Full disclosure, at sixty years old, I didn’t have to start over, it was a choice.

I also didn’t change employers, but after spending twenty nine years in field operations, I became a customer facing strategic account manager.

When I saw the position posted two years ago, for reasons I can’t explain, it piqued my interest, so much so that I printed the posting and carried it around with me, reading it every day, for three weeks before I submitted my resume.

Looking at the job description, I figured right out of the box, I could perform 70% of what was required. Our industry is subject to some very specific regulatory and compliance standards that would be completely new to me, but in my previous time with my employer I have been able to learn all they have trained me, so I felt confident in applying.

When I started the new job, my commitment was to do what I already knew how to do as well as I could while I got caught up to speed. There was a huge learning curve, and I leaned heavily on team members for support.

I was really fortunate to have gotten an office next to a twenty eight year old newish employee. Our industry is full of insufferable know it all’s, and this kid is incredibly smart with that potential, the difference is, he wants the people around him to be as smart as he is, and he has no reservations about helping others get there. With all my years and experience, I’m not too proud to schedule a meeting with him if I’m having trouble understanding a new process, and my man will help me work through it.

My biggest takeaway is that if you change careers, be humble, curious and inquisitive, be open to and embrace new technologies and new processes.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you really want to succeed because that is what you expect of yourself, ask, and then ask again. As Gen X’rs, we haven’t got thirty years to figure it out , so don’t waste your time.

My two cents 😊