Navigating Career Change: A Guide for Mid-Career Professionals (5 minute read)
Paul Cahill
Building Future Leaders | Addressing Generational Workplace Challenges | I coach aspiring leaders & support organisations to build resilient & collaborative workplaces.
Navigating Career Change: A Guide for Mid-Career Professionals
Feeling stuck in your current job? Do the Sunday night blues visit regularly at the thought of another week doing a job you are simply not enjoying? I can guarantee that you are not alone. Amid the rapid changes in today's work and social environments, many mid-career professionals experience periods of low motivation and uncertainty about their current career. While a? 2021 CSO study showed that roughly 50% of the Irish workforce reported feeling satisfied with their current jobs, a positive number compared to their UK and US counterparts where only 25% of the workforce expressed feeling satisfied (Gallup Global Workplace: 2023 report), this still leaves a large portion of people who are lacking purpose, fulfilment and general satisfaction from their work. Now, while I don’t believe the dissatisfaction is always a result of extrinsic factors and nor do I believe that our work is solely responsible for our happiness and wellbeing, I do believe that we are in control of where we choose to spend our time and that we have the ability to change a situation if we are unhappy. Career change is not only possible but when managed correctly can provide a huge shift in your sense of purpose, happiness and fulfilment.?
This article aims to outline some key considerations you should think about when feeling like you need a change, as well as outline some clear steps you can follow to ensure you are making informed, responsible and appropriate decisions that are right for your career and you holistically.?
The Neuroscience of Career Stagnation
Feeling stuck in your career isn't just about external circumstances—it's deeply rooted in how our brains function. When we engage in the same tasks repeatedly without new challenges, our brains enter a state of autopilot. This lack of novelty reduces the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, achievement and pleasure. On the other hand, stepping into new roles and environments can rejuvenate your brain, increasing dopamine levels and reigniting your passion for work. Now I am not saying that anytime you feel a dip in motivation you should hand back your laptop and find a new job, but it is important to understand what is happening for us physiologically when we feel stuck and bored in our jobs. While taking this step will at first feel uncomfortable at first learning how to embrace certain levels of discomfort and recognise it as a sign that you are learning and growing will help you to persevere and move forward through the fear and doubt.????????
The Changing Landscape of Careers
4.1 years was the average tenure of employment according to a 2022 Bureau of Labour Statistics for the US workforce and while this is slightly higher in Europe varying from region to region, the trend is clear, the days of spending 20 plus years in a job are gone. This statistic underscores the increasing willingness of employees to seek alternative jobs as well as the current fluidity of the job market, where career changes are not just common but expected. In Ireland, this trend is particularly noticeable, with professionals seeking new opportunities to align their careers with their evolving goals and values. The COVID-19 pandemic has also shifted perspectives, making people reassess what they want from their work life. Introduction of new technologies will create new roles as well as force others to be reexamined. If we think about it, the world of careers has always been shifting to meet the needs of industry, individuals and societies albeit perhaps not with the malleability and speed of today’s landscape. So if we know the landscape is changing, isn’t it normal that we change with it?
Understanding Career Transitions
A career change can seem daunting, especially if you've been in your current role for several years. However, understanding and using a framework for career transition can make the process more manageable.?
Here’s a step-by-step guide based on current career theory and best practices:
1. Self-Assessment
Begin with a thorough self-assessment. Identify your strengths, skills, values and interests. Reflect on what aspects of your current job you enjoy and what you find draining. Making value based decisions is important when it comes to your career, so understanding your own and how they are met is extremely important. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Strong Interest Inventory can provide valuable insights, or alternatively you can use the free VIA character strengths survey as a starting point. Follow the link HERE.?
A word of caution, we often seek big external changes to what are often internal issues with our own engagement with work. The grass isn’t always greener, it is greenest where it is watered. Carrying out a realistic and honest self assessment will often help people see how some small changes can make a big difference to how they feel at work and often avert having to make a big career move.
2. Explore Opportunities
The next step is to research the industries and roles that align with your self-assessment results. Consider sectors experiencing growth and those that match your skill set. Networking is crucial at this stage; attend industry events, join professional groups on LinkedIn, and connect with individuals who can offer insights into potential career paths. Your network is likely bigger than you think. I always encourage clients to begin speaking about the areas they are interested in with friends and family. More often than not someone will have a link to someone they can connect you with. Exploring career based websites can be a great way to gain a realistic sense if a job is a viable option for you or not. The career portal Ireland website is a useful place to begin your exploration. Use the following link to get there: Careers Portal Ireland.
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3. Skill Enhancement
Identifying any skills gaps and seeking opportunities to bridge them is often an essential step in navigating career transition. This is often one of the major barriers? to career change I hear when working with clients. Yes, if you are a mid-career professional, chances are you have responsibilities such as rent, mortgage, children, utilities etc… and so the reality for many people may be that they can’t afford to quit work and retrain for 6 years to become a doctor. However, we now live in a time where education and access to training courses are more readily available and affordable than ever. For a large range of jobs within growth industries, online certificates are available to get you up to speed and in the door. These, along with the rise in micro-credentialing and flexible learning are making it so you don’t have to quit your current job to upskill or retrain. Identify any skill gaps and seek opportunities to bridge them. Upskilling not only enhances your resume but also boosts your confidence and opens doors you previously thought shut to you forever. Google Professional Certificates and Grow with Google are a great resource available to people looking to upskill or transition into a new career area within a growth industry.?
4. Craft a Transition Plan
Successful change requires strategy and planning. Developing a clear plan outlining your next steps with realistic goals and timelines is important to maintain a sense of progress and direction. Your plan should include figuring out what current best practice is for resume and cover letter writing and subsequently updating your resume, creating or enhancing your LinkedIn profile, and preparing for interviews. Tailoring your application materials to highlight your transferable skills and relevant experience will take practice and research. Managing a slight and short lived financial regression is often necessary when moving into a completely new field or industry. While you will likely work your way back to your expected salary and beyond, it is realistic to plan how you will manage financially. Nothing puts a halt to a career change quicker than not being able to pay the rent.?
5. Seek Professional Guidance
We don’t know what we don’t know. By the time we are midway through our careers or indeed even in our early career stages we generally become experts in a specific area or at practising a specific skill. I would strongly recommend you consider working with a career coach to navigate your transition. A coach can provide personalised advice, accountability, and support throughout the career transition process. They can also help you refine your job search strategies, increase your likelihood of receiving interviews and help you to perform well in them. Career change is not easy and this is why so many people put up with underpaid, unfulfilling and frustrating jobs. We become comfortable with the monotony we are experiencing and settle for? the devil we know rather than the one we don’t. Therefore accountability and support are vital to keeping you motivated in pursuing your career change. Professional guidance can make your transition more efficient and direct you to the resources, information and training opportunities you may need, saving you time, energy and money. I would be delighted to help you at Paul Cahill Coaching but it is important you find a coach that you connect and resonate with. There are many available throughout Ireland and with the benefits of technology you can now also connect with coaches abroad.
6. Take the Leap
As mentioned, career change is not easy and can feel really scary. Imposter syndrome and self doubt love to poke their heads out at this time. So once you’ve done your research, planning and preparation, it’s time to take action. Apply for roles that excite you, and be prepared for setbacks along the way. Remember, every application and interview is a learning experience that brings you closer to your goal.
Embracing the Change
Changing careers can be both exhilarating and challenging. It’s important to stay positive and patient throughout the process. Celebrate small victories and stay focused on your long-term goals. The changes we crave won’t appear overnight. They need to be crafted with sustained effort and energy, but with the right guidance and structured support, finding fulfilment and joy in your work is possible.?
At Paul Cahill Coaching, we specialise in supporting mid-level professionals through career transitions. Our services are designed to help people rediscover passion for what they do, identify their strengths, and lay the building blocks for a career they feel positively engaged with. Whether you’re looking to switch industries or advance in your current field, we’re here to help.
Testimonials from Satisfied Clients
"Paul's coaching transformed my career path. His insights and strategies were invaluable in my transition from hospitality to data analytics." – Catherine, Melbourne
"I was feeling stuck and unmotivated in my job. Paul helped me identify my strengths and guided me towards a fulfilling career change starting my own design business." – Imogen, Sydney
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