Please, share your stories: what helped you to take a leap of faith and finally transition your careers? Anyone has done it more than once in a lifetime? Is it possible? Or better to stick to what you already know/get paid for?
Too late for a Career Transition?
Leap of faith - sounds unplanned or structured. If its mapped out, in high demand and growing. Properly Organized and you sourced your certifications/education to validate your skills (if needed) and it's a highly transferable skills switch then I see no problem.
MargaritaA·Aug 07MargaritaA·Aug 07I appreciate your structured approach. I still feel there will be lots of unknowns even after studying, conducting informational interviews and even job shadowing, that's why I put is as "Leap of faith". Also the market is changing pretty fast, although it's true, some areas are more protected than others. Have you transitioned based on your approach? How did it work out?
I wouldn't investing time in what you mentioned unless you analyzed the job and determined out of other compatible options it was the best fit if you're looking to switch. do a compatible job analysis.
Don't want to sound idealistic and cliché but if you really think that your calling is something different than what you have been doing then you must explore it. There are no rules about how and what your career should be. It is what you make it. There is no match for doing something you enjoy and are passionate about as compared to something you are good at. You ll become good at anything with consistency and hardwork. Just be grounded in the logistics especially financially what and how much is your bandwidth. I have rebuild myself many times in my life and I just quit my 7 figure job to do it again. It's scary bur not boring. Happy to chat 1-1. All the best!
Hi Jasmine, thank you very much for sharing! Would be glad to learn about your story and chat 1-1! I'll send you a dm here
I am excited for whatever path you decide to take! you might find comfort in this thread :) https://elpha.com/posts/g3ijw7wx/too-late-to-transition-into-software-development-careerBut i'd say do some soul searching to find what it is really motivates you!
Hi Iynna, thank you very much for your kind words! I transitioned multiple times and help people do the same, but everyone is unique. My intention was to learn different stories on how people make decisions to stay, or move, what are the deal-breakers for the change?
Oh makes sense! what were your switches and what prompted them?I am going to generalise a little bit here based on what i've seen on elpha but most people transition because 1) want to make more money - one example i've seen countless times here are women who used to be in education (as teachers or in academia more generally) wanting to get into careers that are more lucrative eg. in tech2) want to have more impact in their lives - either at the societal level eg work for cause driven organisations, or for themselves/their family eg. have more career progression, more responsibilities and perhaps visibility, and ultimately more $$$3) want to experience something new: this usually isn't a reason of its own but either people are experiencing a case of burnout or simply are bored in their current role and might be thinking the grass is greener elsewhere - so they use the time to consider other options and this process is usually combined with self exploration.
Thank you for generalizing it. I feel the same way based on my research around this topic and my personal experience in coaching. There’s one more aspect that might not fit perfectly into the above: work-life balance. This can be affected by burnout, a change in life views, or the decision/need to take care of someone (parents, children). It often happens to women and is a very common reason to start a business or to downshift a career, taking on fewer responsibilities to release time/energy to manage everything else.
this all tracks!
It absolutely can be done. I have switched from retail, to banking, to cosmetology, and then to healthcare. From an early age my parents always told me to have a job/career that I didn't hate and I've decided to live by that. I always want to love what I'm doing and if I'm not, time for a change. When I would transition it involved a lot of planning; healthcare required more degrees. I'd often get a lower-level job of some sort and/or find people who were working in the area I wanted to and ask everything I could about it so I could get a better idea if it was for me before I left the other career. This made me more confident and motivated in my decision. Healthcare is definitely going to be my home because it is so broad, I've already moved around to different areas, and I've loved every role I've had. The best part for me is I keep learning new things and combine all my past experiences and knowledge into whatever my current role is which really allows me to make an impact and connect with people (co-workers, patients, etc.).
Hi Amy, thank you very much for sharing! It's so wonderful that you had such wise advice from your parents and follow it. At the same time, learning and fully exploring a new role before making a shift is such a smart approach. It’s inspiring how you’ve transitioned across so many fields and found a home in healthcare. Your story really highlights the importance of being proactive and intentional in career transitions, and it's a great reminder that our past experiences can always add value to our new roles. Have a lot of joy at your work, and thank you again for sharing your journey!
yesss! go you!
I feel like we could talk about this for days, @MargaritaA. My own experience??? I've taken "leaps" several times. All for different reasons. Most with the same #failforward approach. When I transitioned from hospitality to email marketing (my first big transition), it was because I valued my time with my son. I knew that staying in the hospitality industry, after a move to an area where we had no family, would mean taking a management position. And I valued my time with my son (and the desire to be a bigger part of his life) more than I valued staying "comfortable". So I applied for all the jobs (that appealed) I *didn't* think I could get, and landed an email marketing position. Over the course of time, that job turned into a work-from-home/salary position that led me into the next chapter of my life. My next big transition was when I decided to become a Life Coach five and a half years ago. It was a very serendipitous chain of events that didn't make much sense at the time (how I believe most of our lives work, but that's my humble opinion), but make complete sense looking back. I was still working my email marketing position when I KNEW I was supposed to be a Life Coach, and it took my 6 hard months of physical and mental torture (anxiety, worry, overthinking, and physical pain) before I finally gave in and took my first big step. I had no idea how I was going to be a Life Coach, what that looked like, or way to explain it to others (my main phrase became, "I don't need you to understand. I need you to TRUST." Said with much empathy and caring, NOT from a place opposition.). I just KNEW this was what I was supposed to do. So I made the choice, finally committed to moving forward, and quit my job. This was in early 2019. I had no nest egg. No plan. No clarity (outside of knowing my purpose and what I was meant to do). I started taking classes at a local organization, found my business coach (who was also a counselor - a GREAT combination), and started mapping out my next moves. In the first year, 5 friends and family members loaned me $30,000 to give me the space to create my vision. And they THANKED me for allowing them to support me. And all of that money was paid back in about two years. I'd never been (and still never have been) part of a corporate space, and had never networked before (and I was a recovered "Mean Girl"). I spent a lot of 2019 learning how NOT to do it. Lucky for me I'm highly aware, very observant, and learn fast (and I'm not scared to make mistakes). I also love to challenge "how we've always done it" AND prove that things can shift in BIG ways when we stop trying to control the HOW, and lean into trust and taking the next best step. In 2020, after Covid hit, I got my first big contract - A local Facebook group, comprised of my target clients, and ended up working with both the Facebook group AND the creators two small businesses for a year and a half. During our time together, the owner shifted her staff to better fit her culture and future vision, and got crystal clear about what her next few years looked like (personally and professionally). The year after that she was nominated for a local Athena award, and the following year she not only spoke at Failure Lab, she also hosted a nationally televised pitch competition AND won a national award. And next year she's taking a sabbatical year and leaning into some BIG changes for her future. So I would say, this share isn't just a testament to my own big, scary changes. It's a testament to the big, scary changes I've seen others make as well. As for figuring out your own path...... Can anyone do it? 100%, yes! Can you do it more than once in a lifetime? YES! "Should" you? That's a question you can answer best, when you get crystal clear about who you are, what you want, and what that looks like. Is it better to stick with what you best know/get paid for? That depends in the very least on how much security you need, how much you trust yourself/your purpose/the process/in something bigger than you, your core values, what you (currently) think is possible, and how willing you are to challenge your current beliefs.
Hi Rebecca, Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey! It’s truly inspiring to see how you’ve navigated multiple career transitions with such courage and determination, especially when you’ve had to prioritize what matters most to you, like your time with your son and following your passion for life coaching. Your story is a powerful reminder of how trusting the process and being clear about your purpose can lead to profound changes. And I particularly like your #failforward approach! And the questions around "Should you" are very powerful too.Thank you again for sharing!
Absolutely! And thank you for seeing me. 😊 It's my belief that we ultimately know the answers when we're brave enough to turn towards ourselves AND trust ourselves (and the process). I know you are just as capable of that kind of courage and beauty in your life. You've got this!
Admittedly a very hard decision. It depends on where you are and just being honest about yourself if you are still happy where you are.
Hi Maria Luisa, absolutely, thank you for your answer! Being honest with yourself about your happiness in your current role is so important. Have you gone through a career change yourself? If so, I'd love to hear more about what led to your decision and how the transition went for you.
Hi Yes. I did last 2022. I have been frustrated were I am. Not excelling at were I am, Not particularly Happy with the workload but Didn't even realize I could get into other role other than accounting. My Degree was well-respected and I also have a title. In terms of earning and ability to get the job, It's a no-brainer. I got a whole cycle experience and the natural progression was to go to supervisory roles. I ended up with Managerial Roles and got burned out along the way (looking back, I'd prefer supervisory versus lead roles.) This dilemma made the transition harder as I had to juggle workload instead of taking my free time to upskill. Overall, I realized there was a field I want to get into. I am very interested in doing analysis work, and It wasn't an immediately that I acted on it. I knew I wanted something else, But It took me a lot of courage to let go and Finally, Just go for the new role. It's hard to start again, but I feel like I will grow more in this new role , versus the role/s I had before.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It sounds like it was a tough but ultimately rewarding transition for you. I can relate to how challenging it can be to step away from something secure, like a well-established career in accounting, to pursue a role that feels more aligned with your interests.I’m curious—what tools or resources helped you figure out that analysis work was the right path for you? Was there something specific that gave you the clarity or confidence to make the leap? I feel many people want a change, but figuring out where to go next is often very hard.
I had a volunteer work and that made me realize I enjoy doing strategy work and using data to form strategies for growth and engagement. It was an arduous journey, I took short courses and It went fine despite other courses being a bit bland. I reached out to a colleague for help on how to transition (it guy). he gave me resources. I forgot about it. and then after a year or so , we met again so I got reminded of it.. My path wasn't set at that time. There is one course in there that discusses different roles in analytics, and I am geared towards one of them, especially since I have domain knowledge in particular industries. I would say, It was the transition steps that made the next steps clearer. You would be able to gauge if you would enjoy it, While you are learning it. Of course, It helps to have some self-knowledge of what you like, how you’re wired, etc. It’s a good thing to make sure what a job entails, what profile would be successful in this specific type of role. Data analyst role works for people who likes exploration, chasing the mystery and essentially researching the unknown. It was the curiosity part that should also be innate for analyst if they are here for the long haul.
It’s never too late for a career transition! I have made several myself and I am a career coach now who specializes in helping people who want to align their career with their values make bold career changes. What is your career transition dream? I’d love to chat and hear more about what you want for your career, please feel free to schedule a call with me if you’d like some encouragement😊: https://www.carriewickmandorn.com/contactWarmly,Carrie
Hi Carrie, thank you for your kind words! I do a research on how others make decision and what motivates them. @iynna summarized it very beautiful above.
Of course you can do it. I’ve switched at least three times, but I did so after laying the groundwork. You can’t work in IT, decide to become a chef and walk into a fine dining kitchen without any knife skills. If there is something else you want to do, explore what you need to make the transition. Skills? Connections? Geographic location? Also, job shadowing is not the same as doing it. Find a way to do the work, even at the most basic level and possibly for free (as short a period as possible).
Thank you very much for sharing! It's encouraging to hear that you've successfully made multiple career changes. Laying the groundwork is definitely key, as well as building skills. I also completely agree that job shadowing is not the same as doing the actual work, though I believe job shadowing can still be super helpful. Did you search for a way to do the work each time you made a change? If so, how did you go about it, if I may ask?
I don't believe it is ever too late to learn something new. I have transitioned multiple times in my career that took me across the globe. While it was easier when I was younger and the economy was better, but it is never to late to find the path you should be on. I have worked in many different industries and roles over the years but have now decided to transition towards a career in AI. I began this move by playing around with different LLM's, which were truly astounding in their capabilities. So, I began taking courses and reading everything I could on the subject to find my niche. While I have just begun looking for roles in this exciting new field, I will say that changing your career path may feel scary and uncertain, but when we're open to new possibilities that is when great things can happen! Do what makes you happy if at all possible.
Hi Sylvia, thank you so much for sharing your journey! It's inspiring to hear about your travels around the globe. I've lived in different countries in Europe and now in the US—Japan is next on my list, so we'll see! I’m curious—were there specific tools or resources that helped you find your niche? And yes, I totally agree, it can feel scary, but it's so rewarding at the same time.
I actually use AI for much of my research and just recently discovered a new AI chatbot that was part of the job application process. Apparently, it acts as a board member who connects you to people that can help. However, it doesn't happen very quickly as I'm still waiting for a response, but it is certainly unlike any other AI bot I've interacted with. So, looking forward to see who it connects me with.
That sounds very interesting and a wonderful idea! May I ask if you could share the name, please?
The company is Boardy and the AI is called Mr. Boardface. Though still haven't received a response, so not sure how well it works as it appears there are many people waiting ahead of you.
Thank you! I checked them, it looks similar to the LunchClub and I know their AI tech is brilliant in terms of matching people. I enjoyed it a lot during pandemic and got very good matches.
Thank you for the recommendation Margarita, that one sounds far more promising, as I've still had no response from the one I tried. It is quite strange they would build a bot that doesn't respond right away considering the abilities AI currently has.
Hi Margarita, It's NOT too late at all. I've made 6 successful shifts in the last 15 years and the most recent was 5 years ago into full time coaching, helping other women make successful changes. It's 100% possible! :) All the questions you asked are valid and normal as you consider a big change. I would start with figuring out why -why are you ready, and what are you ready to invest in making a change in terms of money, time, energy etc. And, you're not alone. I was a guest on a career podcast and talked about this very intersection. Here's the link if you want to check it out: https://www.macslist.org/podcasts/job-search/what-to-do-when-you-dont-know-whats-next-with-andrea-yacub-macek
Hi Andrea, thank you so much for sharing, and I'll definitely listen to the podcast! I've gone through multiple career changes myself, and I coach others while currently researching the career change process. I completely agree with you—it's a two-part journey. First, deciding on your 'Why?' as you mentioned, and second, understanding what's possible in terms of resources, family support, and so on. The 'Why' can vary greatly from person to person.I often recommend two books that I find particularly helpful in coaching: Design Your Life and The Career Stories Method. I'm curious—do you have any favorite tools or resources you'd recommend for figuring out the next career step?
You're most welcome, and glad you'll listen. I'm mindful of when in the coaching process I suggest tools because I find that the default can be to gather more information. Information is helpful, but not layered on top of confusion. I guide my clients through my proprietary method and framework first to discover their why and gain clarity. From there I'll introduce tools to custom fit their goals. Clarity is the foundation for everything else: Skills identification, development, brand development, etc. Thanks for asking!
Hi Andrea, I listened to the podcast and loved the clarity and structure you brought! I hope more people find it and listen!
I'm so glad to hear this, thank you! Feel free to reach out if I can offer further support.
I think career transitions are necessary, especially these days as so much is changing. However, they are not easy. I transitioned in the past but it feels much harder today. In my case, I feel my PhD weighs me down, surprisingly.
Hi Zaneta, thank you very much for sharing. That's so true about career transitions, they'll become more necessary than ever, but they can be really challenging. I'm curious—what is your PhD in, and how do you feel it's weighing you down? And where did you transition in the past, what lessons did you learn along the way?
Consider that you learned how to speak over how long? Read over how long?It's not too late for a transition, many people transition after formal retirement, going into non-profit volunteering.We have neuroplasticity and community.The biggest thing is that you'll need a different support structure in a radically different role, so building that now helps that transition when you're ready to launch.
Thank you for sharing this—it’s very wise to highlight the need for a strong support structure, especially when transitioning far from your role. Do you have any advice or lessons learned on how to build a support structure effectively, especially when preparing for a major career change?
@MargaritaA - for me it was knowing that I'd always wonder and I could always go back if it didn't work out. My only regret is I didn't do it sooner. Happy to chat further
@rebeccac21, thank you very much for sharing! Yes, I'd very curious to hear your story! I'll send you a dm on Elpha
I've done this many times and am currently in another career transition. I went from theater technician (costumer) to marketing/public relations to social media. I'm now working on becoming a producer. The biggest leap was leaving theater technician because people constantly assumed I missed costumes and would go back to it, that I was an expert seamstress, or that I wanted to compete on Project Runway. I wasn't interested in pursuing any of these things and costumes is not as glamorous as everyone thinks. It took some time to turn things around, but what helped me make the change was taking community college classes and weekend workshops to figure out a next step. I ended up doing some internships and going to graduate school. With each opportunity, I got as much experience as asked for opportunities when they present themselves. I used job descriptions from postings I was interested in to figure out what kind of projects I wanted to ask for and take on.There are times when I wonder: "Will this ever happen? What do I have to do to get people to believe I can do this?" What helps when I go through this is meeting others in my industry who can help me when I get stuck. Some even mentor me and provide me with other connections to get me where I want to go. It's a lot of work, but I find it's rewarding so I can do something that's much more fulfilling.Happy to share more of my journey with you!
Hi Brooke, thank you very much for sharing! That's truly inspiring that you find reward and fulfillment in your work! I'll send you a dm here, would appreciate it to know more about your journey
I didn't take a leap of faith, but I did decide on a career transition, both in terms of role and industry. Sometimes the most difficult thing is to do what's right for you whether you have faith, whether you think it's possible, whether all the "good" advice you're getting is advising against it. I'm not suggesting this will always work, or that it's always possible. In my case, I'm later in my career, and I decided that, after years in just jobs for a paycheck, I wanted a really meaningful role in an industry I care about. I want something in my career to matter. So, what helped me was just the realization that I need to trust and honor my truth and go for it. I'm still looking but making progress. I am still committed to my goal. I don't have faith. My drive is from my intuition and my commitment to myself. Is it difficult? Tremendously. Do I get support from the people I'd expect and want it from? No. But I do have a wonderful community and friends in my job search and that is a tremendous help. Join a community where you will be believed in and supported. Or you can stay in the mailroom.
Hi Kathleen, thank you so much for sharing your journey and insights! It’s inspiring to hear how you've honored your truth and stayed committed despite the challenges.I’m curious to learn more about the transition you’re making—what job are you moving from, and what role or industry are you aiming for? How did you realize it was the right fit for you? Also, how did you go about building your support circle and finding a community that believes in you?Your experience is truly valuable, and I'd love to understand more about your process.
As someone who is 50 and in UX design I’m having to face this after 10 months of unemployment and I don’t know how to think of returning to school for something new with more student debt and health challenges. I’m going to shift but I’m angry that I need to leave what I love because ‘older woman’ is seen as ‘not worth keeping’.
@Eusebia32, it's so much understandable that you feel angry. I wonder if there are any options to explore free recourses to learn new things in affordable way? And let’s not discount the strength and perspective you bring as an experienced professional! Age, experience, and resilience are assets, even if the industry sometimes struggles to see them that way.
Last year, I quit my job as a software engineer to work as a sommelière :) I was already working part time at a wine store for around a year and I was toying around with the idea of quitting to work fulltime in gastronomy. It also helped that the company I was working for was doing layoffs at the time so I was also able to get a pretty decent exit package.My time in gastronomy was...interesting. It wasn't for me. While there were the usual rude customers, the thing that got to me was the politics with restaurant owners. As a somm, you always have to deal with that because that is technically a leadership position in the field. I also developed some pretty unhealthy drinking habits, and I didn't want to keep coming home at 2:30am in the morning (to be honest, that was actually pretty early). I also had to keep missing friend's birthdays and events which just absolutely broke my heart. I left the industry after 6 months.While I absolutely do not regret having changed careers, I did end up returning as a software engineer. However, I work as a freelancer now, and I'm pursuing projects which are adjacent to F&B industry. For instance, I'm starting a supper club with some friends who work fulltime in gastronomy, which would not have been possible without having worked in gastro. I'm really happy I made the switch though. I made life-long friends, expanded my horizons, have a newfound appreciation for my engineering job, and I learned more about what I wanted.I will say, I have the privilege of being single without kids. I know doing this would not have been possible if my circumstances were different.
Hi @danougill, thank you for sharing, I appreciate it! That's so inspiring that even when it didn't work the way you expected, you still learned from the experience, made friends and turning it into another adventure with a supper club. I feel it's also great, that you started working part time to learn the field! Good luck with your career!
Hi @MargaritaA, we usually hear “it's never too late” and I do believe that, but I’ll reassure you further by saying a) you deserve to at least explore, reflect, and clarify your ideal direction, and b) then, you can strategize the next steps after that to see what makes sense and is feasible, given your stage in life.While it may seem daunting, we help people pivot all the time, and zigs and zags are more common than ever in careers these days. The key to pivoting is getting clear on the new direction you want, whether through career exploration to identify the ideal role or industry, optimizing your personal branding materials, or pursuing upskilling as needed. Here are some resources to help with career transitions: Article and Video.PS, I’m Rachel. If you want to discuss further, check my profile to book a call to dive deeper into your goals/challenges.
Hi @rachelserwetz, thank you for sharing! Yes, that’s true—it takes time to figure out the next step. I wish we could collectively shorten this cycle so we can save time and land in jobs we truly love.
Hi @MargaritA, you're absolutely right! Figuring out the right career path can be a long process, but with the right approach, we can shorten that cycle. At WOKEN, our process is designed to help people reach clarity efficiently by guiding them through targeted self-reflection and hands-on exploration steps. By comparing, contrasting, and refining options, you can avoid the trial-and-error of hopping from job to job and instead land in a role that truly aligns with your values and strengths. Let’s connect if you want to explore this together—I’d love to help you clarify your next step!If you'd like to chat more, feel free to book a call here: bit.ly/Call_Form.
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