Recent reports on the retirement plans of South Africans show that many will need to continue in employment and save at least 22% more in order to avoid a shortfall. If you’ve already been working for many years, this may be a good opportunity to review your current situation and establish whether a late career change might improve your future. Perhaps you finally feel confident enough to chase that dream, or maybe you feel that the flexibility of working from home might suit your lifestyle better. Whatever your position, here are some questions to ask yourself as you plan your next career chapter.
The first thing to consider is what you need your employment to provide. A good place to start is with your monthly budget: establish what you need to earn to live comfortably and save for the future. Next, consider your social needs. Studies have shown that around 10% of older South Africans experience loneliness, so it’s worth considering how much you rely on your working life for social connection. Finally, review what you need in terms of flexibility and time: perhaps you have elderly relatives who need help, or a hobby you’re keen to spend more time on. It may be that you can achieve your goals by changing jobs within your sector, rather than changing career. Or it may be that the time is right for a bigger change.
Having established what you need, you can now focus on what you ideally want. A 2019 survey found that over 40% of South African professionals feel the need to talk to a health professional or family member to deal with their workplace stress. The advantage of a later life career change is that you may be able to choose a less stressful role; you may have fewer dependents or be able to downsize at home, for example. Use this opportunity to review what would make you happy. Would you rather try something creative, or serve your community better? Ask family members, friends or peers what they feel your strengths are; often others can offer surprising insights.
Before you make a leap, make sure you are well prepared. Read as much as you can about the new role or industry you’re considering: trade magazines or newspapers can be really useful for this. If possible, arrange some work experience or shadowing so that you can be completely confident about the work and demonstrate this to potential employers. Finally, brush up your CV, carrying over any transferable skills or experience. It may also be worth signing up for online training if there are affordable courses or professional qualifications you need for your new role.
As many South Africans find their careers lasting longer, it’s important to self-evaluate regularly and check that you’re in the right role for you. Be clear as to your financial commitments, and then you can begin to build a picture of what will make you feel fulfilled and positive about the future. Once you’re clear about your goals, Career Junction can offer a wealth of advice and support to tailor your CV and interview technique to achieve them.
Written by Jane Sandwood.
