I never thought that at the age of 48, I would have the risk appetite to step totally out of my comfort zone and try a new career. If you are reading this and considering a career change yourself, I can honestly say, back yourself and do it. Don’t waste time but make sure the timing is right.
I am inclined to be an introverted person and I have built a career working in the engine room of superfunds. I have now moved into the world of recruitment where every day I am out and about talking to candidates from all walks of life and clients with challenges, in terms of resourcing and retention of talent.
But at the core, the people and technical skills are the same – an authentic approach to everything I do, a genuine interest in people and helping them find their next company to bring value to, and a deep understanding of the regulated nature of financial services and how to run organisations.
The ability to identify the skillsets and roles to meet the strategic and operational needs of the business is paramount for success in recruitment.
My change management and project skills are utilised every day, I understand cultures and align candidates to clients, how to transform delivery through the right people doing the right jobs, the importance of meeting deadlines and keeping to budgets, and how to scope out roles and deliverables. I am thoroughly enjoying my new career.
Let me share some things I learnt;
Opportunities
You need to recognise an opportunity when you see it and be willing to explore it with an open mind and think about your unconscious bias. Be willing to challenge your thinking and how you see yourself professionally.
Transferrable skills
It is so important to identify and deeply understand your transferrable skills. Ask yourself – what are the critical success factors I am looking for in my new career and what is my key value-add? Keep going back to check against them as you explore.
Your non-negotiables
What are the non-negotiables you need in your new vocation? Can you take a pay cut or a sideways move, are you willing to learn and be vulnerable? Taking risks is not about jumping blindly into something new, its about doing your homework and taking considered and calculated risks.
For me, I knew I wanted to leverage my 25 years in financial services and bring all that I had learnt to my new adventure. I understood that what made me feel fulfilled in my working life was mentoring and helping those who report to me develop in their own careers.
I wanted to be autonomous in how I structured my workday; I wanted accountability and to have the opportunity to build something new. I wanted to be out of my comfort zone but with supportive people around me to help me succeed. I knew I needed to find a company that had the same work ethic and corporate values as me.
Integrity and respect, teamwork and resilience were all things I was looking for – they were my non negotiables.
There will be people around you who don’t necessarily see your vision and why you want to make a change. Whilst it is critical to listen to what others think, only you know what brings you happiness at work. Think about the negatives and how you would cope if they came to fruition – would they be dealbreakers for you or could you overcome them?
Believe in yourself and make the transition. With the right planning and forethought, you won’t regret it.
