Careering through life

UNO talks to Bay experts about shaking it up in the workplace.

words Nicky Adams

Like most anecdotes it seems there’s more than a little truth behind the old expression ‘a change is as good as a rest.’ When it comes to a career choice, we’re living longer, legal retirement ages are rising, and we’re staying in the workforce for greater periods of time. Consequently, a decision we made at 18 may not still suit where we are or who we have become at 45. The good news is that evidence points towards the fact that switching it up can be a positive. A recent report conducted by the OECD (a global collaboration between 37 governments to promote economic growth) entitled ‘Promoting Better Career Choices For Longer Working Lives – Stepping Up Not Stepping Out’ indicates that change, in multiple aspects of your life is actually good for you.

Older workers undoubtedly play an important role in the labour market and are increasingly engaged in developments in digital technologies as well as cultural change. Nevertheless, many find that careers they may have considered were to be for life, may now have morphed beyond recognition, meaning for job longevity mobility might be the key word. Considering a career change is a daunting prospect, and sometimes transitioning means considering restrictions of age and ability. But a little poking around will show there are more resources to hand to help with this process than you might suspect.

Miriam O’Connor from Career Solutions is an expert in the field of mid-life moves. With a business based around helping people of all ages find career pathways through job search coaching, CV writing and careers advice, she has assisted many transitions, helping people who may want to navigate change.

Miriam O’Connor

I wonder if she has seen an increasing uplift in the desire for career shifts: “I think in these times change is a constant thing that people need to be ready for; to be adaptable and prepared to take different opportunities at different times. We’re seeing now with the (downturn in) economy, organisations are restructuring or altering the way they do things. Some jobs, for example, are overtaken by technology.” The key is to embrace advancements as much as you can. “My advice to people is to keep upskilling, keep up to date, keep looking at your own skillset and where you might be able to move if you feel like you need, or have to make a change – in general it’s good practice to be ready for shifts.”

The job landscape, as we know has changed dramatically post pandemic. Miriam agrees: “Covid changed a lot of things – but opened opportunities. People are considering lifestyle; they can work remotely – be a digital nomad.” Whilst there have been more opportunities for job fluidity, the job market itself has altered. “There’s also changes with different sectors in terms of the growth. I’m seeing people all the time that need to think about things differently and put themselves in an alternative mindset to get into another type of work – take their skills into a different industry.” I wonder how common it is to just want change. According to Miriam, “It’s much rarer now to see people on a linear career path, because a career is longer – other opportunities come up.”

Equally the job search itself is dependent on the economy. “A couple of years ago there were jobs left, right and centre. Now it’s really competitive. I’m seeing a real uptake in enquiries from people who want a career change but getting no response. How people present themselves in that process is important, on paper, in interviews.” I question how much AI is affecting this. “AI is evolving fast so it’s a case of getting on board, learning some skills and seeing what you do better. Keep up with change.”

Discovering what you might like to do is very much the start point of change – and proactively seeking resources to help is part of that process. In early August Tauranga will host the Canvas Careers Expo, which offers representation from a combination of over 70 tertiary providers, local businesses representing their industry, and large companies coming to actively solicit for staff. Event organiser, Sue Boyne, is passionate about introducing both students and jobseekers to the spectrum of career options that are out there. Relating to every age group, the expo is all about planting the seed, igniting the spark, making connections and exploring new opportunities and ideas.

Sue points out that the difference between a job and a career is something we often don’t make a distinction between, which is one of the reasons she’s so driven to get as many industries represented as she can. She firmly believes in the importance of being informed.

Partnered with Priority One, who recognise the benefit of this event, many of the companies get onboard to support the Priority One initiative, and together they help showcase the types of industries and organisations that we have in the Bay of Plenty. In addition to the businesses, there is representation from universities and tertiary educators who can answer questions not just about courses but also about the system itself. Attracting local students and their parents, as well as opening up possibilities to the kids who need incentivising to stay in education, importantly the event is also aimed at those looking for a change of career. “A lot of people have been forced into a direction they don’t want to go in. They want something different, or even want further education that their current employer can’t offer them.”

Sue has seen an uptake in mid-life change before: “When the economy is unstable people are looking for new options and ideas, and that’s when people question whether they’re in the right industry, if they’re doing the right job for their skillset, or if there’s another direction they should be going in. The whole outcome might be that they’re OK where they are… But for those questioning, ‘am I doing what I thought I’d be doing at 45?’, the exhibitors want to educate you, help you and give you information. If you’re changing direction, there’s nothing but admiration for people, and your age is irrelevant.”

What can attendees expect, I ask. Sue is animated as she lays it out: “They can expect to have questions answered and discover if their idea of potential careers exist. Come with an open mind to explore the possibilities, and to talk to people.”

Onwards and upwards

Vicky had worked as a flight attendant for 17 years, but redundancy post COVID led her to explore other career options. Having really enjoyed shiftwork, and with a supportive partner behind her, Vicky landed on nursing as her next step; as soon as she started training she felt fulfilled. “Straight away I knew this is what I should be doing.” It had been a long time since she’d been a student, and a six-month study and career prep course was mandatory, which, Vicky reflected was worth its weight in gold. Once the course began, Vicky quickly realised, “I was a much better student with maturity – you realise you need to stick at it, and I did my studies with extra motivation to get it done.” Feeling well supported through Toi Ohomai helped. The guidance, she says is fantastic. Excited by her new chapter, she notes, “When you’re in a job for a long time you can go on autopilot – it’s really refreshing to learn new skills.”

Having moved from Auckland to Tauranga, television line producer Angela Burgess initially planned to continue in her field by combining working remotely and commuting back to Auckland. Eight years later she has retrained and is now with KPMG Accounting. “I went to see a Career Psychologist which was really fascinating – she really focused on not so much what jobs you want to do, but what you value in the workplace, what makes you excited to go to work. I realised it was a lot about the people around me, and working in a corporate structure was something that interested me. I knew that I liked numbers… so I started looking at options and came across the Masters of Professional Accounting at the University of Waikato.” Study was full on and the financial burden was hard. Although the costs of studying had been factored in, Angela is honest about the fact that she and her husband hadn’t considered how long it would take to build back up to her previous earning level. The pros of undertaking a change with maturity are multiple. “What really did help when I started at KPMG as a grad was that I was immediately able to pick up the phone and call a client, or hold a meeting or write an email…General business skills have been really helpful, and being able to manage stress and learning how to prioritise – that’s all transferable. Just working feels like you’re learning every day.” The prospect of career progression within the company and a stable future has, for Angela, paid dividends: “KPMG has excellent values in terms of work-life balance and wellbeing, which as a working mum starting from scratch again has made things a whole lot easier.”