Taking on a new profession or evaluating it mid-life doesn't have to be a crisis. Regula Maeder, who helps and encourages people of all ages to reassess their careers, told finews.com why this is an important exercise.
In many ways the Swiss labor market - with its talent deficit - is an ideal setting for many people, including those above the age of 50, to take the plunge to try something new.
The expertise shortage is also forcing employers to be resourceful in how they go about retaining employees in this age group. That’s when Regula Maeder steps in, offering managers leadership guidance as well as workshops for employees to help them assess their individual situations.
Under The Radar
A common, and perhaps surprising, outcome from the workshops is that some employees in this age group have the simple wish «to be heard more,» she said, rather than wanting a drastic change.
In the past, many people in that age group applied the strategy of trying to «slip under the radar in the hope of going unnoticed until they reached retirement,» she said. «Just imagine,» she exclaimed, «these people still have 15 years left in the job!»
Yet organizations that are proactive in holding onto this age group are the exception. Regardless of the current «employee's market,» companies are not expected to ensure employees are fit for the labor market.
Shifting Responsibility
That responsibility is increasingly shifting «to each individual» with employees of all ages expected to learn new skills both on and off the job, she said.
Reflecting on one’s situation in relation to the demands of the job market is something we will all have to become more used to doing, she said. While in many cases this exercise may set people onto a new path, «it sometimes makes people realize that they are already in the right place,» she added.
«Gaining such an insight can be very liberating,» and whatever the outcome of such an assessment, «it is always empowering to draw up your own career plan,» she said.
Desire For Change
For those who do need a change, midlife can be a good moment to be more daring and embark on a new career path, or even start a business, as many people at this stage in life have fewer financial obligations, Maeder said.
The problem is that employees who have been stuck in an eight-to-five job all their working lives often struggle to pinpoint what they want to do, she said. Many come to her office to discover what they really want from life.
Time Out
Ten years ago, Markus Krucker decided to take a year off from his two-decade-long career as an IT consultant at Raiffeisenbank to evaluate his career options from a detached perspective.
Krucker, who was 41 at the time, seems not to have wanted to wait until 50 to make a career change or have it made for him. «I didn’t really know at the point when I gave up my job, what I would do. I had a few ideas and the options ranged from boating instructor to crane operator,» he said.
During his year off, Krucker received an offer to buy the WS-Bootschule boating school in Zurich from its founder and namesake Werner Sollberger. A passionate sailor since childhood, Krucker considered the opportunity and financial commitments, fully aware he would earn less than as an IT consultant.
Although he didn't hire someone like Maeder, Krucker nevertheless sought counsel on his options. He discussed the idea of purchasing the boating school with a close friend who listened patiently and then gave him the necessary push, simply saying «maybe you should just buy it.»
And so he did, and after ten years says he does not regret it for a second.
Portfolio Career
People who can not only overcome the fear of making such life-changing decisions but can also live with less, usually have a higher chance of succeeding in their projects, Maeder said.
So-called portfolio careers are likely to become more common with freelancers offering a range of services for several clients, Maeder said.
In this regard, Krucker was quick to add teaching to his portfolio and now helps students during the winter months to study and prepare for the theoretical part of the rigorous open-water sailing exam.
While Krucker’s job in IT was more lucrative, seeing a student passing an exam or being inspired by the magic of sailing is very personal to him. Seeing «the radiance in their faces is priceless,» he said.
Sailing Into the Sunset
Krucker’s reality has nothing to do with sailing into the sunset with a whisky glass in his hand, he said. During the first years, he would be on the water during winter months with students in five degrees celsius weather, pelted with cold rain, and dealing with snow and ice.
«But I got smarter,» he said laughing. Now, from mid-December to mid-March he only gives motorboat lessons. The heated cabin of the boat is nearly as comfortable as a car, he said. The quieter winter months allow him to catch up on office work. Additionally, he skippers sailing trips to the Caribbean in February with clients, «and then the year begins anew.»
There are also the less glamorous tasks of running the business, marketing, bookkeeping, and boat maintenance, of course.
Markus Krucker with students in his WS-Bootschule «office» (Image: ws-bootschule.ch)
Passion Vs. Profession
But Krucker cautions, that «those who turn their passion into a profession need to be aware that they should look for a new hobby. No matter how much you enjoy doing something, you run the risk of losing your passion at some point, if you don’t have balance.»
After selling the boating school to Krucker, Sollberger retired and also made a career change of sorts. He traded his sailboat for a large camper and now «sails the open roads» instead.
As both Krucker and Sollberger demonstrate, it is never too early or late to change course.
Reporting by Jade Cano and Marco Babic
