Changing jobs after many years in one company may seem simple. After all, you have a lot of experience and knowledge – you are usually an expert at what you do. So you should have no problem getting interesting offers and getting a new job.
However, anyone who has changed jobs knows that the longer you work in one company, the more difficult it is to change it. I changed jobs myself after more than 10 (!) Years of working in one company, so I can imagine what you are going through. It is not easy to leave a seemingly “safe” place and face the challenges of looking for a new job.
Returning to the labor market after so many years requires taking several steps: defining the professional goal, checking available offers, updating application documents and effectively reaching employers. Before you act, however, there is something else that you should do – deal with the emotions that usually come with changing jobs after many years.
EMOTIONAL PREPARING FOR A CHANGE
If I had to give you just one piece of advice about changing jobs after many years in one company, it would be a good preparation from the emotional side.
It is very often the case that you want a great change, but you are still in the same job. Fear, anxiety and reluctance to change often hinder action. There are also emotions related to the current job – frustration and discouragement. Facing the labor market after many years of break can be overwhelming.
This mixture of emotions makes you doubt instead of using your extensive experience and professional strengths. So the better you deal with these emotions, the more it will pay off in your job interviews. So take care of your energy, try to distance yourself from your current job and focus on new exciting opportunities.
PREPARE FOR THE PROCESS
Be prepared that it may take a while to change jobs after all these years. Finding a new job is always a process that consists of many activities. The more of these activities you do, the faster you will get a new job.
Let it be deliberate actions – arrange them in the form of a plan. The plan will help you monitor your progress. If the job change process is too slow, it will be easier for you to make any changes to tactics.
ASK FOR SUPPORT DURING A JOB CHANGE
Changing jobs after so many years is a great event and you will surely hear different opinions about it. The most important thing is that you have support from those closest to you. Nothing comforts and courageous than others’ faith in you.
If you can’t count on your loved ones’ support, think if any of your friends have undergone such a change. Consider if this person could support you in some way during the change.
Consider whether it is worth using the support of a coach, advisor or mentor to go through the whole process efficiently and have professional help.
And most importantly – support yourself in this change. No matter what happens, be understanding with yourself. Don’t make the whole process more difficult for yourself by criticism or lack of patience.
REFRESH YOUR JOB SEARCH SKILLS
The labor market is constantly changing. 10 years ago, the CV was sent by traditional mail. Today, all documents are processed electronically. The legal regulations have also changed. If you do not include a clause on the processing of personal data in your CV, the document cannot be processed.
Before you start looking for a new job, do a quick overview of job vacancies in your industry. Check which positions are most in-demand. Review responsibilities and requirements. Be sure to check what salary you can expect for the job you are looking for. Find out which methods are now most effective when looking for a job.
The most important thing is to define the specific job you want to get. The more details you know, the easier it will be to prepare your CV and present yourself during the interview.
HOW TO CHANGE WORK AFTER YEARS
If you changed jobs a few years ago, it’s time to refresh a few things.
Start by updating your CV. Be sure to add your current position and the entire path you have taken in your current company. Complete the section with the skills and qualifications you have gained in the meantime. Present your experience and skills in such a way that they best correspond to the duties and requirements of the position you are interested in.
Focus on showing your professional value: key competencies and achievements. Write about your strengths, giving examples of how you use them at work. If you lack experience in a certain area, show similar skills that can be transferred to a new job.
Create a LinkedIn account – let it run in the background as your electronic resume to attract offers. Add the people you work with to your network.
By the way – it’s worth doing auditing all your social media accounts. Enter your name in the search engine and see what appears. Your social media should support the change you want to implement.
When checking your social accounts, use your network of contacts. Let your friends know that you are looking for a new job. The more specific you give them, the easier it will be for them to help you.
Take advantage of every opportunity to meet new people in the industry you want to work in. Come to industry meetings, meetups and conferences. People are carriers of a lot of information and contacts – they can get to know you with the person who will have a job for you.
CHANGE OF WORK AFTER YEARS = CHANGE OF LIVING
Changing jobs after so many years in one company is a good opportunity for a greater chance in life. You can look for a job that is more suited to your personality, values, interests, predispositions, and the lifestyle you want to lead.
It is also a good time to summarize your achievements and realize what gives you joy and positive energy at work, and what is overwhelming and depressing you. This is the time to say goodbye to what no longer serves you and make room for something new.
When you look for a job that gives you more satisfaction and is more suited to you, it will be easier for you to accept changes. It’s much easier to find motivation, courage, and self-confidence if you know what you’re fighting for.
