Career Q&A: Changing Career at 54

Got an email to day from “T” regarding her wanting to change careers at age 54. Here’s her question:

Hi Gerard

I would like to pursue a career change. I have a Diploma in Office
Administration and a B. Tech in Commercial Administration. I have
worked as a secretary for +- 10 years in the same educational
institution. My interest is in Travel & Tourism certificate/diploma. My
concern is based on the following problems of my own:

• My age, I am 54 years old, am I not too old for the change.
• Will I still get a suitable job at my age.
• Will it be a wise change?

Please advise.

Okay, so here’s my answer. More information required by here’s what I had to say.Thanks for your question.

Tough situation. However you do have in your favour:

• strong qualifications
• good solid experience

So that’s a start. Good people with a stable, competent background are always valuable.

But now regarding the career change.

I would say that a drastic change, a “start from the bottom” change is not a good idea. From what I know about the environment (Travel) it’s high energy, very sales oriented. So some questions:

• Is this really what you want?
• What position/role exactly are you thinking of chasing?
• Is there any way in which you can combine your admin/secretarial background INSIDE a company offering a speciality Travel Desk service?
• What is it about the travel industry that excites you, is motivating your desire for a change.
• Have you already done the Travel diploma?
• Will it be a wise change? Who can tell??! But be cautious, don’t make any quick decisions. Do your homework. Try meeting with some Travel people to see what your options are, what role you’re aiming for, see what day-to-day activities you’ll be performing (sometimes we glamorize a certain industry, when really there’s another side to it all).

So these are some of the questions you should get back to me with and that have a bearing on your situation. Also of course is your financial position. Maybe you can afford to make a drastic change. If you’re doing this for the passion then that’s another matter. (I am assuming with this answer however that this is not the case.)

Just had another idea. Do you know anyone who – or can you find anyone who would like to go into business. You can handle the Admin side – setting up systems, policies, procedures and processes, and they can perhaps supply the Travel experience. Or can you join such a company lacking those skills (strong administration). You will also bring the added benefit of higher BEE rating.

Getting such an opportunity however will require you to market yourself directly to possible Travel Companies/Targets. [You can get great help with that in my online guerrilla job search coaching program.]

What You Need to do in This Job Market

Here are some interesting observations from someone who deals with job hunters on a daily basis. She is a full time resume/CV writer and correctly comments on how the job market is much less ‘scientific’ – ie predictable, organized, rule oriented than you may imagine. Anything can happen. Her name is Eve Nicholas and here’s the extract from her article:

I don’t need to tell you that the recession has caused a significant change in the job market. I’m sure that you read the monthly statistics on unemployment, and many of you have first-hand experience with layoffs and hiring freezes. But, as I mentioned, my work gives me a unique vantage point into employment trends (and into the lives of job hunters).

Here are a few of my observations:

• People land jobs in all economic conditions. Even this one. Every week clients talk to me about pending interviews, job offers and new positions. The hiring pace may be slower than it was in the past, but the market is alive and kicking.
• Job seekers have a lot of questions. Most of the time, they want to know the ‘rules’ of job searching, and the ‘right’ way to proceed on their career path. Here is my typical response: With only one exception, there are no hard-and-fast rules and no right answers in job hunting. Figure out what works best for your situation, and go with it. Here’s the one exception: Never lie.
• Most employers look for motivated, likeable people to join their teams. They also appreciate a good deal. Show them that you will bring a positive attitude to the workplace while improving the bottom line, and you’ll have a great shot at landing a new position.
• The more effort you put into your search, the faster you’ll land a new job. If you shuffle out your resume to every employer with an e-mail address, you can expect the process to last a very long time. On the other hand, if you research companies, network and improve your presentation, you’ll make an impact with hiring managers. Put in the effort. You’ll stand out from the crowd.

I think she’s on the money. And yet from what I’m seeing – CVs being sent to me for eg – is how people – maybe you? – aren’t really trying to do anything different. Quite likely they don’t know what to do differently. That ends now: go to my new ‘guerrilla’ job search coaching program where you get personal help with your job search.