So I have been in the same industry (Financial Services - Customer facing) for 20 years and am bored beyond belief by it. I need change.
Curious if anyone has experience in a total career change. I dont want to go to uni. Too long a turn around although would consider apprenticeships. Not about money, just about finding a new challenge. Something that probably doesnt involve looking at a screen all day.
Does your company offer career breaks?
I’m in a similar boat. 20 years in the Army, starting to plan my exit, but mystified as to what I should do afterwards.
They do Wim, which I hadnt thought about. Would be an option although cant imagine I will want to go back
The main issue is what path to try that won’t be totally made worthless by the IT industry.
I’m facing the same thing - my industry is about to die a quick death after being a lucrative gold mine for the past 20 years.
But with the way leaps in tech can change an industry in a heart beat, you have to choose carefully.
Was at a conference last week and they were discussing this exact thing. Amazon Dash is closing a supermarket a week in California.
Scary situation to be in.
In my industry (communications) they are automating almost everything. It is a tough situation in a lot of industries whereby they are either moving their workforce off-shore or automating it.
Choose carefully.
If you are good with your hands then maybe look at something like a trade.
Well, no. You wouldn’t feel that way right now.
You can always choose not to take it up if you’re settled in a new job.
Assuming they let you work while on it, I don’t know.
But I think you’d be silly not to look into it.
very true
I didn’t get quite have a midlife crisis AB but I took some unpaid leave (6 months with possible extension) for a totally different role this year. So far, it’s been a great move for me. I have been exposed to areas that I never would have been exposed to in my old role. I’ve picked up skills that I wouldn’t have picked up in my old role. I’m still no closer as to whether I’ll stay in the role permanently but in terms of a career change, I can’t fault it .
http://www.australia-mining.com/?G1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIifau6t_z1gIVFyNoCh1bFAneEAAYASAAEgI9RfD_BwE
Not saying this is the answer, but I enjoyed my time in NW WA a lot.
Having said that, 18 months was enough.
And coming back to my old job (and entitlements) would have been nice.
It’s worked out pretty well anyway, I love the role I have now. Although, again, that’s not for everyone.
I know what you blokes are going through. I’m a programmer, but in a very niche market (print/mail). Printed/mail is a declining technology, so I do worry at times where I’ll be at in 5-10 years time. Aus Post are putting up the cost of mail items 2-3 times a year, I remember when I started a same state, barcoded direct mail article (DLX size) cost $0.39, now the cost is at best $0.89, and that’s at an off-peak rate (3-5 business days delivery). For “priority” servicing it is over the $1 mark. It’s basically a disincentive to use print, more and more we are using electronic delivery mediums. For me it’s about trying to find industries and roles where I have transferrable skill. Having been in the industry 12 years it is hard to do that…
Same position hate my industry taking a pay cut and going into something more human for myself. Also studying e-commerce now and have started an online business that is growing slowly. After years of putting up with CARNTS at work I know now i need to have my own business.
Buy a leather jacket.
A nice one.
Strangely, my ideal job would be in shorts. I have worn suits and ties my whole life and I despise them
My career goal was to have a job where I could wear jeans and a t-shirt every day.
Hit that in my mid 20’s. Admittedly I didn’t aim very high.
how long have you got left in your professional life, AB?
I am 42. A fair while
A friend of mine quit from my company and became an electrician. He has never been happier and he was in his late 30’s at the time.
TBH, that is one that is really appealing…
I’m there with you! Same 
You get up dressing putting the uniform on and know what awaits for you.
You start counting down the days, hours before you even arrive to start the week