Be willing to learn, adapt and try.