It’s Never Too Late to Change Careers
Welcome to issue #26 of THEHRCareerCoach newsletter. I’m grateful for each of my 2,559 subscribers. If you’re reading this in your email, pop over to LinkedIn to react or comment as it’s always great to hear your thoughts.
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You’re Not Too Old, and It’s Not Too Late!
There might be many reasons why you are considering a career change. You might have a long held desire to do something just for you, you might want to start your own business, you might have plateaued where you are or you may find yourself out of work through no fault of your own.
The pandemic years also had many of us looking deeply at what was really important to us. Many of us(myself included) came to the realisation we didn’t fit in anymore and were not being our true authentic self.
Whatever the reason, clients often come to me feeling they’ve missed their chance for a career change because of their age and I hear phrases like:
😞 I’m too old to start over
😞 What if I lose the status and income I’ve worked so hard for?
😞 What will people think if I decide to change paths now?
😞 I don’t know if I can do it
These fears are valid and understandable, but they don’t have to keep you stuck. When clients take the brave step of investing in themselves, we explore these fears together. We sit with them and look whether they are actually true and explore alternatives. For instance, 'Are you really starting over?' or are you bringing all your career history and life experience with you into your new chapter. When I asked a recent client to consider this it was like a lightbulb had gone on.
This mindset work is crucial because those limiting beliefs can sabotage even the best-laid plans keeping you stuck in the here and now or dictate your future, without reaching your goals.
Once we do the deep work to look at what they’re great at, what their values and strengths are, and what they’re ready to leave behind, we start exploring career options. It’s incredible to see the shift - the moment when they realise they can follow their dreams. With the right mindset and support, they can make that change.
It’s not a magic wand that is waved and it does take deep reflection and hard work to do the leg work, test out possibilities and put plans into action. It might mean exploring further studies, adapting your lifestyle and even being willing to take stepping stones on the way to the big prize.
It can and is being done and the transformations I see are phenomenal, and often spill out into their wider life. Think about it. If you are miserable in your work if affects your mood, health, well-being, motivation and those important relationships with family and friends.
A Client’s Story: Courage to Start Anew
Let me share a story of my client Anna who came to me feeling totally lost after being made redundant and who felt too old to change careers. She had worked in retail all her career but had a dream to move into HR. Together, we explored her strengths, clarified her values, and crafted a plan to transition into her new career. It wasn’t easy, but with persistence and the right support, she found a role that aligned perfectly with her passions and values. Today, she’s thriving, her relationships have improved, and she feels like she’s finally doing what she was meant to do.
My Own Career Pivot: From HR Director to Career Coach
I also made my own pivot from HR Director to Career Coach at age 57, after I went through burnout and I’ve never looked back. It was a leap into the unknown, but I knew I was ready to leave corporate behind and follow my dreams. It has brought me immense fulfilment but I did need some help to get there. I had counselling and I worked with a number of different coaches to help me understand the business side of coaching. I now have the privilege of helping others find the same clarity and confidence to pursue the careers they’ve dreamed of, no matter their age.
Are You Ready to Make a Change?
If you’ve been contemplating a change but telling yourself it’s ‘too late’, I’m here to challenge that belief. You’ve got years of experience, wisdom, and unique strengths that are invaluable. Imagine what’s possible if you stop letting fear hold you back.
Remember, your career is a journey, not a destination. No matter your age, there’s always time to pivot and find work that sets your soul on fire.
Take care,
Lorraine 💜
DM me today or visit my website www.lorraineeiverscoaching.com to start your journey to your new career.
If you found this newsletter helpful or have a colleague who needs to hear this at the moment, please feel free to share.
If you’re ready to explore what’s next in your career but aren’t sure where to start, let’s talk. I’ve been where you are, and I know the path forward. Book a no-obligation 30-minute call, and let’s see how we can work together to bring your career dreams to life.
Thank you for being a valued subscriber. Looking forward to sharing more insights next month!
P.S. If you enjoyed this newsletter, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to comment with your career change stories, it really does inspire others.