Yahoo Finance 
Is it too late to make a mid-career switch in your 30s or 40s in Singapore?
Find out if age is a barrier to making a mid-career change in Singapore.
SINGAPORE — Making a mid-career switch can be daunting, especially in your 30s or 40s. After all, you are more likely to have bigger financial commitments and responsibilities. You probably would have already invested years in your current profession to build up skills and networks.
However, the notion that it's too late to change career paths in your 30s or 40s might just be a misconception. Many individuals have successfully pivoted careers later in life, including Jeff Bezos, who ditched a lucrative career in finance to start Amazon at 31, and iconic fashion designer Vera Wang who quit her job as a magazine editor to start her own fashion label at 40.
If you are in your 30s or 40s and thinking of taking a leap of faith to change careers, here are some things to consider.
When to know you need a career switch?
Knowing how to identify the tell-tale signs for when it's time to make a career switch isn't straightforward.
According to Priscilla Pang, a career coach at talent development firm General Assembly, there isn't a "right" time for a mid-career change. Pang said that the motivations for a career switch can vary greatly from person to person, with factors such as personal growth, career progression, passion for a new field, seeking better work-life balance, or economic considerations, playing a role in fueling the transition.
Pang, who has made a few career transitions herself prior to becoming a career coach at 50 years old, advised employees who are thinking of a mid-career switch to consider the following factors:
Self-Awareness
First, Pang said that it's important for those considering mid-career switching to know what they value in life and at work. This is to ensure that the next career they venture into is "congruent to what they really want". She advised that doing some vocational profiling, with the help of a career coach, can help uncover what she calls their VIPS – values, interests, personalities, and skills.
"Some things to consider include what they value in life and work, where their career interests lie, their personality traits, and what skills could make them suited to a particular role or job function," said Pang.
Next, Pang advised that they should be honest about their financial needs and commitments. "They need to know whether they should gear themselves up for big lifestyle changes that come with shifting career paths – it is possible for mid-career switchers to take up a more entry-level role or lower pay when moving between industries. A sustainable, lasting, fulfilling mid-career transition can occur with less stress only with careful financial planning," said Pang.
Also read: How to ask for a promotion at work without making a fool of yourself (March 2024)
Also read: How to negotiate a higher salary in Singapore (March 2024)
Also read: Is job hopping good or bad for your career (March 2024)?
Research and due diligence
According to Pang, potential mid-career changers should research their preferred industry and potential job roles and assess whether these align with their VIPS.
"Utilise tools such as SkillsFuture's Skills Framework to obtain information on the available job roles and the required existing and emerging skills in the 35 sectors of Singapore's Industry Transformation Maps.
"Mid-career switchers can also understand the current industry trends, insights, and role hierarchy and plan for entry-level roles that suit their qualifications and skills. Refer to job portals, salary guides, and even blogs. Compare the information with their financial needs to determine whether the career change is viable in the short and mid-term," said Pang.
Skill gap analysis and skill upgrading plans
Pang added that conducting a skill gap analysis is crucial in helping identify any gaps in an employee's core skills as well as the technical and transferable skills needed for them to make the jump.
"Shifting to a tech career, for example, would require certain technical skills. Upskilling through the help of immersive tech boot camps can help you acquire critical skills quickly," said Pang.
Pros and cons of switching careers in your 30s and 40s
Switching careers in your 30s and 40s comes with its advantages and disadvantages.
Those in their 30s, whom Pang considers young adults who may still be figuring out their passions and desired career paths, have a longer career runway and are less likely to have held senior roles in their previous jobs. According to Pang, this makes them more flexible to take up an entry-level role and salary in a new career track.
However, Pang noted that employees in their 30s may have less work experience and fewer transferable soft skills, which could be needed in a new job. They may also lack good networks that are important for job referrals.
Believe in yourself, be humble, learn and work with your coach, and take ownership to work hard during the entire process. You will get the job you want.Priscilla Pang, career coach, General Assembly
As for job seekers who are in their 40s, Pang observed that they typically have better clarity on what they want in life and a new career.
"Many of them may have higher household obligations, so they would be more motivated to 'take root' and do well in their new career to build progression, stability, and a higher income. Many career transitioners in their 40s would have a wealth of past work experience, transferable soft skills and connections, and could offer extra value-add to the companies that hire them," said Pang.
On the downside, Pang said that this age group tends to have more family and financial commitments and, as such, are less likely to settle for junior entry-level pay in their career transition. Describing this group as the "sandwiched generation", Pang said that employers may find it more challenging to hire candidates with high salary requests for transitioned roles.
"Some career transitioners may also dwell in their 'past glories' and might not be willing to accept a lower-ranking job. Some may also be resistant to the idea of working under younger supervisors in a new industry or be less receptive to new ideas or changes," said Pang.
How do you switch careers?
Once you've decided that you want to make a mid-career switch, it's time to take decisive action. According to Pang, the first step is to look around your own network.
"Mid-career changers have usually built up a solid professional network throughout their careers. Leverage your network to scope out any job opportunities," said Pang.
Additionally, she added that those who have upskilled for particular industries or roles could also leverage their connections with their learning providers, as they usually have career coaches who can help make the connection to relevant opportunities.
"If you think you need to expand beyond your current circle, attend networking events. Don't be shy and reach out to industry professionals who can provide you with invaluable insight on how to join their field," Pang advised.
Pang acknowledged that while mid-career transitions are challenging, and require grit and determination, she believes that they are possible. The journey can be filled with learning experiences and moments of self-discovery, she said.
"I myself successfully transitioned into a new career path with the help of a career coach, and I did it when I was 50! Believe in yourself, be humble, learn and work with your coach, and take ownership to work hard during the entire process. You will get the job you want," said Pang.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
