Changing Careers - When is it possible? And How to do it?

Sometimes we want to totally reinvent ourselves and change careers. It is possible, but it becomes more difficult the further you are in your career. What are some strategies to do this?
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[@deltapi8859]

Tech can be a major rabbit hole. It's so huge right now that you can waste a whole life trying to pivot into minor nuances. And then there is also work life balance. You get in this weird rabbit hole where you need to jump through so many loops and convince people who might or might not even understand what "doing the job properly" even means. If you choose switching into tech, don't bloat it up. Don't get yourself worked up about it. Live life.

[@darkknight17]

This comment hits. I have worked in 3 tech companies and changed jobs 7 times in 10 years. The most common theme? Being hired for a junior specialist role and turn getting pushed into doing something unrelated. I'm tech you end up being a generalist with never having a chance to really progress in a linear career path. Job #1. Got hired at big tech consulting firm and got bounced around 5 internal job roles that I had to learn super fast to become an SME. Led to emotional and mental burn out. Left exactly 5 years of trying my hardest as towards the end my performance was mediocre. Job #2. Went to a smaller consulting firm and it was all smoke and mirrors. Horrible toxic environment. Everybody pretended to know what they were doing but nobody had any technical skills. Again, never got to grow in the tech role I was hired for and got put on projects I had no experience in. Anxiety started Sunday night and hated Mondays. Looked forward to my "escape" from work every Friday. Got fired. Job #3. Went into software sales, my company got bought up by US private equity firm who fired 80% of the work force and quadrupled my work load, with zero support into my training or development. Flourished for 2 yearsnthen got laid off. Fell into a black hole of depression I'm working my way out of looking for a new job.

[@darkknight17]

Would love to hear more about your career summary and experiences in your tech career.

[@deltapi8859]

@@darkknight17 I didn't switch jobs as much as you, but somewhat comparable. 7 years 3 jobs. Two burnouts. First one was a consultant company, during the interview process they promised interesting projects, promotions training. There was just one big customer with dinosaur tech where you couldn't learn anything, roadmap for career was a bunch of excuses, training and courses were 2 day "inhouse crash courses". I lost interest and got bullied out the project. There was an insane competition and elbow mindset. Eventually I got laid off, because I refused to quit before getting a new job. Second one I got laid off, because the head of division started to hire a bunch of juniors didn't even inform himself what the people he already had were capable off and tried to get rid of those with mid to high salaries and my salary there was shit already. Current company is a bit more sane, however it's full of freelancers (at least 50%). Let's see when this one pops. My dream was to work at a completely different branch in IT, but because I had to look for a stable salary first and then lost vital years to actually go into the aimed field the road is rocky and absurd. And for a sane career the field is not as important as the environment. So ... I would have to start from 0 with the possibility to end up in a toxic place. You story is pretty rough, but it happens in tech. You have to learn to separate your identity from the occupation, which seems absurd since 1/3 of your awake life is work.

[@miniphase]

Enjoying the content Rich. I changed careers aged 46. Previously worked as an architect, but it had become too regulatory for me. Looked at what I enjoyed and what range of skills I had, and decided to become a freelance designer / maker. I let all my old clients go, and spend 3 months building a portfolio of samples and sent out 130+ marketing packages to all sorts of companies. 6 years later, I'm finding the work so much more enjoyable and making more money. I build custom signage, stuff for theatres, TV, shop window displays, escape rooms... anything for anyone! I'm not saying it's been easy, but don't waste your life stuck in a job that sucks, you'll look back at an unfulfilled life riddled through with the pain of regret.

[@adammorra3813]

Dude that is amazing. And thank you for sharing this and the advice. How did you take the risk at 46? I always find that interesting. Im almost 40 and I'm making good money and nice perks but completely unfulfilled. At the same time, I have the golden handcuffs and too afraid to make a change.

[@RichGilbert]

That is an awesome story. Find what you want to do and start moving in that direction. It totally works. The challenges make it more meaningful and fun if you take them the right way. 👍👍👍

[@miniphase]

@@RichGilbert Absolutely! In some ways it's easier as you get older, because you have a wider skill set and, with a greater breadth of knowledge, you can see opportunities that you would have had no knowledge of when you were younger. Also if you turn up as an older freelancer, the clients just assume you've got loads of experience and have been doing it for decades!

[@miniphase]

@@adammorra3813 I'd been working self employed for about 15 years before I made the change, so I had some flexibility and transferable freelancing skills. I also gave myself a time period within which to prove to myself that the new career would be viable. Can you make room for some freelance gigs on the side of your normal day job? Maybe build up a chunk of savings and then ask your current employer if you can take a few months leave? It takes some hard graft, but staying in a job that is completely unfulfilling is going to crush your soul.

[@Lightbodied]

I need assistance with my businesses. What is your business name? Is it safe to share that on here?

[@Pedritox0953]

"If you want to make a career move, you got to be thoughtful about where the future is going " Great video!

[@gabrielar9611]

I’ve been a bartender, a mailman, worked in customer service, a nurse, worked a government job, and now I’m a realtor. I’m not in love with any of it. 😂 Finding a long term passion ‘job’ is rough. I honestly believe if all else fails I’ll fall back on nursing (which I got burned out in). Healthcare/ service/ sales will always be needed.

[@a012345]

Even if you find "the passion", you might have some shitty coworkers that ruin the job for you. To me, finding the perfect job and place to work is Shangri-La. It's all about what you're willing to put up with while you save up to buy your freedom. When you get to the point in which decisions won't be solely monetary driven, then you know you've made it.

[@gabrielar9611]

@@a012345Agreed. Nothing is perfect. Having your finances in order has to be the priority. Even if it’s just to get by when you’re old.

[@burgitech8643]

Well, these kind of jobs are not meant here. I think he is rather talking about careers where you need years of studying and experience to get into it.

[@ST-rj8iu]

wow. you are a real renaissance man. How did you pivot so many times?

[@chami-w1p]

I also is a nurse, radiographer, and Iam getting tired of it, working more than 15 years. I want to try do something else, and if I get unemployed I can always go back to my profession.

[@maxsievers8251]

Nice to find someone who knows the difference between the value of the stamp, the value of the actual education in that program and the value of the personal development during the program. You earned a subscriber.

[@KLM747M]

He nailed.- Same here...

[@CanadianWinters]

Very good advice. I changed career at almost 40. I was always good with computers (not programming but actually using software, 3d modelling etc..). I went into civil engineering where I can apply my skills using CAD software for design. In my area these technical figures are somewhat in demand for construction and enginnering companies. I went back to school for 2 years to get a diploma and found work in the summer after the 1st year of school and stayed on with the company after graduation. Starting over is not easy but I love my new job and I am much less stressed.

[@RichGilbert]

Great to hear!

[@saikumarb.8758]

I like content that crushes belief systems and ideologies and your is doing a great job in that.

[@RichGilbert]

Thanks! 🙏

[@ccmetalhead]

I spent all of my twenties figuring out all of the things I don't want to do. Now, in my early thirties I fell into a role as a field service technician in an industrial setting and I absolutely am having a blast

[@RichGilbert]

Awesome to hear!

[@ccmetalhead]

@@RichGilbert I'm super lucky and blessed. Thank you

[@islnds]

I feel like watching your videos is positively impacting me; I keep coming back to them - it's really great stuff.

[@RichGilbert]

Awesome to hear. Thanks for the encouragement

[@KLM747M]

Love your vibe, yeah, change career 3, 4, 5, 6 times in your lifetime.- Love your 100% honest assestment- I mean real life Shiza... 🙂

[@prsmooth042781]

I appreciate the perspective you bring to the topics you publish on your channel. It gives food for thought. Look forward to your future videos on navigating career and the workplace.

[@yalchinhuseynov2987]

I enjoy sitting and listening to your talks. Thanks for great content!

[@erikstonesifer7326]

Set your course. Have contingency plans and patience. Put your head down and do the work one objective at a time. Good insight Rich.

[@markie9739]

Thank you for the encouragement l didn’t know l needed. I’m in my forties, in the middle of a career change which I didn’t know was going to be so quite difficult.

[@fholohan]

I've changed career a few times, and yes it's harder as you get older and yes having qualification in to-career helps as they can see you're serious about it. One thing about not appearing as go-getting as the youngsters - current youngsters don't appear to me to be as go-getting I was at that age, or at this age really, so may not be as big a factor - probably depends on the career

[@sen0900]

I was a kindergarden teacher for 5 years and now I am a SAP PMO in an IT company.

[@FritzHeiger]

As a software dev, I don't see this as much of a career change, though ;) Still working with the kids :D

[@waysofzen]

Great topic and great advice. Start walking in a generally correct direction... and you will stumble into the right thing. Finding the right life partner & finding the right career... two difficult tasks... making life decisions. But life works out, as long as, you keep moving and keep trying.

[@RichGilbert]

“Life works out”. Indeed. It’s amazing

[@BOSSDONMAN]

Haven't watched the video yet. Not sure if my comment on your other video sparked this one but thanks for making this Rich!

[@lilbroomstick7914]

My degrees are in healthcare, but I’m getting industry leading certifications in Computer networking, cloud, and cybersecurity. I’m trying to delve deep into Healthcare IT. I think it’s possible cuz I’m still in my 20s and I’m still excited about learning

[@uusrano]

Great! The IT guys often have no clue what they are programming. It's good that someone who actually knows the business organised the data and data processing. All luck to you!

[@RobertGoodwin-j1i]

I’ve been in financial for almost 20 years and absolutely hate it. I feel trapped and don’t know how to get out of it. I have a writing background but don’t know how to parlay that into a decent paying job.

[@pmeloun]

Thanks for the video. Sometimes people need to hear something like this. That was me today.😊

[@queenie5057]

Currently my situation at 43. I've been a hairdresser for 22years and im currently in my second year at university. I still make good money but i dont enjoy it anymore

[@felixz2703]

Talk to people from the industry you want to get in. Some roles don’t require a bachelors, unfortunately most do :/ Best of luck

[@KLM747M]

You are on a roll!

[@cateclism316]

I was an underskilled software tester for fifteen years. Finally left the field in 2017. Trying to pivot into medical coding now. Fewer things to learn, more attuned to my knowledge base.

[@RichPober]

Industry-specific certifications seem to be the way to go. Professional certifications are very useful for transitioning into a new career and at a senior level, such as in cybersecurity: - CISSP for IT Cybersecurity - GICSP for OT Cybersecurity The professional certifications can be very demanding to achieve, so some of the easier foundation certifications maybe a better starting point, such as: - CompTIA Security+ - CompTIA Network+ An employer will still be interested in candidate with a foundation certificate, because it is evidence that they are willing and able to learn a new skill set.

[@PhoneNHe]

very empowering for me. Thank you

[@RichGilbert]

Glad you liked it!

[@SACREDFlRE]

Well, that was definitely some words

[@cashflowinvestor23]

Thanks Rich! Love the videos.

[@RichGilbert]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@jlg395]

I’m about to be fired from my sales job for not meeting my quota, so this video feels like a personal attack, lol.

[@RichGilbert]

Haha. That’s funny. Of course it’s not an attack. Just because moving to sales can be easier, doesn’t mean that every sales job is set up for success. Time for the next job! You’ll do great!

[@migz_8894]

I was talked into a bachelors of Social Work by a family member at a time in my life where I was pretty low and felt behind in life so I agreed. Now I'm kind of regretting it because I feel pidgeonholed, and I'm not making the connections or the money I want. So far I have been looking at International Development, paralegal, or doubling down and getting an MSW and getting a clinical license and become a therapist. A big reason I'm not high in my current career is because of the mental and emotional health and energy that gets sapped by dealing with clients that are only in bad situations, which takes a toll on you. Also the job jtself is not mentally stimulating, the task are menial and many of my co workers are low education too so I constantly have to dumb myself down to others and dont enjoy making friends as much due not having the same interest/background. However my strengths and interests are in journalism and writing. Looking for any tips to pivot lol, great video tho

[@prsmooth042781]

Just a thought. Why not try freelancing in writing a bit to test the waters and see if indeed it is something you want to go all in? In other words, take some baby steps in doing a small gig here or there on the side to get your feet wet just to confirm if that is something you want to further develop a plan to change career within that space?

[@RichGilbert]

I like that suggestion. Do something you like and you’re good at

[@migz_8894]

@@prsmooth042781 I'll look into that, thanks!

[@Career_Concepts]

Rich, you're doing God's work! I love your content!! Like a mentor for all

[@Tanasaudi]

Hello rich. I have watched all you videos and I like your brutality to your opinions about how to behave and think about big companies. I jump from business accountant to ERP consultant and now I am 37 and thinking of jumping to business finance Analysis so I can leverage my old experience too. What do you think?

[@RichGilbert]

Hard to give any advice without knowing more details. Do whatever you’re interested in. The challenges in life make it worth living

[@svenskanorsk]

Society pushes us into college when we should be pushing people to get certifications. Yeah you might need a bachelors as a foundation, like a CPA. I work for a public accounting firm and certifications are everything. Even for our IT folks

[@CuchBe]

You rock buddy. 😊

[@acotrel1]

I had about 10 career changes during my working life. I usually got jobs which I was interested in doing and always looked for more interesting jobs. When I took a step up, I sometimes did more study.

[@didafm]

As far as manufacturing coming back to America. Blue collar workers will be by far the beneficiaries of this, Bar none. It will primarily be skilled trades, project managers, technical skilled hands on work. Unfortunately not to many new office jockeys will be needed😂

[@ST-rj8iu]

honestly. I am sick of the 9 to 5. The desk job is not good for the body. I hope we bring back manufacturing jobs.

[@didafm]

@@ST-rj8iu yes..but I'm talking about building all these factories and such. It will be skilled trades people. And you need people with experience in these lines of work

[@ST-rj8iu]

@@didafm great! I don't wish ill will on people. jobs are great for the US!

[@Ivar-V]

My mind naturally flows to, Business Secrets of the Pharaohs, tried publishing a book while at a mega corp. Did not go as planned

[@LeviBailey]

Clean energy has been economically viable for some time, and is now the most cost-effective option in most situations. There is a lot of money flowing, and a lot of money to be made. E.g. according to the IEA (international energy agency), in 2022 there was $1.7 trillion invested in clean energy and $1 trillion invested in fossil fuels, and the gap is growing.

[@tehyas4622]

Clean energy is economically viable. It just needs to be offset with oil and gas when demand is high and renewable sources are low since our grids are interconnected enough.

[@ricardorodriguez7275]

For me, even doing an MBA at age 28-29 it was simply impossible to change careers. No one can see you doing something different from your current career

[@bacool]

lol why; did you do a TOP Mba like Top20 at least?

[@ricardorodriguez7275]

@@bacool It was a top 10 but in Europe where things are difficult (I'm not American)

[@ILoveAvatarShow]

interesting... I always heard that the school you go for masters is more important than the school you go to for bachelors....

[@chronometa]

I'm in the middle of this right now. But the degrees aren't that different imo. Going from inventory/operations to process improvement continuous improvement.

[@Basil-the-Frog]

The master's program I got into was very hard to get into. It was computer science. We got four years of support (tuition waved and employment if we were not supported in our research). In addition to the support, I had a National Science Foundation scholarship. If you had wanted to get into this program and did not have very good credentials, it would have been hard. Perhaps things are different now, since computer science might not be as lucrative today.

[@gokicuy]

sales is easy when it comes to the technicalities, but to succeed its heavily based on personality and how much you like dealing with other human being.

[@flatmapper]

Can you speak about estimates in software development. And should we #NoEstimates ?

[@alancotterell9207]

How is the transfer of manufacturing technology to universities achieved in America ?

[@mrxXxkink]

I have a question, what do you think about the entrepreneurship route or starting a business?

[@Ivar-V]

Curious, were you comparing egyptology to physics as similar or contrasting?

[@AndreaAltgayer]

LOVE this! Please can I repost this on LinkedIn? I think a lot of us are re-thinking our careers. Many of us are still reeling from the effects of the COVID lockdown and are trying to get back on our feet. Some people are just late bloomers and learn only later in life that they need to change direction. I think that even graduates who are feeling confused and are trying to figure out their careers could benefit from this video. Thank you so much for an inspiring and thought-provoking video!

[@RichGilbert]

Of course. Post it wherever you’d like. Glad the message resonated with you

[@jlg395]

You don’t have to ask, brown noser.

[@didafm]

Have you watched the CNBC video on Young Men dropping out of the workforce? Also 60% of university students are females right now... I don't know about you but those are wild statistics!!!

[@RichGilbert]

68% of grads are females I believe. Haven’t seen the cnbc thing but yeah. It’s a big deal. Men are disengaging, and I don’t blame them. I talk about things like this on my other channel Cultural Commentary.

[@didafm]

@@RichGilbert yeah. I think that's partially why wages are so stagnant.

[@kartikey0208]

Hi i ama an engineering grad. how can i get in touch with you i am facing a career related dilemma, I am stuck in a bad place PLEASE help.

[@withpikachu2402]

I loved to work on mainframes. When they introduced PC I decided to quit. Now I am back because of Blockchain. I am back guys!

[@RichGilbert]

Thank goodness! We’re happy to have you back. 😀😀😀

[@AG-nn8lp]

Uhhh why the hell would you not have wny growth at all?!? Staying in one career is exhausting

[@perceptron9834]

How to explain in the interview that my ex job sucks (should I do it at all) ?

[@RichGilbert]

Nope. They’ll think you’re just a sour puss

[@a012345]

Just say it was challenging and how you overcame them. You are now ready for a new challenge with their company.

[@perceptron9834]

​@@RichGilbert😂

[@abdallahj.a.]

I'm 28 and in Nursing school right now. I tried different things before.

[@יואלבלום]

Probably the safest career there is now, good luck.

[@alancotterell9207]

I have had about 10 career changes in my working life. I only ever apply for jobs which pander to my interests. If you have a genuine interest in doing a job, the employer will usually recognise that at interview. I have only ever missed out on 3 jobs for which I applied. There is man in Benalla who has a franchise for Japanese numerically controlled machining centres. He runs training courses. If you get a job in one of our few remaining engineering factories, your boss might fund a course. When you are competent, you can peddle your own canoe.

[@ST-rj8iu]

was it all through referrals?

[@josuetrujo]

Idk why sales was so hard for me. I got to be good and I loved it but I never got great.

[@alancotterell9207]

Can university professors teach people to manage projects ?- The system runs on bullshit !

[@BlacFireSan]

Tech might be bad to get into due to AI 🤖

[@RichGilbert]

GenAI is just another tool. It will reduce the need for low level programming but it’s not actually intelligent. It just spits out things that are already known - I.e. the training data

[@enigma7080]

How could that happen. Manufacturing will be costly in states. It looks like India might be taking over it from china.

[@Timzhil]

Looking at where the world is heading today, the best career change move is join the military.

[@a012345]

Until you get maimed or die in action. I imagine military bureaucracy is the worst.

[@BigBrother04]

​@a012345 I wouldnt enjoy the military. Way too rigid for my liking 😂

[@ABC-jq7ve]

The “um”s and the “ah”s are pretty distracting to be honest.

[@ABC-jq7ve]

And the “you know”s.

[@studzmuffin]

Great contents. Loving this. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻