
1. Fear of Starting Over
Many worry about feeling like a beginner again. The thought of competing with younger candidates can be intimidating.
How to Overcome It: Shift your mindset! You’re not starting from scratch—you’re leveraging decades of transferable skills. Confidence in your experience is key.
2. Age Bias in Hiring
Some industries favour younger workers, and age discrimination is a real concern.
How to Overcome It: Focus on your skills, adaptability, and value. Highlight how your experience brings problem-solving abilities younger candidates may not have. Keep your LinkedIn and CV modern and avoid outdated language (e.g., replace “20+ years of experience” with “Proven track record of…”).
3. Learning New Skills
Technology and industry trends evolve quickly. A new career might require upskilling.
How to Overcome It: Invest in learning. Take online courses, earn certifications, and attend workshops. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy make it easy to reskill.
4. Financial Considerations
Starting a new career could mean a temporary pay cut or retraining costs.
How to Overcome It: Plan ahead. Create a financial cushion before transitioning. Explore side gigs or part-time work in your new field before fully committing.
5. Imposter Syndrome
You might feel like you don’t “belong” in your new career, especially if younger colleagues surround you.
How to Overcome It: Recognise that everyone feels this way at some point. Trust in your skills, ask questions, and seek mentorship.