There’s no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has reshaped the workplace in America. As suggested by CNBC, people have had to deal with various new things such as furlough and working from home due to office buildings being closed due to the restrictions.
These extended periods away from the workplace have also allowed people to consider their options and even contemplate changing their career paths. According to NBC, millions of Americans have quit their jobs in what’s being called ‘The Great Resignation’. People are looking for something new; many don’t want to live to work, instead some wish to obtain a position in an industry that appeals to them and has progression opportunities.
One of those industries that welcome progression and openly look to employ ambitious employees is the tech industry. However, it’s an industry that many people of a certain age believe is beyond their reach for a host of reasons, so we’re here to dispel those doubts and help you move forward.
Don’t know tech?
It may not be something you’ve previously considered, as you don’t consider yourself to be particularly tech-savvy. You’re probably doing yourself a disservice; as part of Generation X, most 40-50 somethings are as digitally connected as younger people. You’ve likely already embraced changes from satellite TV to streaming services such as Netflix, gone from a Walkman to an iPod, and from a home phone to a smartphone, and enjoy shopping online. See, you do know tech after all.
I’m not a computer programmer
The other beauty about the industry is that there are so many different opportunities, therefore working in tech doesn’t mean you have to be a designer or developer, as tech skills are utilized in several roles. There are positions in marketing, social media management, project management, and content writing, which we covered in our previous Gammatech article on web development. There’s even something for those who have a head for numbers; you can take on a role that measures and analyses digital metrics and statistics.
Am I starting over again?
Moving into a new role or career at this stage will mean being at the bottom of the ladder, won’t it? That’s not always the case at all, because experience is still valued; skills picked up by doing jobs across all industries can easily be adapted. As highlighted in an article by LHH on late-career changes, you’re likely to have a host of transferrable skills from two decades or more of employment that you can use in your new career. These are things such as people management, decision making, working in a team, and other basics that are perhaps obvious to you but still valued in any industry. These building blocks will allow you to confidently step into a role with the aid of specific training for the tech industry. In reality, all it takes is to believe in yourself to achieve your goals.
Time is against me
Understandably, many consider time as a factor that can hold people back from making the change, especially if you have family and children who depend on you. However, the tech industry is becoming more flexible as there are many opportunities to work on flexible freelance projects. As Fortune reported, many businesses have moved their operations online; therefore, these often remote-based roles will allow you to live out your career ambitions at a time that suits you and your lifestyle.
Final word
If you’re looking for a new career in your 40s, it’s clear that tech has a wealth of possibilities to suit people from all backgrounds and levels of experience. So, what are you waiting for if it’s your dream to step into a new career? Go for it.
