by Justin Standfield
Olympic champion Tom Daley’s recent announcement of his retirement from diving has prompted some media speculation about the possible pursuit of a fashion design career (he already has a clothes business and is known for being into knitting). I’ve personally coached several people who have made the decision to embark on a second career path midway through life (albeit without the financial safety net that Tom Daley presumably has), so I’d like to share some of the key considerations for anyone contemplating a career change and discuss how working with a coach can facilitate a smooth transition.
There are numerous reasons why individuals may choose to change careers later in life. Some may feel unfulfilled in their current roles and seek greater purpose or passion in their work – this is certainly something I’ve witnessed with clients before. Others may be driven by a desire for a new challenge, the ability to utilise untapped skills, or the chance to explore a long-held interest or hobby.
Regardless of the motivations, a career change can be an exciting and transformative experience. It allows people to reinvent themselves to some extent, expand their horizons and potentially find greater fulfilment and success in their professional lives.
While the prospect of a career change can be exhilarating, it also presents a unique set of challenges that must be carefully navigated. From my experience with clients who have made the leap, some of the key considerations include:
- Financial implications: Embarking on a new career path may involve a temporary reduction in income or the need to invest in additional education or training. It’s therefore crucial to carefully evaluate the financial impact and plan accordingly.
- Skill acquisition: Transitioning to a new field often requires the development of new skills and competencies. This may involve pursuing additional education, obtaining certifications or engaging in hands-on learning opportunities (this is where having a strong network can help).
- Networking and connections: Establishing a strong network and building relationships within the new industry can be crucial for finding job opportunities and gaining valuable insights. A good network may also be able to offer hands-on experience while training or the chance of job shadowing someone for a while.
- Psychological adjustment: The transition to a new career can be emotionally challenging, as individuals may face self-doubt, fear of the unknown, or resistance from family and friends.
Navigating these challenges can be made easier with the guidance and support of an experienced coach. A coach can provide invaluable assistance in the following ways:
Clarifying goals and priorities
A coach can help individuals clarify their goals, values and priorities, ensuring that the career change aligns with their long-term aspirations and personal fulfilment.
Skill assessment and development
Through comprehensive assessments and personalised coaching, a coach can help people identify their existing strengths and skills, as well as the areas that require further development to succeed in their new career path.
Developing a transition plan
A coach can work with individuals to create a detailed, step-by-step plan for their career transition, including timelines, milestones and actionable steps to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
Providing emotional support
The process of changing careers can be emotionally taxing and a coach can offer valuable emotional support, guidance and encouragement throughout the journey. It’s normal for self-belief to ebb and flow during times of change, so coaching can be an effective way of producing personalised strategies to keep the client on track.
Facilitating networking and connections
I have extensive networks within various industries and this has been helpful for my coaching clients to tap into, where appropriate. This has helped career-changers make valuable connections, open doors and navigate the job market in their new field.
Tom Daley is only 30, so by everyday (non-Olympian) standards that’s still pretty young to be changing career. That said, I believe it’s never too late to pursue a new path; by carefully considering the challenges and leveraging the guidance of a coach, anyone can navigate a successful career change and unlock a world of new possibilities.
Whether you’re seeking greater fulfilment, a new challenge, or the opportunity to explore a long-held passion, working with me as your coach on a career change can be a transformative and rewarding experience. With the right mindset, preparation and support, you can confidently take the first step towards a new and exciting chapter in your professional life.
Get in touch if you’d like to explore how we could work together on this.
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