Changing Careers Later in Life

How’s that job as a fireman or a doctor…oh you didn’t grow up to have the job you thought you would earlier in your life? If your realization that you are not happy on your current career path happens in your twenties, thirties, or later – are you stuck?

Before you go and change your career, are you sure it is the career and not just the job you hate? BUT if it is the career, ask yourself if you are in a position to take a step back in terms of pay and title to get on the path you need and/or want to be? If the answer is no, you may be stuck. But if you can, you have options and should consider working with a recruiter like Willory to coach you through the process. Reminder: our focus is specifically on roles within HR and payroll, so it’s within those departments we can help you. Otherwise, we can help refer you to other recruiters.

The Missing and Existing Pieces

Perhaps you are better positioned than you might think to switch careers. You can possibly parlay your industry and unique responsibility history into another career path. Maybe not. You may need to acquire and obtain an entire new set of skills. Either way, a recruiter can coach you through this process and help you assess what you need.

Map Your Path

When you’ve determined the career path and role you are working towards, assess if you have the skills and knowledge you need to get there and/or where you can obtain these. How do you fill the gaps? And are you tackling a path that is more than you can handle, or do you eat challenges for breakfast? A recruiter can help you develop a plan and will provide input on what’s obtainable and what might be a stretch.

Due Diligence

There are many other ways a recruiter (Willory) can help you as you make the career change, including offering tips and advice. The recruiter should also be able to provide industry-specific information, including market trends and where there’s a shortage of candidates. Willory’s recruiters can also keep an eye out for opportunities that will be a good fit for you, your skill set, and your ambitions. If you build a rapport the recruiter can also go to bat for you and pitch you to potential employers.

Only you know your situation and if you can switch careers or if the “golden handcuffs” are too tight. But if you’re ready to head down a new career in HR or payroll, Willory would welcome the opportunity to help out!