How to start your career over later in life
Whatever your circumstances and career history, you must be able to articulate your value with confidence.
Whether you are re-entering the workforce or looking for a new career path following a retrenchment, starting over later in life can lead to success if done right.
In a world where lifelong tenure at a single company is a thing of the past and the workplace is being rapidly reshaped by technological and AI disruption, non-linear career paths have become not just common, but a practical response to a constantly evolving landscape.
A leadership expert says while this path cannot be sugar-coated - it is tough and it will require sacrifice – the good news is that it is possible to make a success of an entirely new career later in life.
“A non-linear career can be described as a work history that does not follow a single, continuous path within one field or role. It involves shifts, breaks, or transitions between unrelated industries or job types,” says Advaita Naidoo, Africa MD at Jack Hammer, Africa’s largest executive search firm.
“In the past, people would mostly stick to a relatively predictable path throughout their careers – moving steadily up the ladder in their chosen field, or branching out into proximate roles. In the last few years however, this model has been turned on its head, for a variety of reasons including but not limited to the impact of the pandemic, global and local economic volatility, and the impact of AI.”
There are several reasons why people are forced to develop a solid Plan B later in life.
They include women re-entering the workforce, workers retrenched due to technology disruption or economic factors, and athletes and sportspeople whose professional careers have ended.
Others may not be forced by circumstance but rather by a need for meaning that they have not found in their primary career path.
Naidoo says the major hurdle facing those seeking to re-enter the workforce, or those wanting to pivot, is how to make their path make sense to hiring managers.
“Understandably, hiring managers often favour candidates whose resumes tell a logical, sequential story, whose careers ‘make sense’. This preference for predictability can signal stability and sound decision-making to some, but it risks sidelining talent with diverse, meandering experiences. This is why the onus is on the candidate to go outside of the traditional job application and interview mould, to ensure they themselves make their paths make sense to the person or panel considering their candidacy,” she says.
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Here are four guidelines for non-linear career success.
1. Consider a bridging role
A bridging role is a strategic stepping stone - a position that helps you transition into a new industry or function by starting at a foundational level. For example, if you’re moving from manufacturing to retail, or shifting from a technical to a commercial role, it’s wise not to aim for a high-level position right away.
Instead, look for entry- or mid-level opportunities such as an operations or supply chain role in retail, or a project coordinator position in a commercial team, where you can learn the fundamentals, adapt to the new environment, and gradually build your expertise. This approach enables you to gain industry knowledge, establish credibility, and develop the skills needed for future advancement.
2. Make your case
Whatever your circumstances and career history, you must be able to articulate your value with confidence. Leaving it up to hiring managers to connect the dots between your experience and the role you applied for is a recipe for failure, as you will be competing with professionals who don’t present the same need for mental gymnastics on the part of the employer.
Effective self-marketing can turn a meandering history into a strength, but requires you to know your value, craft a compelling story, present a clear match between your work history and skills and the role you are applying for, and exhaustively prepare for interviews.
“When crafting your motivation, build a clear, logical narrative and arrive ready to sell yourself. Confidence is key. If you want a hiring manager to see how your non-linear path will add value, make sure you believe it first,” says Naidoo.
3. Target smaller organisations
Large corporations mostly have rigid hiring criteria, and a large selection of applicants who tick every box. Smaller organisations such as startups, mid-sized firms, or local businesses can be more flexible, offering a chance to shine.
“Smaller companies often need versatile players. Your tech background, for instance, might help a small healthcare firm digitise processes, while your growing commercial skills boost their sales,” says Naidoo.
“Smaller environments are more likely to let you wear multiple hats and develop a wider range of skills. So take time to research local or niche firms in your target industry, and apply for roles where your diverse and transferable skills will add immediate value.”
4. Make your contacts count
Naidoo says your personal and professional network is a powerful tool to bypass the barriers of a non-linear career.
“Hiring managers and automated systems often filter out resumes that don’t fit conventional patterns, but a trusted contact can open doors. Reach out to former colleagues, managers or clients who can vouch for your skills, work ethic, and adaptability. For instance, if you worked in manufacturing and a past coworker now thrives in financial services, ask them to recommend you or introduce you to key players.”
It is also important to build new relationships and not just rely on the old ones.
“Join professional organisations, attend industry events, join online forums (e.g., LinkedIn groups for healthcare or finance professionals), or participate in workshops to meet people in your target field. A personal endorsement carries significant weight, and contacts humanise your story, turning a ‘risky’ non-linear resume into a compelling case for hiring.”
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