The 7-year itch - How I changed careers | by Trisha Husbands

'It takes on average 7 years for a person to change their career’. This was one of the first things I read when deciding to embark on a career change. Yikes, 7 years? I was already in my forties and the thought of it taking that long terrified me. Also, there was one other small but significant problem: I had no idea what I wanted to do. After being a Visual Merchandiser and stylist for over 25 years, I had built a career that I enjoyed, that I was good at but I had outgrown. I decided it was time to challenge myself and see what else I could be good at. Doing an apprenticeship was not anywhere on my radar, mainly because I thought that was not an option for people my age. 

I knew I would need professional advice, so I joined a course that helps people find a new career. From then on, I went on a journey of self-discovery, attending sessions, and meeting people on the same path as me, many of whom were also at a stage in their lives where there was a need to change direction.  I was totally out of my comfort zone, having to really think about what sort of work was going to fulfill me. All the way through I kept thinking, ‘There is no way this is taking me 7 years.’

The thing about deciding to change careers is that it isn’t just about you. It affects your family, friends, and relationships as it takes up so much of your time that it can become all-consuming.  I quickly found out that the saying that looking for a job is like a full-time job, was so accurate as there was so much to think about. After the initial excitement and feeling inspired and confident, reality set in and I grew more anxious. For me, the biggest thing was having to start again.

I saw in a local newsletter, an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to do an Apprenticeship with my local council.  I still had doubts that this was the right path but I decided to apply as I thought this was a good way to learn new skills and a pathway to the kind of work I really wanted to do. I applied and was offered a 2-year Level 4 Project Management Apprenticeship. I was convinced that I was the only person over 25 doing this Apprenticeship and would struggle to connect with people starting their career journey whilst I was changing mine but I was wrong. During my Apprenticeship, I decided to use my experience to help other Apprentices navigate the sometimes scary world of work and took up opportunities to apply for the Buddy Programme with Multiverse which allowed me to connect with new Apprentices. 

It didn’t take me seven years to get from where I was to where I am now, but there were many challenges on the way. Changing my career later in life was one of the best professional decisions I had made because I have learnt so many new skills, learnt what else I am l good at, and met some people who have mentored and inspired me along the way. 

Trisha Husbands is a Project Management Alumni based in London