Swapping Stability for Fulfillment: Advice for Switching Careers in Your 40s

The defense for utilizing working experience and knowledge you’ve picked up throughout your career in new industries and career paths, by Ankur Parekh, Director of Business Development at VisualFizz.

I always thought I had the perfect job. I was content running through my last 15 years with stability and knowing what my day would bring — target, goals, deliverables, and expectations. I felt comfortable knowing that I could help provide for my family, getting value out of my MBA, and enjoying a lifestyle that worked for me.

Every few months, I would let my mind wander to other professional interests I had. However, I always just let the idea of something else go, due to the uncertainty and risk associated with potentially starting all over again.

What seemed like some great career plans in my head just did not translate to the financial risk I was willing to bear.

If I was single and in my 20s, I would think nothing of making changes, which I often did — holding 7–10 different roles during that decade to find my true passion. Now, in my 40s, my priorities have shifted dramatically, as additional responsibilities and my family have to be considered.

I was always raised to work in a stable, risk-averse environment. To me, that always meant holding a reputable position in the corporate world. I used my natural social skills and leveraged my experience in relationships and client relations to work in the financial services industry, which, at the time, felt both stable and fulfilling.

Then it happened — I got laid off.

Wow — what a jolt to my confidence and my perceived work ethic! At first, I went through the phase of “why me” after putting in so much time, effort, and loyalty with a single company. After the initial shock wore off, I started planning how I would begin to look for another job.

I had many questions — Is this a numbers game? Do I send out as many resumes as possible? Or should I be calculated with my approach and target only certain companies and positions? I knew I had the background and career history to be more meticulous and more intentional with my job search.

It was my wife’s idea to take some time off before rushing into the job market to really give some thought to the various career paths I had considered but did not pursue. She assured me that these are not the times of our parents’ generation — it used to reflect poorly on the individual to drastically change industries or even companies. It doesn’t have quite the same weight anymore.

I began reaching out to my network and exploring the career paths that interested me. I always had a passion for marketing and advertising, but was unsure if I already had pigeon-holed myself to one industry and role. Then, I had the lightbulb moment — 40s are the new 30s, and nearly every professional experience I had could easily be transferable to other industries and career paths. I knew there was risk (financially and success/failure) in any new endeavor I take outside of the industry I already knew so well. I was respected in my field and knew it would be a challenge to venture out.

I also like hip hop, so Drake’s “Started From the Bottom” started playing in my head. Why can’t I do that again and challenge myself to be even better in something new? As long as I am confident, I can join a startup or a high-growth small business and be part of their success with my immense experience in the corporate world.

Here are some of the questions I asked myself:

• Am I okay being less risk-averse and being more of a calculated risk-taker for a higher risk/reward?
• What other roles/industries could my transferable skills fit best?
• Where will I feel challenged to succeed in something that I am passionate about?
• Where can I go to see my contributions directly impact the bottom-line?
• Am I personally driven by a role that would provide a healthy work-life balance?

Sure, the financial risk is there, but the same mantra we are told as kids is true for adults — “if you don’t try it, you will never know if you like it”. I felt as though I am young enough to take that risk and being in my 40s should not impede any cultural rules that it is too late.

In today’s world, I believe it is widely accepted by employers to see individuals trying new things in their career.

Just remember, if things don’t work out, it is okay to go back to your original career path after some time off.

However, if it does work out, you can say “I did something that fulfilled and excited me in a way that many people only try after retirement.”

For me, that was enough motivation to take the chance.

-Ankur Parekh @ VisualFizz