Career Rut - where to go for assistance?

jaja321

Hi there,

I find myself in more than a bit of rut at work - I've been in the same organisation and more or less the same role now for too long. I've taken a few internal movements here and there, but none were long-term and so I have always had to come back to my previous role. At this point, I really want a change, in fact I want to completely move out of the sector I work in. The idea of totally re-training is a bit overwhelming - I am 43 and some of things I'm interested in take 7 years plus to get accredited and then I would have to start of the bottom of the ladder salary wise etc. So.. I'm trying to be a bit more realistic and see what skills I have that might be transferrable - what sectors and roles might be open to me and how I pivot myself in that direction. What I'm missing is some support/guidance to help me navigate this.

Does anyone have any guidance on where someone like me goes for advice? I don't think I'm looking for a recruitment specialist as I don't know what road I want to go down yet - perhaps some kind of career advisor or something like that? I'm really not sure. Any support/guidance greatly appreciated - and in particular if anyone has specific names/recommendations - please do PM me!

Thanks in advance :-)

caviardreams

There are some good people on insta:

Hilt careers and Lynda Barry career consulting are two. Check out their insta stories and videos etc It will give you a feel for what they do and see if it's what you're looking for. Check out other career consultants on there too - it's a great way to try before you buy

jethrothe2nd

I'm not sure I can offer any particular guidance, but I'm on that road myself after 20 plus years in the same company in the private sector. Here are my observations so far: 

There is no way around a bit of pain, financially, stress wise etc etc, so planning is key. I've got into the sector I wanted to, but obviously low in the ranks, and with a hefty drop in salary that makes me sweat every time I look at my payslip, but the medium to long prospects are good. Big picture.

If there is any opportunity to start studying now do it without delay while you are in a job you know. Don't put it on the long finger if you know what you want to do. That is the number one thing I would change about how I have done things. It is hard enough working and studying at the same time, but it is a whole lot easier when you know your job inside out. Trying to study and find your feet in a new job is a nightmare at times. 

Not sure where you are based but some of the Education and Training Boards offer free career guidance - I had a session with KWETB, and although I can't say it was brilliant, it did focus the mind and gave me a starting point. 

When I really sat down and thought about my skillset, I realised I had way more transferable skills than I thought I did, and I would hazard a guess it is the same for you.

I still have a long way to go, but so far, totally worth it despite the challenges. I can only say get planning and go for it.

Mrs OBumble

Whatever you are going to do - do it NOW.

Once you hit 49.5 years, your chances of getting interview decrease substantially.

caviardreams

Totally echo Jethro's point about transferable skills - I would say in some roles they can be as much as 80%: Excellent communication skills, strong relationship building, exceptional time management and accountablity of delivery, analytical skills and ability to learn quickly, project management, people management, resolving conflict and a positive mindset will get you a long way in a lot of roles imo.

Add on a key technical or functional skill or two and you would be surprised what roles might be open to you

jaja321

Thanks so much for all the advice - really appreciate people taking the time.

At 43 I definitely feel the need to do it now - I just came back to work after having my second (and last) child - in July and I've been frustrated since. I've finally decided to just take the bull by the horns and start trying to do something about it, rather than moan about it. I've already contacted some career coaches yesterday and today and will look into the ones advised above. I am worried about the financial hit as I have kids and a mortgage etc but let's see where this journey takes me.

Thanks again :-)

caviardreams

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118530332#Comment_118530332

Good luck with it jaja! You sound like you want to make a change and have the courage which is half the battle in making it a success I think.