#Taking the first steps towards a different career |

Yesterday I was browsing through the latest version of Gallup’s ‘The State of the Global Workplace Report’ and its findings really struck me. According to this report, only 15% of employees are engaged in the workplace. This means that most of the workforce around the world are either viewing their workplace negatively or only doing the bare minimum to make it through the day, with little to no emotional attachment.

There are geographical differences. In the US, 33% of employees are engaged at work – almost two times more than the global average. In Western Europe, only 10% of employees are engaged at work. The situation looks pretty alarming in the UK, where the amount of engaged employees is as low as 8% — and that number has been in decline for the past few years.

So if you’re feeling like your job has lost its spark, you’re not alone. Midlife has a way of making us rethink our career choices, especially with the rapid changes in today’s job market. But if you want to realign your career with what truly matters to you or get out of a role that no longer excites or fulfills you – where do you start?

Let me make a couple of points to get you in the right direction.

Step 1: Take a reality check
Before making any big moves, ask yourself:

Am I happy in my current role?

Do I feel valued and appreciated?

Is there room for growth?

Do my career goals align with my personal values?

Is my financial situation stable?

Being honest with yourself will help you figure out if you need a total career overhaul or just a few tweaks in your current path.

Step 2: Explore your options
Once you’ve taken stock of where you stand, it’s time to explore your options. Here are a few possibilities to consider:

Change industries: Transfer your skills to a new field. Just be ready for some challenges, like competing with younger and more experienced candidates, the need for new qualifications specific to the new industry, and potentially some financial consequences.

Start a business: If you’ve always wanted to be your own boss, midlife can be the perfect time to turn the dream into reality. It’s risky, but with good market research, a solid business plan, and the right mindset, the rewards can be worth it.

Go back to school: Upskilling or getting a new qualification can open doors, whether you want to move up in your current field or switch paths altogether.