How many have done a complete paradigm shift in career?
Discussion
Little background, currently 16 years in the offshore oil and gas industry. Technically within top 5% earnings of UK average. Decent wages, comfortable standard of living and reasonably happy working career. My partner was very recently made redundant from the same industry and has decided to go back to college to earn a qualification and change career.
I once considered that I would be able to see my career out in this industry. However this dream (sic) is fading quickly into the global loss of demand in oil and hydrocarbons and the trend towards renewables and electrification of transportation and power generation. Whilst I'm not suggesting the industry is done I can see a trending decline. I have currently been sat at home since the end of November last year on half wages. Which is manageable. But after having spent so much time at home I have much less desire to return in the long term to the industry as a whole.
My partner is now looking at two years(ish) retraining before starting her business from home. I have no doubt in her ability to complete the training and establish a business in this field resulting in a reasonable income. (£25-30k)
As a result I have returned to some long smoldering plans to "escape" the industry. This in some ways is the total dream of earning enough in a high stress, highly paid industry to start doing something you find fulfilling and enjoyable. Not saying it wouldn't be hard work, as I'm sure any self employed or self start business owner would attest to. I have a brand idea, products, marketing, long term goals and possibilities all worked out. I think it would take the next 2-3 years to see my partner through her training and business establishment as well as building up capital to start my own business.
How many of you have started again (at age 40+) or completed a paradigm shift in career? or possibly started one successful career with an eye of an 'escape plan' to something you enjoy?
They say you should never make a hobby or a passion a career as you will quickly lose that passion for it. Conversely I have heard it said that if you find a job you love you will never work a day in your life.
I once considered that I would be able to see my career out in this industry. However this dream (sic) is fading quickly into the global loss of demand in oil and hydrocarbons and the trend towards renewables and electrification of transportation and power generation. Whilst I'm not suggesting the industry is done I can see a trending decline. I have currently been sat at home since the end of November last year on half wages. Which is manageable. But after having spent so much time at home I have much less desire to return in the long term to the industry as a whole.
My partner is now looking at two years(ish) retraining before starting her business from home. I have no doubt in her ability to complete the training and establish a business in this field resulting in a reasonable income. (£25-30k)
As a result I have returned to some long smoldering plans to "escape" the industry. This in some ways is the total dream of earning enough in a high stress, highly paid industry to start doing something you find fulfilling and enjoyable. Not saying it wouldn't be hard work, as I'm sure any self employed or self start business owner would attest to. I have a brand idea, products, marketing, long term goals and possibilities all worked out. I think it would take the next 2-3 years to see my partner through her training and business establishment as well as building up capital to start my own business.
How many of you have started again (at age 40+) or completed a paradigm shift in career? or possibly started one successful career with an eye of an 'escape plan' to something you enjoy?
They say you should never make a hobby or a passion a career as you will quickly lose that passion for it. Conversely I have heard it said that if you find a job you love you will never work a day in your life.
Edited by RichTT on Saturday 20th June 00:00
had 4 careers in my lifetime - an Engineer (4 years) , a car salesman (3 years just for fun lol), a headhunter (24 years), currently a 100% made in Great Britain niche Small parts manufacturer + direct to consumer eCom retailer - which went full time @ 48 I started it whilst headhunting, 3 years before the end of that career - so it phased in nicely ..... AND now I am training to become a counsellor, a skill I think I might need to keep me busy when/if I become old and bored.
I feel all my 4 chosen journeys have been a success - had some great times, worked on some memorable projects, earn’t some decent wedge, had a string of lovely motors etc
Switching (for me) is all about following your passion. No matter who else is doing it, you can always create your own success.
Passion, desire, determination and reality are what you need imho.
Good Luck :-) you’ll be great!
I feel all my 4 chosen journeys have been a success - had some great times, worked on some memorable projects, earn’t some decent wedge, had a string of lovely motors etc
Switching (for me) is all about following your passion. No matter who else is doing it, you can always create your own success.
Passion, desire, determination and reality are what you need imho.
Good Luck :-) you’ll be great!
Edited by khushy on Saturday 20th June 07:09
Go for it, you only live once yadda yadda yadda. But control the downside so it’s within expectation. I always had a “what if” back up plan. Note your technically qualified as such you always have a back up plan.
In 2005 at 41 and working in HVAC sales (I had no idea what I was doing) I left to work for my own company I’d started in 1998. Going from £88k to £12k salary but it was planned and it went to plan spectacularly.
This was my huge leap but no wife, kids, mortgage, life. Plus the biz was doing £1m without me.
Next was more evolution -
In 2016 at 52 I did it again, always with a fall back “what if” plan.
Then reverse evolution -
In 2020 I am about to do again but this time it’s a multi faceted agile vehicle to do “stuff” Which is just bull speak for the fact I’m doing lots to see what sticks.
In 2005 at 41 and working in HVAC sales (I had no idea what I was doing) I left to work for my own company I’d started in 1998. Going from £88k to £12k salary but it was planned and it went to plan spectacularly.
This was my huge leap but no wife, kids, mortgage, life. Plus the biz was doing £1m without me.
Next was more evolution -
In 2016 at 52 I did it again, always with a fall back “what if” plan.
Then reverse evolution -
In 2020 I am about to do again but this time it’s a multi faceted agile vehicle to do “stuff” Which is just bull speak for the fact I’m doing lots to see what sticks.
Trained and qualified as a Graphic Designer. Transitioned to Marketing (not such a huge leap). Today, I'm a Behaviour Change Communicator for the international waste and resources sector in developing countries. The difference is not as great as it may first appear but still, I find myself often thinking as I stand on some Wester African dumpsite "how exactly did this happen??".
I think the key is to keep an open mind and open eyes and give it a go.
I think the key is to keep an open mind and open eyes and give it a go.
RichTT said:
Conversely I have heard it said that if you find a job you love you will never work a day in your life.
Don't rely on finding one, make one. I haven't really 'worked' since 1990. Every project I completed I completed well and enjoyed and made money on. That's not work 
StevieBee said:
Today, I'm a Behaviour Change Communicator...
Sorry Steve but what the f
k is that?Thanks for the replies everyone. Heartening to hear some positive responses and motivation to give it a go.
For those that did make the change, how much financial security did you have behind you?
Should I aim to rack up a few years living expenses as backup before the business takes off or I head back to what I know?
For those that did make the change, how much financial security did you have behind you?
Should I aim to rack up a few years living expenses as backup before the business takes off or I head back to what I know?
RichTT said:
Thanks for the replies everyone. Heartening to hear some positive responses and motivation to give it a go.
For those that did make the change, how much financial security did you have behind you?
Should I aim to rack up a few years living expenses as backup before the business takes off or I head back to what I know?
Unanswerable questions, because we don't know what you plan to do, what you're good at, how good at marketing, or sales, or admin you are. You may hit the ground running with a better mousetrap, or you may launch a donkey that dies after a year having achieved nothing.For those that did make the change, how much financial security did you have behind you?
Should I aim to rack up a few years living expenses as backup before the business takes off or I head back to what I know?
One idea that would soften the jump and take some of the guesswork out is to start planning now, and see if you can get it rolling while still having the day job as back-up. At the least it would be market research.
Also consider how much you actually need to earn each month (forget holidays, new cars etc). That's how much profit your business will need to make. Whether it gets there in 3, 6, 12 months or never is up to you 'cos that's where the buck will stop :-)
Navy Weapons Engineer 8 years
Facilities Manager 8 years
Application Support Manager 10 years
Business Analyst 10 years
Each transition had a some transferable skills, but I still had to do significant retaining and learning for each career.
I mainly moved on for two reasons, I disliked my current role and the new was better paid or had more potential.
Facilities Manager 8 years
Application Support Manager 10 years
Business Analyst 10 years
Each transition had a some transferable skills, but I still had to do significant retaining and learning for each career.
I mainly moved on for two reasons, I disliked my current role and the new was better paid or had more potential.
Edited by 98elise on Saturday 20th June 17:04
98elise said:
Navy Weapons Engineer 8 years
Facilities Manager 8 years
Application Support Manager 10 years
Business Analyst 10 years
Each transition had a some transferable skills, but I still had to do significant retaining and learning for each career.
I mainly moved on for two reasons, I disliked my current role and the new was better paid or had more potential.
Was this difficult to do? Lots of knock backs? How much time did you retrain as you were preparing to change direction each time ?Facilities Manager 8 years
Application Support Manager 10 years
Business Analyst 10 years
Each transition had a some transferable skills, but I still had to do significant retaining and learning for each career.
I mainly moved on for two reasons, I disliked my current role and the new was better paid or had more potential.
Edited by 98elise on Saturday 20th June 17:04
Simpo Two said:
Unanswerable questions, because we don't know what you plan to do, what you're good at, how good at marketing, or sales, or admin you are. You may hit the ground running with a better mousetrap, or you may launch a donkey that dies after a year having achieved nothing.
One idea that would soften the jump and take some of the guesswork out is to start planning now, and see if you can get it rolling while still having the day job as back-up. At the least it would be market research.
Also consider how much you actually need to earn each month (forget holidays, new cars etc). That's how much profit your business will need to make. Whether it gets there in 3, 6, 12 months or never is up to you 'cos that's where the buck will stop :-)
Yes, sorry. Details far too vague to give a meaningful answer. One idea that would soften the jump and take some of the guesswork out is to start planning now, and see if you can get it rolling while still having the day job as back-up. At the least it would be market research.
Also consider how much you actually need to earn each month (forget holidays, new cars etc). That's how much profit your business will need to make. Whether it gets there in 3, 6, 12 months or never is up to you 'cos that's where the buck will stop :-)
I would be transitioning into the food industry. I will be turning what is a hobby (smoking, curing, pickling etc) into what would hopefully be a sustainable small business run from home.
I'm still in the planning stages. I'm aiming for a two year research and product development process whilst still working and whilst my partner is getting her business off the ground. This should allow me to test recipes and products, initially with friends and family. Before aiming to start small online shop and farmers market / local farm shops presence. It will hopefully also allow my to build up 2-3 years running costs as backup before starting full time.
Startup costs should be relatively low as I am able to build on my property, needing only the industry standard training, equipment and base products. I have access to top quality produce in the North East of Scotland, so would be aiming for locally sourced, sustainable products. Developing local ties with farmers / butchers etc in good time. I have a dairy just up the road from me, and have ties to seafood and fish suppliers already.
Admin and marketing shouldn't be an issue. I understand how to promote a product and have an online presence. Book keeping, finances and general planning tie in with my current position so that would be an easy transition.
I think I was just looking for some encouragement more than anything. Don't want to spend all my days working for someone else. Whether the money is good or not, I can't imagine anything better than being my own boss.
Sounds great.
But two years? I'd be looking at getting stuff at the first available farmers market. Even if it is a limited range. See what sells and see what prices people are prepared to pay. Spend time researching in the background. It will make a little bit of income and organic growth, particularly if you can run it in parallel with being paid to be at home.
But two years? I'd be looking at getting stuff at the first available farmers market. Even if it is a limited range. See what sells and see what prices people are prepared to pay. Spend time researching in the background. It will make a little bit of income and organic growth, particularly if you can run it in parallel with being paid to be at home.
CubanPete said:
Sounds great.
But two years? I'd be looking at getting stuff at the first available farmers market. Even if it is a limited range. See what sells and see what prices people are prepared to pay. Spend time researching in the background. It will make a little bit of income and organic growth, particularly if you can run it in parallel with being paid to be at home.
A few reasons. Firstly I need to get my partner up and running as she's taking the jump first and needs that support. Then I need relevant health and hygiene training certifications, registrations and business setup. Further to that I need to complete my business plan along with market research before committing. I'll do this in parallel with working as I should be back working in the next month or so. But two years? I'd be looking at getting stuff at the first available farmers market. Even if it is a limited range. See what sells and see what prices people are prepared to pay. Spend time researching in the background. It will make a little bit of income and organic growth, particularly if you can run it in parallel with being paid to be at home.
The hygiene courses and certificates you can get done quickly and straight away.
Use the farmers market as market research.
Business planning at this stage really is business guessing. If it takes more than a few hours at a top level or individual product level you are over thinking it.
https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/food-hygiene/h...
https://www.gov.uk/food-safety-your-responsibiliti...
https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance
Use the farmers market as market research.
Business planning at this stage really is business guessing. If it takes more than a few hours at a top level or individual product level you are over thinking it.
https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/food-hygiene/h...
https://www.gov.uk/food-safety-your-responsibiliti...
https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance
One of my business sells products by 'Aye' who pickle veg. I think this particular product is quite interesting as I'm not aware of many others doing this, beyond supermarkets selling onions and gherkins, compared with the large amount of people smoking game, poultry, fish etc.
Selling direct to consumer is the way to go though and down the line you might be able broaden your horizons with a listing at a distributor like the cress company.
2 years is a long time however and new entrants crop up all the time.
Selling direct to consumer is the way to go though and down the line you might be able broaden your horizons with a listing at a distributor like the cress company.
2 years is a long time however and new entrants crop up all the time.
I spent time working in Azerbaijan and one of the staples when heading out for a few beers was a plate of pickled veg alongside. It is a perfect combination and something that I don't see around here in the UK. I might have to go back over and see friends there and do some market research.
I might give the deep fried chicken throats a miss on the ol' marketing though.
I might give the deep fried chicken throats a miss on the ol' marketing though.
fastraxx said:
98elise said:
Navy Weapons Engineer 8 years
Facilities Manager 8 years
Application Support Manager 10 years
Business Analyst 10 years
Each transition had a some transferable skills, but I still had to do significant retaining and learning for each career.
I mainly moved on for two reasons, I disliked my current role and the new was better paid or had more potential.
Was this difficult to do? Lots of knock backs? How much time did you retrain as you were preparing to change direction each time ?Facilities Manager 8 years
Application Support Manager 10 years
Business Analyst 10 years
Each transition had a some transferable skills, but I still had to do significant retaining and learning for each career.
I mainly moved on for two reasons, I disliked my current role and the new was better paid or had more potential.
Edited by 98elise on Saturday 20th June 17:04
Weapons Engineer to Facilities Manager the company that took me on had a lot of ex Navy people so they knew that I could do it. I learnt on the job as such but I needed to do a lot of home study.
Facilities Manager to Application Support was a department head hunt. I was using MS Access to show where our business data was crap, and the IT department offered me a job to manage it full time. I had to learn SQL, PL/SQL and ITIL. The training was actually quite short, probably 2-3 weeks total. Takes a few years to get good at it though. That grew to me managing all the companies business systems.
Application Support to Business Analyst was relatively simple as it's also an IT role however it's an entirely different skill set. For that I did my PRINCE2 and ISEB qualifications which are industry standard. It was probably 4-5 weeks of training and exams spread over a year.
I was luckily that the careers seemed to present themselves at the right time, and formal training was mostly paid for by training budgets.
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