I’m 40 and unhappy at my job of 2+ years. Have been casually browsing job listings and think I’m just done with my profession (vs just the current job) and want something different, just not sure what. Considering my age, my reluctance to get another degree, the lack of clarity on what would make me happier, and that I can’t afford a pay cut, what do you recommend I do? Is it too late/stupid to experiment now? Do I just stick to my field at this point?

likehelpfuluplifting
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

I made a total pivot from R&D biotech consulting to product manager in cyber security tech at 35. Anything is possible with correct positioning.

likeupliftingsmartfunny

Currently, I am trying to hack how to move to group PM roles without adequate PM experience.

Here’s what you’ll do if you don’t pivot- stay miserable for the next 20 years. Depending on whether you have children or not, you’ll set them up to see that it’s okay to settle for less than what you dream of. I don’t know about you, but for me those are pretty big stakes. So, I would 100% explore. A sensible career pivot could take sometime but to me it’s worth it. And I’d not even go to the courses etc. till you are clear on the next step. I’ve a career change blueprint that I could ping over. If you want, let me know.

likeupliftinghelpful

Would love to see your blueprint if you’re still sharing! Thank you for your hard work and generosity!

Recent IconRecent

It’s never too late to pivot! There are several options as well. Is it possible for you to get a certification (most certs. are a few weeks long if you’re willing) in something that will enhance your current skill and catapult you into a more desirable role/state of mind within your current industry or perhaps a different industry? Or perhaps go after your passion, become an entrepreneur but 1st build enough equity to replace or exceed your current income. I’m pivoting into the tech side of my field it allows more flexibility.

likeupliftingsmart

This is very good. Look at your choice. Choose well and everything is good.

like

I am currently doing the Harvard Seven Stories exercise to try and figure what my best next move would be (I’d recommend looking it up). I reckon you will have plenty to write about and that could help direct you to a more fulfilling role / sector. Best of luck.

likehelpful

Thanks for recommending it! I’ve printed the exercise :)

like

You have 15+ years of professional experience on your side. Don’t discount yourself - there’s plenty of opportunity out there for you in a hot job market right now. Change is good - education never hurts. The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.

likesmart

DPM1: I’ve been in that spot. You are right, they are not thrilled with academic experience. They want real experience.

I didn’t get it too: until I became the hiring manager. A lot is at stake to bring someone new (and expensive) to let them try out something they learned at school. Why not just give that same learning opportunity to someone internal? And if I were to look internally, I would also prioritize the person who learned it in school AND found ways to apply it at work. So, they can now show me the theory AND a real life working example.

I speak from the receiver’s end too: I’ve made moves after applying my theoretical knowledge at work, and am able to substantiate with a real work example.

like

It's not too late to change.

In many cases you wouldn't need a whole different degree. Online courses, bootcamps, certifications, or even just your current skillset could be enough.

My sister felt similarly about her industry at one point, but switching employers made a big difference, and over 10+ years later she's still in her field.

Taking the Clifton Strengthsfinder and similar assessments are a worthwhile exercise.

Could you be experiencing depression?

Life coaches, career coaches, and therapists may be a useful resource. DM me if you want some recs.

Book recs:
-Living Forward
-So Good They Can't Ignore You

If you share more specifics about your current situation, likes, dislikes, and passions, the group may be able to offer more targeted suggestions.

likeuplifting

I’m currently feeling the exact same way, you’re not the only one! It’s scary to rip off the security blanket. Especially (for me anyway), I’m such a pragmatic and sensible person, I always try to make great financial decisions but that line of thinking has left me paralyzed. The unknown and risk of failure is truly frightening as well. I have no advice but can say you’re not out there alone. Best of luck!

likesmart

Education is the best way you can reinvent yourself! Difficult with work and family but as they say where there is a will there is a way!

like

I pivoted careers at 39. I would just say you need to figure out where you want to go first then you can plan how to get there.

like

I agree with the above whole heartedly. But also don’t pigeon hole yourself into thinking the next move has to be perfect or the final move. Just make a good move with some flexibility and an opportunity to grow your skill set (and personally) and you’ll continue to provide yourself options into the future if the next move isn’t a perfect, permanent fit.

like

Agree - never too late. 40 isn’t that old! Haha I’m 37 so right there with you.

I would say don’t spend the money on college but definitely Udemy and free/inexpensive certifications and training.

Also most importantly - start a side project. My wife and I started dabbling in real estate a couple of years ago. Now we own two cabins that we Airbnb. And the hope is some day to leave corporate.

like

I can help - I take people through a guided process to explore - dream and discover the path that will light you up. If you’d like to know more - send me a message and we can have a chemistry call.

likehelpful

Could you message me, I would love to know more.

like

I can relate to not knowing if you’re unhappy with your current job vs your profession. I am still navigating these feelings and have no clear answer for you but based on what you’re saying it seems to me you’re not happy with where you are. It is important to look at your current state as a whole picture. Your job is a part of your life but not the whole thing. Think about what you enjoy doing, what makes you feel pike yourself. When you’re browsing through job listings, what sparks your interest? What excites you? It’s ok to venture into something new and different and it’s ok to walk away from a job that is robbing you from your happiness. Also, take your time. This is a big decision and those are big questions, make sure your decisions are not based purely on emotions. You got this! 💪🏾

likeuplifting

Don't go back to school. Leverage the experience you have and repackage it to fit the narrative of the positing you want. Differentiate companies use different labels for the same terms.

Have you been responsible for a task to completion? Congrats you led a workstream.

Do you edit your emails or other people's work? Congrats you are experienced in quality assurance.

Do you explain to your colleagues how to do things or die new people the ropes? Congrats you are a trainer in your field who excels in breaking down complex ideas and onboarded new employees.... etc

like

Try to understand what roles or day-to-day functions would fulfill you and then come up with a list of skills that you’d need to excel in that role. Use the internet to build those skills through blogs, online workshops, online courses, etc. You can get certifications to prove your competency and then network and apply away to the jobs you want. It’s never too late to reinvent yourself, and the opportunity cost of not doing so is even greater if you don’t enjoy what you do now.

like

I’m 40 and left a professional job in the past six months to start a home service business. I make far less money at the moment but know this gives me flexibility and options. I encourage you to really question your inability to take a pay cut. That’s a real problem for most professionals. But it’s a self-imposed problem. We start living lifestyles commensurate with our incomes rather than really thinking through our spending decisions and sticking to what makes sense. Then we get trapped.

I decided I’d rather have less money when I retire but be able to enjoy the next 20-30 years doing what I do than being miserable the whole time desperately waiting to retire. Because when you’re desperate to retire, you’re often just trying to get out of your job rather than into something new with retirement. This change in my life was predicated on the idea that by owning my own business, I can have the flexibility to explore different things to find what I really enjoy. If I’m scraping by for the next five years but that allows me to hone in on the things I love, can do really well, and keep doing and making money at for the rest of my life BECAUSE I WANT TO, I think that’s a better plan.

But if you’re not interested in being self-employed, as others have said, there are plenty of options out there. Typically, you need to start interviewing at lots of places so you can find places you might want to go next. View every job as an opportunity to develop rather than a final position. New job, stay for two years, then level up to the next thing. You’ll learn more and probably increase your income in the process and, hopefully, speed up your retirement if you’re investing all along the way.

likehelpfuluplifting

You’re never to old for another degree, you can spend the years moving forward or spend the years being unhappy & stagnant. If your current situation makes you unhappy enough to write about it then you know the answer.

like

Absolutely never too late! You have a minimum of 20+ years of work left!! My wife used to always talk about her dad becoming a lawyer at 40. I've just done my pivot at 44! Go for it!!

like

Would you mind sharing how you accomplished this and what your old role was vs new role ?

I wouldn’t stick it out. You could be working for 25 more years, which is a long time to feel “meh” about your life. If you “play the tape forward” I think you’ll see you’d regret sticking with the boring, safe choice over trying something new. You can always go back to your current field if the new direction doesn’t work out, but I bet events will unfold to bring you more in alignment with a career that resonates. Have you meditated on what makes your heart joyful, or what you loved as a child? Personally I’ve found that that’s the best way to find a direction. (I’m currently transitioning from an attorney to part time yoga teacher and hoping to make the full leap soon!) Best of luck! Be brave! Save up a chunk, leap and the net will appear!

likeuplifting

I think you should get to know yourself. That introspection will lead you towards your true interests. I do agree that education is typically the best way to make a change, but it doesn’t have to be a degree. Certain careers require training and/or certifications. Until then you could just apply for jobs that seem interesting. I’m sure you have plenty of transferable skills. Good luck!

like

I had a graphic design degree originally and did that for about 7 years. Then at age 30 went back to school and got another bachelors degree in engineering in 2015 (took 3 years). And my career has improved but not as much as I would have liked.

My recommendation would be to pivot using other resources. If I could do it over again - I would have continued in design but shifted to a business focus and maybe attend Seth Godin’s AltMBA to get real world business actions. And leveraged myself into a creative strategy/biz ops position while building my own side biz.

Good luck!

likehelpful

Seth Godin’s approach is a fast track to burnout.

like

Related Posts

Hi, I need your honest opinion on this. Currently I have done AWS cloud practitioner certificate and want to progress but I don't think to like Solution Architect that much, I feel it will be boring for me. I love to create things, and love data manipulation, so I found this course in Google data engineer + AI... I feel it might be good fit for me. What do you think about it. Am looking for something I can study and stick with it long run. Thanks 😊.

like

I have joined BA Continnum on 17th October, October month salary will be paid to me on 31st October or in November?

Hi Fishes, i have 9 years of experience in manual testing and my CTC is 6.8lpa.... I'm highly underpaid.. What would be ideal salary for my experience/domain?

like

How do you move up the chain as a CRA? From 75% traveling to 100% remote role or maybe 20% travel. Any suggestion on remote roles in clinical research where CRA experience is appreciated?

Hello,

Could you please guide me with the salaries of senior consultant in Big 4 in Canada ?
I know that it varies based on location, but what would be a competitive salary for Toronto , Ottawa and Vancouver?

likeuplifting

Have a chat with a recruiter coming up early next week around a Business Strategy Director role at Salesforce. Its in their Customer Success Group.

I am sure the recruiter is going to ask the “salary expectations” question so can anyone at Salesforce (past or present) tell me what the rough salary range for this role is ? Also, if you have any insight into the interview process, please let me know!

Thanks a bunch!

like

A reputed *MNC is hiring* for multiple postings for the role of data analyst at Bengaluru location with following skills.

Forward your resume to
m2thimmaiah@gmail.com
only if you possess any of these following skills:

SAS
Data Segmentation
Python
Pega
Unica
Hadoop
R
QSense
PBI
SQL - IM

like

Hi All,
I'm around 8 yr experienced in RPA(Technical). What designation they will give me and what salary should I expect? Is there fixed + variable pay system too? If yes, what's the split?
Total exp - 7.9 yrs
CCTC - 18 LPA

*calling big Pharma professionals* my friend wanted me to hop on and ask about a salary that she has received working as a quality insurance coordinator for one of the top 15 pharmaceutical companies. She is making 65,000 Canadian and that would narrow down to 50,000 USD, she wanted some insight on how much quality assurance or regulatory affairs associates or other levels make? Also is she being underpaid or is that the current market rate at the moment. Thanks in advance

like

Tax Calculation for Remote Jobs outside India

If I work for a UK based company remotely from India, how will the tax calculations work.
Say the salary is 26 LPA in INR, will wiring the salary from UK cost me more than what I would have to pay if it was an Indian Company ?

Please comment your thoughts. If you have experience working in such a scenario, let me know how it went.

like

Hi Fishes, Does anyone know salary range for 12yrs Java/Kubernetes stack in UBS? Please avoid trolls 🙏

like

I attended HCL interview for service desk analyst. Current Package is 3 LPA. I have 5.9 years of experience. But they offer me only 25
% hike. Please suggest can I join or negotiate for more.

Hey fishes! Anyone got suggestions for healthcare or health tech companies in the city to pursue? 7 yoe, higher Ed degree.

Love working in healthcare, but not sure what my consulting exit options are.

like
likehelpful

For those who have passed the CIPM exam, what is it like (and how does it compare to the CIPP/US exam)?

Hello all! I'm a clinical research professional with up to 5 years' of diverse experience featuring lab/bench side work, data management and information, and clinical administrative work. I am also currently pursuing my CCRP SOCRA certification as I am actively looking to switch jobs. I currently work as a Lead Research Associate& Protocol Coordinator at NIAID as a contractor and I'm looking for clinical research opportunities that are remote amd exciting! Would love a referral please!

like

What are the pros/cons of moving from WPP to IPG? I can’t give specifics about which agencies but I’m curious in a general sense about benefits, compensation, career growth, culture, etc.

like

So, I was let go from my company after a falling out with my director manager, what should I say when interviewers ask me why I left my last role?

like

Any insight into mid-market Jackson Lewis offices? Specially, salary range for 3rd-5th year associates, work-life balance, bonuses, and interview experiences. I know each office is different but just looking for general info and feedback.

like

Anybody transition from Audit to Advisory within the same firm? 1) Who did you contact and did you have to interview? 2) how was the overall process? 3) was there a salary adjustment?

like

More Posts

How old were your kids when you felt comfortable with them watching cartoons in the living room while you slept in? Asking for a friend… 😴

like

Has anyone heard of, or tried using, the Paladin Registry?

like

I am finally in the last 2 week's of my job at my toxic workplace that I have been at for 2.5 years. I have a new role already lined up, but I'm feeling quite nervous due all of the bad experiences in my current toxic workplace. Does anyone have any helpful strategies to start healing, moving on and regaining confidence?

like

Hi Folks,

I had joined Deloitte India last June, with fixed pay as 15.5 LPA.
I have total 6.8 years of experience, Senior Consultant.


Now I have an offer from Mindtree, with Total CTC of 22 LPA,today is last day to accept the offer.

I know the appraisal is due in Deloitte India, letter will be released on June 26, my coach said my feedback was good, also scatterplot is good.

What should I do? Should I move on and put down papers or wait for appraisal results then search for opportunities.

like

I will be starting in the new year at Deloitte with the Customer and Marketing practice. I am wondering if I should get a separate work phone. Wanted to check with you folks as to if it makes sense to keep work and personal phones separate or just port my personal phone to the Deloitte plan. Thoughts? TIA

like

Thinking about having my wife stay home w/ kids. Her job pays 100% of our health benefits today. Curious, are there options for group health insurance through like alumni or other associations? Cont

like

Best Oracle practice among Big 4? From the perspective of comp (salary, bonus, benefits) and WLB

like

This group is for providing a unique platform for utilization of opportunities and delivering quality results in political consulting. It will also act as a go-to go network for all types of Political Campaigning & allied activities.
Plz, invite your connections...

like

I have an offer from
1. Sapient
2. EPAM
3. Incedo

Irrespective of salary I want to know which is good based upon learning curve and job security.

What is the CTC range for Senior Business System Analyst at Optum with Grade 26.

like

Current compensation is $160K base + bonus (22K this year) with 7YOE in the Cybersecurity space. My current client (fortune500) has approached me to join their team.

I’d like to ask for $215K base + 15% bonus + rsu (negotiable) - is this unreasonable and if so, what would be a realistic $$ to aim for? TIA

like

How much do you help your children? I have two, one 27 and one 23. Paid for their college which is pretty standard. One wants a newer car and I hate the idea of the bank taking money for interest. Thinking of loaning them the money instead. A little jump start. Gainfully employed kids I will add. Thoughts ?

like

How do you ask the employer to remove the exclusivity clause from the employment contract?

I’m looking to get my first job Online i need help please…

like

Looking for Fullstack Developers with Angular8 and NodeJS
Bangalore location.
CTC upto 16 LPA (negotiable)
4.5+ years

like

Life will not get you what you want but what you are!
Life is not about becoming but being...

Guys can Anyone confirm if we accept offer from TCS and dont join can we join later? I am getting varied response, some say they blacklist some say they don't.

like

YoE = 11yrs
Is Grade 10 right fit for this experience? Also does G10 resolves to Software Engineer IV?

Bench ka Kya system hain bhailog capgemini mein?

like

Additional Posts in Career Pivot

**NEED ADVICE**

I've been working as a senior writer at
a manufacturing firm for the past 7
months. Got a management
opportunity, along with an 18K pay
bump. When I gave notice, my
company matched the salary and
offered me a title change. I then went
back and thanked the new company
for their time as I felt obligated to give
my current company a chance since
they vouched for me. Now, the
new place is offering me an additional
10K after I already told my current
employer I'd stay. Thoughts?

like

Looking for roles I can pivot to from my current career in financial middle office/financial ops -

I’m not interested in front office, and it feels like the only other jobs I can get are other financial MO/BO jobs.

What other jobs would these MO / ops skills be a good fit for?

Hey fishies! 👋I have a BS in Art Education, 10y teaching experience and pivoting to instructional design/curriculum development. Had an awesome 2nd round interview with a hiring manager of Experian. I have an offer as an independent contractor with another (smaller) company. Any salary negotiation advice if I get to the next round with Experian? What’s baseline pay for experian ID’s?

👍Any information is helpful!

like

I am wanting to get my business started; I have 18 years experience in my field but I just don’t know how to branch out and get work on my own any advise?

like

Any Aftersales Marketers in OEM? I have an interview and I am looking for insights into the role. How big is the aftersales part of the business? Role challenges, opportunites, pros/cons?

like

Are there bowls for the hospitality/ restaurant industry? My friend is a chief and is looking to switch careers into the corporate world. Thanks!

In need of suggestions for jobs other than advertising. And don’t say sales lol.

like

Feeling a little lost. Trying to pivot to consulting but I feel like top consulting firms won’t even interview me even though I went to a target school, got a STEM degree, and graduated only 2 yrs ago. Any advice would be appreciated!

like

Can anyone provide insight into Capital One's "power day" interviews?

like

I'm looking to transition from Project
Management in the International
Development/Non-profit space to
project/product management in the
private sector, mostly the tech
space. Has anyone else made this
transition and is willing to give some
tips/advice?

like

I just changed my role to project management...I start to hate this when I'm doing the detailed plans. I have never been a detailed oriented person and it takes too much of my mental energy when working on very details. I guess I'm happy about the change I made but still need to find something I want to do in long run.

likefunny

How would you recommend making a career pivot when you feel desperate for a job?

like

Hi guys,

I earned a BSc in Mathematics, currently invested in Data Analysis.
I'm looking for a junior-level role in the Data sector. If anyone has openings in the UK, please let me know.
Thank you

like

Meeting with a career coach right now to discuss career options, putting it out there to destigmatize it. It's okay if you need help with a new directions.

likeupliftinghelpful

For anyone who has left the nonprofit field to the for-profit industry (tech, finance, etc.):

1) Why did you leave?

2) How did you transition out/what transferable skills carried over?

3) What is your current role?

4) What advice do you have for those of us trying to exit?

5) Are you open to connecting via DM?

like

How long does one wait at the pwc “under review” stage?

likehelpful

Hello fish and sharks! I am an analyst at a pharma company in NYC. I’m trying to pivot to consulting specifically in Risk Management. My boss and I talked about consulting firms and he said how consultants work all the time outside of working hours.. is it really that bad? And is the compensation not great compared to how much you put in?

like

Hi everyone, I am looking for advice on getting to the same company but in a different country. I had an internship at multinational FMCG company in purchasing in country 1 (5 ys ago). I then went studying abroad to country 2 and stayed doing the jobs which came with the visa - sales/accounting/marketing but all for really small companies (20 e-s max). I keep dreaming about getting back to FMCG co but in country 2. Applied directly/chatted to ex coworkers in country 1 - no luck. Any advice?

like

Any ideas for a field to pivot into for someone who just got laid off? For reference I’ve been sales selling data products for my entire career (6 years)

like

I've changed jobs every year for the past 5 years, within the same field; I haven't worked at a place I would consider spending a long time at. I've never been fired or even written up, but the job changes are reflecting as negative when looking for a new job. Any suggestions to get perspective employers to give me a chance?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal