I'm changing things up a little over here. For the last few months I've been doing regular #AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions over on Instagram. This is a chance for people to have their career change, work, job search or any career-related questions answered by a career counsellor with over 2 decades of experience. I thought it might be helpful for me to share some of the questions I've been getting, along with my answers here. Let's go!
YOUR CAREER QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
Is career change normal?
This is a great question. It might seem obvious, it might not. What I tend to pick up on from my clients is that wanting to make a change is a big problem and something that they could have and should have prevented. They believe they could have prevented it by doing something different or "better" earlier on.
I'm here to tell you once and for all that change is normal.
Sure, there are people who choose a career after school and stay until retirement. There are even some rare unicorns who stay with one employer for their entire career.
Is having one job or career for life the norm?
Probably not.
Not any more.
Most of us will not stay with one single employer for our entire working life. Most of us won’t keep doing the same job year after year.
Isn’t that the BEST news?
Based upon some recent statistics, Canadians can expect to hold roughly 15 jobs during their working life. I’d say that answers that.
YES, changing jobs is normal and career change is normal.
Can I change my career at age 30, 40 or 50?
I could share a hundred or more stories of people over age 30, 40 or 50 who’ve had successful career changes. That being said, misconceptions and fear abound! Having to start at the bottom. The costs of retraining or going back to school. Fears about not getting hired, that it will take too much time. Concerns about age--too old, too young. Worry that change is irresponsible. Self-doubt and self-loathing that we should have "gotten it right" the first time.
One thing I know for sure. Your biggest obstacles will always relate to your thoughts about these things. In my experience, if you make changing your career mean you’ll have to “start over” it will feel that way. On the other hand, if you view it as a chance to have a beginner’s mind, learn, grown and have a fun adventure it’s likely that will be more your experience.
Also, your past experience and transferable skills don’t get deleted the second you turn your attention to something new. You’ll bring that with you. That’s valuable. It’s worth something.
People know that.
Will a change mean years of retraining and many thousands of dollars? Well, that depends on what you want to do. Why is it acceptable to invest time and resources into our careers when we’re 20 but less so the older we get?
You know what will make you old? Never updating your skills, learning anything new, never making any investments or growing.
Have you heard about our current skills shortage? It’s not about age. It’s about skill. It’s about the value you can bring. Does age discrimination exist? Of course. Any place you truly want to work will recognize value, if they don’t, they’re not your people anyhow.
Will a career change make me happier?
According to a survey reported on by CBC within the last few years, nearly nine out of 10 Canadians who have made a career change say they're happier since switching paths.
Will that be your experience? I can’t guarantee anything. You have to do that (I can help). If you’re thinking of a career change, decide that it’s going to be worth it. Decide ahead of time that you’ll be happier—not because of the career change but because you’re going to become intentional about your 9-5 and your 5-9. If you hate what you’re doing from 9-5, make a change but don’t make your happiness only about your job. You’re more than your work.
Figure out what you need from your work to make it feel worthwhile. Do work that fits your life.
I know something brought you here and maybe it was a search for what to do next about your career. There are a few ways I can help:
Learn more about how to work with me
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Take the FREE Make Work Better Quiz
Sarah took the Make Work Better quiz and said this:
“Christine! I wanted to say thanks. I completed the quiz and then it clicked: I don't feel my contributions are recognized or valued by my employer. Time to have a tough conversation and make some decisions. Thanks for the nudge.”
Kim, a one on one coaching client had this to say about working with me:
I followed Christine on social media for quite some time before I reached out so I felt confident that she was the right coach for me. I’d recommend her coaching for anyone who feels stuck in their career and doesn’t quite know where to begin – anyone looking for accountability and motivation to change. Working with Christine led to a huge shift in my thinking about the level of power I have over my personal contentment. What I liked best about working with Christine was that I felt safe – she is genuine, honest and supportive – so I was able to be vulnerable and easily share what I needed in order to move forward. Her constant reassurance that it’s okay to continue exploring, shifting and changing as I grow was invaluable for my piece of mind. Most importantly, Christine believed in me when I had trouble believing in myself. She helped me truly internalize that no matter what obstacles and challenges arise, I can persevere and continue moving forward.
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