Am I approaching this the wrong way?
I work in digital transformation, primarily providing consultancy services to various departments in the UK government. As a typical ‘government contractor’ (previously self-employed, navigating IR35, etc.), the environment can feel quite insular, often dominated by the same recruitment agencies.
I’ve connected with several recruitment agencies across the UK, but as I near my 50s, I’m eager to explore new industries and find something that brings me genuine satisfaction. When I reach out to these agencies, their responses tend to focus on placing me in a similar role within a different department or through another umbrella company—essentially, it’s the same job, just a different setting. That lack of excitement is disappointing.
I’d love to engage with a recruiter who can help me identify alternative career paths based on my skills and experience, yet they seem less interested in exploring this with me.
Additionally, I should mention that I’m unsure about what specific job I’d prefer. I have a sense of the qualities I want in a role, but the actual job titles or industries are unclear to me.
So, is this on me? Or am I just not connecting with the right people?
I would appreciate any guidance you might have. Thank you!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a frustrating situation, but it’s not uncommon. Here are some thoughts that might help you navigate this transition:
Market Yourself as a Generalist: You have a wealth of experience in digital transformation and consultancy, which is valuable across many industries. When speaking with recruiters, emphasize your transferable skills, such as project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking. This may help them see beyond the specific area of government contracting.
Explore Different Industries: Research industries that are undergoing digital transformations outside of government, like healthcare, finance, or education. Look for roles in innovation, change management, or user experience design, which can often leverage your consultancy skills.
Network Beyond Recruiters: While recruiters can be helpful, networking with professionals in industries of interest can provide insights into potential roles. Attend industry meetups, webinars, or conferences, and reach out to people on LinkedIn to discuss their career paths.
Consider Career Coaching: A career coach can help you untangle your interests and abilities, and guide you towards potential roles. They can also provide insights into job markets you’re unfamiliar with.
Job Titles and Roles: Start looking at job boards for roles that catch your attention, even if the titles are unfamiliar. Pay attention to the descriptions and required skills, as this can help you identify areas you might be interested in.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to people in roles you find intriguing and request informational interviews. Ask about their job, what they enjoy about it, and how they got there. This can help clarify your own interests and potential career paths.
Self-Assessment Tools: Consider taking career assessments or personality tests. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or StrengthsFinder can give you insights into what types of roles might suit you best.
Transitioning into a new industry can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible! By actively exploring your options and leveraging your existing skills, you’ll be in a better position to find a role that brings you joy. Good luck!