How to Make Career Change Work at 25, 35, 45, 55 …

Most of us grew up with the notion of a strict job market and the perception that being unemployed equated to personal failure. Career change is deemed to be an exception to the norm. Although the job market has evolved beyond scarcity and linear careers, outdated beliefs often linger.

In Germany, especially, there exists a prevailing belief in lifelong vocations and linear career trajectories. This perception has fostered a notion that deviating from a set career path, symbolized by the term “Quereinstieg” (career change), is tantamount to going against societal norms. This bias against career shifts can be further intensified by ageism, a prejudice that those above a certain age are less capable of acquiring new skills.

Fired Up was founded to challenge these outdated perspectives and to offer a fresh view on the modern job market, assisting our clients to adapt successfully.

Career Change in the New Job Market

Consider these facts about the job market in the coming years:

• Every year, more boomers retire than new entrants join the workforce.
• In 2022, there was a difference of more than 300,000 between those retiring and those entering the job market.
• By the decade’s end, this discrepancy will increase to 670,000, potentially resulting in a deficit of up to 5 million skilled workers in the job market.

Let’s face it: there’s an urgent need for career flexibility. It’s outdated and absurd to perceive “Quereinstieg” as an anomaly. To adapt, we will need to work longer and in varied careers.

This shift is evident in industries already grappling with significant applicant shortages. For instance, in Berlin, even institutions like schools and the BVG (Berlin Transport Company) are actively recruiting “Quereinsteiger” or career changers.

How to Make Career Change Work

Contemplating a career shift at 25, 35, 45, 55, or beyond? You’re advocating for lifelong learning and are unafraid to embrace new challenges.

We, at Fired Up, believe these qualities are essential to flourish in the evolving job market.

Before you make the leap, consider the following factors:

• Understand why you want to transition and what wasn’t fulfilling in your prior roles.
• Define your goals for your next role and identify suitable positions.
• Familiarize yourself with your desired industry and network with its professionals.
• Revise your CV to highlight skills pertinent to your new career path.

Whether you’re a sales associate contemplating a shift, a post-doc eager to exit academia, or an artist seeking stability, Fired Up is here to guide you through each phase.

Interested in steering your career in a new direction?

Interested in steering your career in a new direction?