Do you think changing your job after a certain age is risky, or should people be open to making such radical decisions at any stage of life?

Question

TheRealPepperPotts · Accepted Answer

It can actually be a great move, depending on your experience and qualifications. One good way to do it is to start shopping around and interviewing. Find out what other companies can offer you. Then, you can go to your employer and say "Hey, I have the opportunity to make X amount more, have X number of vacation days, and X number of benefits, etc. Can you beat that?" Often your employer will not want to replace you, and will beat the offers. If they can't or won't, it means you've topped out in that company and it's time to move on.

I know of many guys who start a second career doing something they love. One guy was an airline pilot, and became a vintner because he was fascinated by the process. Others start blogs, write books, etc. Changing careers or a job is fine. You just need to make a plan first, write down the pros and cons and why you want to change things (doesn't have to be practical; could be emotional), and have a year's worth of expenses saved as you work on transitioning.

I wish you the best!

Account · Accepted Answer

No, I don't. I think there are many businesses that are willing to hire you in order to take advantage of your hard & soft skills and overall knowledge. I understand the anxiety, but if you think about it in a logical way, you can always find another job because people who have businesses need additional people to work for them. It is very simple.

razelove · Accepted Answer

I find it tough to stay in one place and have changed jobs a lot. Granted I've stayed in the same field for like 10 years now.

The advantage is that for the most part my pay increases far more with switching jobs than it would with sticking with any one.

The disadvantage is the lack of loyalty goes both ways and is much more of a mercenary mindset. Granted if a company wanted to invest in me, I'd stick around and be loyal to them, I just haven't found any worth more than the paycheck.

You also have to be willing to go where the industry is. Like I work in chemistry, so I live within an hour drive of multiple port/manufacturing towns. I've quit jobs with nothing lined up and had work within a month, like last year.

RebelinSteel · Accepted Answer

As long as you have experience, qualifications etc, then changing jobs is fine, you usually need to do career progression.

ArrowheadSW · Answer

It depends how different the job is and how good of a match it is for that person.

PBandJ_Nerd · Answer

Maybe? I mean, my mom might not be able to do the job she has anymore since she got her shoulder surgery. Sometimes switching jobs is better if you can't work it anymore or really don't want to.

exitseven · Answer

I did it when I was almost 40 and it was the hardest thing I ever did. I imagine if I was ten years older it would have been impossible. The Dep of Labot says that among people over 40 that try to change careers only 1 in 10 acrually suceed..

Nikki1989 · Answer

The decision to change jobs after a certain age is a personal one. There's no right or wrong answer. It's important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully, or it could backfire on you.

quickquesocheese · Answer

i think its way more risky to not dare take a chance in your life and be stuck at the same job for your entire life.

nolabels · Answer

Life itself is a continual risk-taking adventure. You roll the dice, and you take your chances. Cheers to you.

Anonymous · Answer

This is more relevant in your mid 50s than mid 30s.
My view is change is inevitable, god will provide (whether you're religious or not), and you may still have 15 years of commercial life in you.
But yes it's a risk at my age but not at yours.

MikeTheBartender · Answer

They should be open, but context is key. Do they have a family to support? 6 months savings if shit hits the fan etc

AviatorTom · Answer

Any age is fine. It's fun, and often rewarding, to take risks and make changes in your life.

ProbablyClueless · Answer

Anything worth having in life is a little bit risky, right?

RingOfFire · Answer

No I don't think it's risky. I changed my career several times and every time I changed it was for the better.

LiamJHayden · Answer

If there is no clear path forward at your current, unless you're on the BoD or will forfeit a decent pension, be open to change.

DrPepper12 · Answer

Jumping around in your 20s and early 30s has been conclusively proven to result in better salaries.

Twalli · Answer

It depends on how and why. A coworker took a demotion in job and a transfer once his wife retired.

gatixek710 · Answer

Sure, but guess who are the most successful people? Those who are willing to take risks.

RavVid · Answer

At anytime but it is more difficult.

The_Confusion · Answer

depends on if you are human or not.

LillyRedrose · Answer

can be

Do you think changing your job after a certain age is risky, or should people be open to making such radical decisions at any stage of life?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said