@@IrisSmyth Yeah she's pretty great 👍 I think she loves to learn too. She used to be a nurse long time ago and has a phD as well. However over time she ended up working around legal more and decided that she wants to be a lawyer :) I don't know where she gets the energy lol but she is very inspiring.
Thank you for the reassurance... I am experiencing my mid-life crisis (just turned 40). having so much anxiety over career change... worried that I might be too old to get the additional education that I needed and explore something new! Career change at this age does need careful planning...but I guess it is doable.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, Cathy. Changing careers is a big thing, so I totally get your anxiety around it. Glad you found some reassurance in this video. And YES, it is doable!! It might feel daunting, and scary, and confusing, but that's very normal, and as I said in this video: you still have a LOT of life ahead of you, so it's totally worth it to make those changes. Believe in yourself - you got this! What additional education are you thinking of enrolling for by the way?
Cathy, its doable! I decided to change at 40 because I was really stressed and burned out and I started figuring out what I wanted to do. Now, some years later, I’m living a freedom life, traveling fulltime even because I only need my laptop. I’d say no need to learn something new, seriously, you have a lot of skills and talents within you., happy to chat if you like 👍
Cathy, I understand you very well. In a few years I'll be 40 and I know these questions that don't let us sleep. Trust yourself and take every new step with courage !
I'm in a similar boat. 37 years old here, and my career got destroyed recently because of my choice in employer. Plus I'm stuck in a foreign country. I know a career change is the only option, but I have to admit, it's scary as heck. But I think knowing that people like us are not alone helps tremendously.
@@andyyiu3987 Funny how you said you're ''stuck in a foreign country'' because I LOVE being in foreign countries. I say ''funny'' because it's really a matter of perspectives. I am loving it and in fact, I've lived in many countries until I decided to quit working for a boss and instead travel the world and live a laptop lifestyle. Now I can choose a new country every month. Scary? yes, we are all scared but the ones who face the fear are going to succeed! Right?
Thanks Steve! Kind of you to drop by and leave a comment (and apologies for the 5 month late response haha - been off UA-cam for a while as I had a baby, but back at it now). See you also have a YT channel - will go check it out now!
In addition to my age I have an additional challenge... 2 children under 6yo. Trying to balance my full-time job and taking care of 2 kids is difficult. I also wonder if I have pigeonholed myself some because I want to remain in the Knoxville area as my kids love it. So far the last 7 years of my career has been in banking between claims investigations, underwriting for small business card processing applications, and investigating fraud. I would like to somehow land in something more analytical that involves an element of programming, and Excel in it. I have very little programming experience, and have a intermediate level or so of Excel knowledge. I need to find out how I can squeeze in education and find jobs that fit those things. Hoping I can get something done.
I feel you. I have 2 boys under 5yo, and it's certainly a juggle to balance it all. I'd say the question isn't so much whether you've pigeonholed yourself - it's more a case of where your priorities lie and what's important to you. If leaving Knoxville would mean greater job opportunities, but a different quality of life or different lifestyle, would that be worth it for you? There's no correct answer there, just what you feel is right for you and your family. With regards to finding a job that involves an element of programming - have you considered signing up for an (online) course to up your skill in this area that you can do 1 - 2 evenings a week when the kids are in bed? I appreciate you already need to balance a lot, but it might be worth the effort?
Hello Iris! I find myself in a bit of a predicament and could use some guidance. Over the past three years, I've been quite stuck in my comfort zone. I come from a marketing and social media background, but unfortunately, I have only gained limited experience due to the challenging job market in my country. It's quite the norm here that positions require experience, with few exceptions for internships. To add to this, I do have experience in customer service, which has provided me with valuable interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in diverse environments. I'm currently 33 and feeling a bit lost ,confused and somehow despaired about my career path. Do you have some piece of advice? It could help me shed some light on my situation and help me navigate through this uncertain phase.
You can change anything in your life--at any time. This is my weekly topic for my own subscribers. Career. One thing that can really bring a person into depression is 40 hours a week of hating their job. The job is literally almost half of the waking life. The problem many people have is that they have a craving for security. The person will tolerate being unhappy if that is their normality. People would rather have secure bitterness than the fear of stepping off the cliff. The fact is that you can change your career anytime. At 40 or 50. I once knew a car salesman of 30 years who did really well but started to hate his job--so became a nurse at 57. He is now a travel contractor. His friends told him he would be 57 by the time he got licensed as an RN. He told them he would be 57 anyway. So he will now spend the next ten years doing something he likes instead of something he hates. But you have to decide if it is life on the sea you hate or just that ship you're traveling on. In other words--do you hate your trade or just the company you're at? But whatever you aren't happy with you must change and continue to advance yourself. Hope this helps someone---Charles.
What would you recommend to a 50 year old without any specific hard skills that has just been laid off? My job was unique (one of a kind) and so no similar roles available.
It helps to really journal out where our mind keeps turning to in the current work that's draining us. Certainly reasons it wants to do those other dreams and needs a little extra push to give them a try.
I'm working in factory, Manual, physical work. And I want to change it to work in front of computer, office, desk, high payment job. I am not related with that at all. So what next?
I think I’m a classic case. I don’t hate what I do, but do I love it anymore? No. However, I earn really good money doing it making it feel worth sticking with. I know in my heart of hearts though that eventually the feeling of wanting to change will grow and become hard to ignore!
There's no shame in staying where you are at this stage. Career changes don't need to be rushed. You have time to figure out your next step(s), and time to make the change - especially as you don't hate what you do. That creates a good foundation to explore other avenues for the future.
Hello Iris, I just caught up on your UA-cam channel. I attended your Facebook coaching sessions some weeks ago. I continued with the steps and guidance and will have my first interview this week in a different industry that I am looking into. Also I have hopes to be successful in the interview process I am already happy that I have been considered and I can build first connections. ;-) keep going
Hi Franziska, so nice to "see" you here! I remember you from the Facebook sessions :) That's brilliant, congrats on getting invited for the interview. Big win 🙌 I'll be rooting for you - please let me know how it went in the FB group or via FB DM.
Thank you for the video Iris, and this is very inspiring. I'm almost 35. I started hating my job 3 years ago, but since I got pregnant I didn't change my career. Recently I am wondering it might be the time for job seeking. And I realise that even though I hate my job, I still got a problem about the "hatred". What I mean is I am not sure where exactly the hatred come from. I am not sure I hate the company or I hate this field I am working in. Do you have any advice about that? 😁😁
Thanks for taking the time to post a comment Crystal. Also thank you for the kind words about the video. The following question might help to figure out if it's the company or the field of work you're in: how would you feel about doing the same job in the same field you're working in, but at another company? Would that excite you? Or fill you with as much dread/hatred you're currently experiencing? Hope that helps!
I'm working in factory, Manual, physical work. And I want to change it to work in front of computer, office, desk, high payment job. I am not related with that at all. So what next?
Im at the point where it feels right to change careers or something but unsure what or how. My career pays well but im not motivated or have any passion anymore
Yeah going back to school I seems to be grandfather. As for working the same forever based on my experience around 10 years since graduating that's untrue as I'm in tech and it kept changing
So, I'm 33 and I really haven't been able to get years of significant professional experience, due to the lack of opportunities in my country for people above 30. Does that mean I am not elegible to start a career, from scratch, somewhere else (and maybe to be able to study a Masters' degree?).
Not at all SammySamuelSam 😊 Where do you live? Professional experience isn't all that counts. You might've gained super valuable experience, knowledge, or skills through education, volunteering, extra curricular activities, passion projects, side hustles, hobbies, or even personal matters. And, depending on what you're thinking of doing next, going (back) to uni, and doing a Master's degree might be really helpful.
@@IrisSmyth I live in Guatemala, but the problem is that companies in this country usually look for people in their 20's, that have the CV of a 40´s person. Currently, I have been looking for a way to boost my career in something that I get to like, and see if I can make it to study abroad, but scholarships for people in their 30´s is pretty much another issue. Thank you so much for your thoughts. I shared this video on my Linkedin profile, btw, since I consider your thought to be important in the post-pandemic job market.
@@SammySamuelSam Thank you so much for sharing it on your LinkedIn profile, I really appreciate that. Great thinking to look for a way to boost your career - studying (whether abroad or not) is one option. Perhaps also consider a side hustle or passion project to build your knowledge, skills, or experience? Best of luck with it. PS I love Guatemala! Went travelling there for 2 months back in 2004 (where has the time gone?!), I still have such fond memories of it. One of my favourite countries I've ever been ❤️
Gosh - hard to answer that without knowing your situation. For example, do you already know what else you’d like to do? And also, how’s your midlife crisis affecting you other than wanting to do something else with your career?
Do you have any videos or bit of advice if I'm looking to switch to maybe a career that typically requires a sort of "demo reel" or portfolio of works? For example, I've been thinking of going into voice over/acting work, but I would need some demo of jobs I've done to prove what I can do. Should I seek small time gigs at first or what would be a good first step?
Hey - sorry for the late response. Not been very active on my channel for a while (as I'm sure you might've noticed!). Yes, small time gigs (or even unpaid gigs) to showcase your work are great. Focus would be to build your portfolio and skill in the short-term, then use that to transition or get a new job. Does that help?
No, you're never too old. My coworker is in her 60s and currently getting her law degree. You're never too old!
That's incredible Grazyna!! She's a shining example that you're truly never too old, and hopefully inspires a lot of people around her 🙂
@@IrisSmyth Yeah she's pretty great 👍 I think she loves to learn too. She used to be a nurse long time ago and has a phD as well. However over time she ended up working around legal more and decided that she wants to be a lawyer :) I don't know where she gets the energy lol but she is very inspiring.
I was happily served food by a grandma in a grocery store, she looked happy and healthy!
Exactly!!
Thank you for the reassurance... I am experiencing my mid-life crisis (just turned 40). having so much anxiety over career change... worried that I might be too old to get the additional education that I needed and explore something new! Career change at this age does need careful planning...but I guess it is doable.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, Cathy. Changing careers is a big thing, so I totally get your anxiety around it. Glad you found some reassurance in this video. And YES, it is doable!! It might feel daunting, and scary, and confusing, but that's very normal, and as I said in this video: you still have a LOT of life ahead of you, so it's totally worth it to make those changes. Believe in yourself - you got this!
What additional education are you thinking of enrolling for by the way?
Cathy, its doable! I decided to change at 40 because I was really stressed and burned out and I started figuring out what I wanted to do. Now, some years later, I’m living a freedom life, traveling fulltime even because I only need my laptop.
I’d say no need to learn something new, seriously, you have a lot of skills and talents within you., happy to chat if you like 👍
Cathy, I understand you very well. In a few years I'll be 40 and I know these questions that don't let us sleep. Trust yourself and take every new step with courage !
I'm in a similar boat. 37 years old here, and my career got destroyed recently because of my choice in employer. Plus I'm stuck in a foreign country. I know a career change is the only option, but I have to admit, it's scary as heck. But I think knowing that people like us are not alone helps tremendously.
@@andyyiu3987 Funny how you said you're ''stuck in a foreign country'' because I LOVE being in foreign countries. I say ''funny'' because it's really a matter of perspectives. I am loving it and in fact, I've lived in many countries until I decided to quit working for a boss and instead travel the world and live a laptop lifestyle. Now I can choose a new country every month.
Scary? yes, we are all scared but the ones who face the fear are going to succeed! Right?
Thanks Iris! Good tips and advice!
Thanks Steve! Kind of you to drop by and leave a comment (and apologies for the 5 month late response haha - been off UA-cam for a while as I had a baby, but back at it now). See you also have a YT channel - will go check it out now!
@@IrisSmyth ty!
In addition to my age I have an additional challenge... 2 children under 6yo. Trying to balance my full-time job and taking care of 2 kids is difficult. I also wonder if I have pigeonholed myself some because I want to remain in the Knoxville area as my kids love it. So far the last 7 years of my career has been in banking between claims investigations, underwriting for small business card processing applications, and investigating fraud. I would like to somehow land in something more analytical that involves an element of programming, and Excel in it. I have very little programming experience, and have a intermediate level or so of Excel knowledge. I need to find out how I can squeeze in education and find jobs that fit those things. Hoping I can get something done.
I feel you. I have 2 boys under 5yo, and it's certainly a juggle to balance it all.
I'd say the question isn't so much whether you've pigeonholed yourself - it's more a case of where your priorities lie and what's important to you. If leaving Knoxville would mean greater job opportunities, but a different quality of life or different lifestyle, would that be worth it for you? There's no correct answer there, just what you feel is right for you and your family.
With regards to finding a job that involves an element of programming - have you considered signing up for an (online) course to up your skill in this area that you can do 1 - 2 evenings a week when the kids are in bed? I appreciate you already need to balance a lot, but it might be worth the effort?
Hello Iris!
I find myself in a bit of a predicament and could use some guidance. Over the past three years, I've been quite stuck in my comfort zone. I come from a marketing and social media background, but unfortunately, I have only gained limited experience due to the challenging job market in my country. It's quite the norm here that positions require experience, with few exceptions for internships. To add to this, I do have experience in customer service, which has provided me with valuable interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in diverse environments.
I'm currently 33 and feeling a bit lost ,confused and somehow despaired about my career path.
Do you have some piece of advice? It could help me shed some light on my situation and help me navigate through this uncertain phase.
Absolutely not 👍
The issue is not so much the fear of the change, it's finding the finances to make the change.
Often part of the challenge yes..
You can change anything in your life--at any time. This is my weekly topic for my own subscribers. Career. One thing that can really bring a person into depression is 40 hours a week of hating their job. The job is literally almost half of the waking life. The problem many people have is that they have a craving for security. The person will tolerate being unhappy if that is their normality. People would rather have secure bitterness than the fear of stepping off the cliff. The fact is that you can change your career anytime. At 40 or 50. I once knew a car salesman of 30 years who did really well but started to hate his job--so became a nurse at 57. He is now a travel contractor. His friends told him he would be 57 by the time he got licensed as an RN. He told them he would be 57 anyway. So he will now spend the next ten years doing something he likes instead of something he hates. But you have to decide if it is life on the sea you hate or just that ship you're traveling on. In other words--do you hate your trade or just the company you're at? But whatever you aren't happy with you must change and continue to advance yourself. Hope this helps someone---Charles.
Thanks Charles! Nice to meet someone who's on a similar professional path 😊
@@IrisSmyth No worries--keep being GREAT!!!--Charles
40 isn't old! It's the second part of life. A new beginning (if you want it).
How about how to shift away from customer service roles?And to get a role accounts payable/ accounts receivable at 49 & I got an mba
I just want a cool job without idiot clients.
😂😂😂2 years later any feedback to motivate us beginners
Are you asking for feedback from me?@@EdwinSituma-ib8be
What would you recommend to a 50 year old without any specific hard skills that has just been laid off? My job was unique (one of a kind) and so no similar roles available.
It helps to really journal out where our mind keeps turning to in the current work that's draining us. Certainly reasons it wants to do those other dreams and needs a little extra push to give them a try.
Thanks for sharing this Dusk! Yes, agree that this can be a terrific method to get more clarity!
Heart, Mind, Change, Alignment, Skills, Knowledge..Great Tips..Focus!
I'm working in factory, Manual, physical work. And I want to change it to work in front of computer, office, desk, high payment job. I am not related with that at all. So what next?
It's never too late to learn new skills, change job and start to mix job and passion. I love your ideas, you are inspiring me for my next video
Yes, 100%! I see you've just started your own UA-cam channel? Congratulations! Keep it up! What made you start yours?
@@IrisSmyth love making videos, especially when I can find more authentic ways to tell my stories, talk about my future workshops, ...
I think I’m a classic case. I don’t hate what I do, but do I love it anymore? No. However, I earn really good money doing it making it feel worth sticking with. I know in my heart of hearts though that eventually the feeling of wanting to change will grow and become hard to ignore!
There's no shame in staying where you are at this stage. Career changes don't need to be rushed. You have time to figure out your next step(s), and time to make the change - especially as you don't hate what you do. That creates a good foundation to explore other avenues for the future.
"Heart" and mind are the same thing😊 2:04-2:08
that's great!!
Hello Iris, I just caught up on your UA-cam channel. I attended your Facebook coaching sessions some weeks ago. I continued with the steps and guidance and will have my first interview this week in a different industry that I am looking into. Also I have hopes to be successful in the interview process I am already happy that I have been considered and I can build first connections. ;-) keep going
Hi Franziska, so nice to "see" you here! I remember you from the Facebook sessions :) That's brilliant, congrats on getting invited for the interview. Big win 🙌 I'll be rooting for you - please let me know how it went in the FB group or via FB DM.
Love these videos! There's something so reassuring about the things you say! Thank you. Keep up the good content!
Thank you for the kind words Philip! Really appreciate you!
Reassuring videos are always welcome ! Watching them keeps us from falling into fears and doubts
Thank you for the video Iris, and this is very inspiring. I'm almost 35. I started hating my job 3 years ago, but since I got pregnant I didn't change my career. Recently I am wondering it might be the time for job seeking. And I realise that even though I hate my job, I still got a problem about the "hatred". What I mean is I am not sure where exactly the hatred come from. I am not sure I hate the company or I hate this field I am working in. Do you have any advice about that? 😁😁
Thanks for taking the time to post a comment Crystal. Also thank you for the kind words about the video. The following question might help to figure out if it's the company or the field of work you're in: how would you feel about doing the same job in the same field you're working in, but at another company? Would that excite you? Or fill you with as much dread/hatred you're currently experiencing?
Hope that helps!
I'm working in factory, Manual, physical work. And I want to change it to work in front of computer, office, desk, high payment job. I am not related with that at all. So what next?
Im at the point where it feels right to change careers or something but unsure what or how. My career pays well but im not motivated or have any passion anymore
Hey, sorry for the late response. Hope you've been able to make some changes to your situation since you posted this comment ❤️
Yeah going back to school I seems to be grandfather. As for working the same forever based on my experience around 10 years since graduating that's untrue as I'm in tech and it kept changing
So, I'm 33 and I really haven't been able to get years of significant professional experience, due to the lack of opportunities in my country for people above 30.
Does that mean I am not elegible to start a career, from scratch, somewhere else (and maybe to be able to study a Masters' degree?).
Not at all SammySamuelSam 😊 Where do you live?
Professional experience isn't all that counts. You might've gained super valuable experience, knowledge, or skills through education, volunteering, extra curricular activities, passion projects, side hustles, hobbies, or even personal matters.
And, depending on what you're thinking of doing next, going (back) to uni, and doing a Master's degree might be really helpful.
@@IrisSmyth I live in Guatemala, but the problem is that companies in this country usually look for people in their 20's, that have the CV of a 40´s person. Currently, I have been looking for a way to boost my career in something that I get to like, and see if I can make it to study abroad, but scholarships for people in their 30´s is pretty much another issue.
Thank you so much for your thoughts.
I shared this video on my Linkedin profile, btw, since I consider your thought to be important in the post-pandemic job market.
@@SammySamuelSam Thank you so much for sharing it on your LinkedIn profile, I really appreciate that.
Great thinking to look for a way to boost your career - studying (whether abroad or not) is one option. Perhaps also consider a side hustle or passion project to build your knowledge, skills, or experience?
Best of luck with it.
PS I love Guatemala! Went travelling there for 2 months back in 2004 (where has the time gone?!), I still have such fond memories of it. One of my favourite countries I've ever been ❤️
The hard part is dealing with age discrimination.
May I ask how can primary school substitute teacher make a career change at midlife crisis please?
Gosh - hard to answer that without knowing your situation. For example, do you already know what else you’d like to do? And also, how’s your midlife crisis affecting you other than wanting to do something else with your career?
@@IrisSmyth Will you plan to make a video for successful career change at 50 or 60 please?
Sure - it's in the pipeline!
Do you have any videos or bit of advice if I'm looking to switch to maybe a career that typically requires a sort of "demo reel" or portfolio of works? For example, I've been thinking of going into voice over/acting work, but I would need some demo of jobs I've done to prove what I can do. Should I seek small time gigs at first or what would be a good first step?
Hey - sorry for the late response. Not been very active on my channel for a while (as I'm sure you might've noticed!). Yes, small time gigs (or even unpaid gigs) to showcase your work are great. Focus would be to build your portfolio and skill in the short-term, then use that to transition or get a new job. Does that help?
how about a nurse to a comic book artist? or cartoonist? ha
Thank you this is very insightful!
Glad it was helpful Jo! And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment - appreciate it!
Clicked for the thumbnail, stayed for the accent
Haha why thank you 😘 It's a weird combo of Dutch/British/South African english... don't see (hear) that around very often!
Good advice.
😊🙌
ALL SWEET fantasy talk BUT IN THE REAL WORLD employers more likely want younger 20s and early 30s
Start your own business.