How come no one mentioned how risky making a career change can be in your thirties and forties?

53 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 3,2024 at 5:43PM UTC

   1.5 years and 2 years at roles does not make you a job hopper. Anything less than a year looks bad, but changing jobs at the rate you currently are is standardww, and is the only way to get pay increases you deserve. The recruiters saying otherwise are delulu

2. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 3:27PM UTC

   100%

3. AnonymousJuly 3,2024 at 6:47PM UTC

   Job hopping is absolutely common for top performers.

4. maria roseJuly 3,2024 at 7:14PM UTC

   When a ln interviewer asks or makes that kin of statement, they are looking for a response that is your opportunity to express how you are readapting your job skills to match the current job market and the only reason you “appear short-term” in a few jobs is that you there as a temporary employee but would have signed on as a permanent employee if they were offering a position. A lot of people in today’s world move from one employer to another mainly to earn income and not be unemployed. Plus you need to express that each job has shown you where your best interests lie and you should take that opportunity to explain that this is why you are a good candidate for the position and keep the conversation rolling from there. Turn what you consider a negative into a positive.

5. AnonymousJuly 3,2024 at 7:38PM UTC

   That is definitely a thing you can and should say at an interview: “I made a career change to this industry, and in my past jobs I learned a lot about what I liked and didn’t like and my strengths in this work. I am really excited about this role because it is a chance for me to build on my interest doing more X, and I’m really looking forward to finding a place where I can really grow.”

6. AnonymousJuly 3,2024 at 9:06PM UTC

   New grads are only good for 1-3 years, max. Get another recruiter. 1.5-2 years is not a job hopper or tire kicker (a term used back when I was recruiting). Letting them know it's finding the right balance of not only your skills but being able to learn in a healthy, fertile environment. The culture of a company is super important to you and you seek to find that connection where your skills will be appreciated and you can grow. If you are still in accounting, as your post didn't really say what industry you changed, but maybe I missed that. Not sure, but other than that, keep knocking on the doors. The right one will open for you.

7. GirlBossanova934974July 4,2024 at 1:27PM UTC

   Two things come quickly to my mind. First, you need to find different recruiters. The folks you are dealing with are from relics from the 1980s-1990s. A 2 year stint at a company is nothing to get worked up about in either direction. Second, it is tough to figure out where you stand today as you say you went from Accounting to ???? what? If you were looking for stability, your Accounting background should work to your benefit. What are the FINANCIALS of the company you are hoping to work for? If it is all hush-hush and nobody but handful of insiders know what's going on OR you are working in TECH LAND where hundreds of people get thrown out the door every time the CEO wants a new mansion or $300K car or $500K luxury yacht, that is probably NOT for you....

8. AnonymousJuly 4,2024 at 4:06PM UTC

   I did in my fiftees. We have to pay bills right?

9. AnonymousJuly 4,2024 at 4:30PM UTC

   Any recruiter who says that to a candidate given the job market the past few years is completely out of touch and shouldn't be in recruiting. It does matter that there have been layoffs and they are continuing. I work in an industry that does layoffs all the time. I got layed off from my previous 2 employers and had one hiring manager make a very bitchy comment about it. Guess what? Thank you for showing me who you are now. Talk about dodging a bullet. Don't let a couple of idiotic comments deter you. You know what you want to do. You just haven't connected with the right people yet. Hang in there and give yourself some grace.

10. AnonymousJuly 4,2024 at 4:51PM UTC

    Why is a 1.5 year stint a short one, let them know you were recruited away for opportunity not for negative reasons and squash what their comments are saying. Good people in a dynamic market move around, and you don't need to apologize for that. Let them know what you want next, and let them know that you did make some changes that were shorter term but added skills (then list them) and if they don't like what you have to say move on to others who will respect your experience. I assume you are speaking about 3rd party recruiters because in house ones don't work on commission and won't use you as bait on their hook. Apply directly to companies and write the story of why you are great in your cover note.

11. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 4,2024 at 9:00PM UTC

    Can you please clarify - you left and accounting and went into what?

    Are you looking to get back info accounting or are you looking for positions in whatever space you transitioned into?

    A 2 and 1.5 year stint is not job hopping - especially not if you made the switches to gain new experience - it's up to you to convey that.

    Accounting tends to be a pretty conservative space so If you're looking to get back into accounting, that may be part of the issue. Same if you're dealing with accounting recruiters. Again, it's up to you to push back on the "job hopping".

    Regarding "How come no one mentioned how risky making a career change can be in your thirties and forties" - it's always risky to make a career change, no matter what your age.

    We're also in the toughest job market in ages.

12. AnonymousJuly 5,2024 at 1:11PM UTC

    Sheesh.

    Say that after starting this new chapter, you’ve had two shorter jobs in order to rapidly learn about the types of companies/positions/roles in your new field, and that you now have a better idea of what you’re looking for.

13. Krystin MorganJuly 5,2024 at 5:03PM UTC

    Neither of those jobs should be judged for being too short-term, especially in this market and economy! That's pretty ridiculous on the part of those recruiters.

    However, I wonder if your resume is doing as well as it could to tell your story. Ideally it should position you as someone who has learned a lot in whatever the new field is, with an extensive professional background before that—not just someone who has a "low" title. Being able to make a career change at all is HARD, so you should feel proud of that!

14. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 4:33AM UTC

    Why do a couple years in 2 notable positions not tell a compelling story? I think you need to update your perspective.

15. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 12:36PM UTC

    I am currently in your situation. I left my job of 16 years for a career change. However, before I left I mentally prepared myself that my next job may not be my forever job.

    My stints are shorter than yours. My first job after leaving was 10 months and I've been on this job 10 months. I will be starting a new job in 2 weeks. Yes! That sounds like job hunting IF you didn't know my story.

    These employers found me on LinkedIn, so they see on the front-end how long I've been in roles. The market is so demanding that unfortunately it's becoming a norm to see resumes with shorter tenures.

    Embrace your journey!!! I love mine. Each opportunity prepared me for the next one. Be intentionally in your moves. The RIGHT employer would not mind your changes at all!!!

16. AyianJuly 6,2024 at 1:06PM UTC

    Recruiters telling you that you look like a job hopper with 11/2 to 2 years are probably not recruiters you want to work with in the first place. Their job is to sell you to companies and if they don't think they can because of tenure lengths in an increasingly capitalistic hellscape, they aren't good at their job.

    COVID deeply disrupted many people's resumes. Recruiters and employers alike are a lot more familiar and comfortable with these changes. Nevertheless, I started writing on my resume the reason why I left this place or that. There is no need to ask me in an interview or wonder when one is looking at my resume if the answer is there already.

    Average tenure is 2-5 years, as most companies view employees as replaceable parts and do not adequately reward them for staying. Salary increases are much less reliable when staying in an organization than joining a new one. Most employers either haven't grasped the cost of training a new person or have calculated that it is cheaper to train someone new and pay them less than to keep you and pay you more.

    Ideally, you do want a better long term fit, so for as long as you're able, look for organizations with longer tenures, a great culture fit, and a personality match between you and your boss. Never feel pressured to stay somewhere. If anything, if you try somewhere out and it doesn't work after a few months, feel free to leave them out of your resume entirely.

17. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 3:24PM UTC

    Excellent answer.

18. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 1:07PM UTC

    I would advise! You reference you were seeking additional professional experience which is desireable and employment insecurity. It seems to me you should work with a different recruiter. A 10 year work position does display stability. If the last 2 positions that you left where not working for you!!!! Then you did the right thing for you snd you explained this to your recruiter should be a non issue keep in mind they either get paid a on time fee to place you OR they collect a fee if you work through the agency. Best to you do what is great fir you

19. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 1:14PM UTC

    It can be a challenge but only to the person who’s doing the changing. We often get in our own way with negative thoughts and beliefs. Last time I changed professions I was 52. My resume has short stints too. I’ve also noticed that those with whom I’ll be interviewing have short stints than I do! Blows me away. So you have to be careful not to let yourself lose faith.

    Sure, the little anxiety monster sometimes tries to sneak into my thought process, but I just kick him out when he does. People around you can also contribute so I often keep these things to myself. It’s work like no other. Think of working out. Just keep moving forward and things will begin to fall into place. Trust more.

20. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 1:26PM UTC

    After 20+years in the corporate world, I decided to go to grad school. I graduated with an MSW at age 50 and it has been a rough road starting in grad school. Professors made it clear that they only wanted to mentor “young, rising talent.” When I asked one globally recognized professor if I could help out in her lab, she told her 24 yr old assistant to have me organize her files and bookcase. Gee, thanks for that professional development opportunity!

    The plum internships (mostly) went to younger students. Social workers are supposed to advocate for social justice and equality but that only seems to apply to people kids, people under 40, or vulnerable older adults not an older person who simply wants to pivot into a new career and try and make a difference and find meaning.

    I also underestimated what it would be like to start in entry level social worker positions. Coworkers were younger than my kids and many were bullies and “mean girls.”

    30-something supervisors often seemed afraid or unwilling to provide mentorship or support because “hey, you look like you know what you’re doing and don’t need my help.” Wrong answer. Don’t even get me started on older managers who were Peter-principled into their “leadership” roles and threatened by any suggestions or ideas (which they solicited from me).

    If I could do it over again, I would have chosen a different path because I’ve now got about $50K in student debt and am deeply worried about my future. My degree is almost worthless.

21. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 1:27PM UTC

    I share a similar experience except I have always worked in many different types of jobs in various industries because I needed to work to survive, due to illness and caregiving duties. Even with my last job as a manager, I am viewed as experienced but not reliable or something. I don't know. They just view me as a job hopper, and I am not that.

22. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 1:53PM UTC

    I am on the verge of changing career because I am not happy in my very high-paced and competitive sector.

    So I am thankful that you are sharing your concerns. I can imagine that the transition between your "comfort zone" profession and the new career must be tough. But in your case: you have decade of working experience. And you hopped in the new job to gain experience: let recruiters know your motivation and circumstances for changing positions so often (because you have good reasons).

23. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 2:30PM UTC

    I am sorry you are getting so many unhelpful responses that won't validate what you are experiencing. Too many people on this site are practicing magical thinking and will never rise to "boss" anywhere because they think like entitled hourly employees.

    A change in your resume, especially at a certain age, can and does look like job hopping and professional head hunters know they will face questions about this from potential employers. Recruiting and hiring is expensive and time consuming and no one wants to put in the time, money and effort for someone that won't work out or won't last. This sticks out on your resume because you had a long period at one job and now two shorter stints. Employers will ask if there was a life change. Is this person now unsettled and unable to settle into a career? What happened?

    So, how do you fix it? Check your resume and make sure that it's solid and shows what you learned at those new jobs. Make sure you have a clear objective stated. Work with your headhunters to make sure your messaging and theirs are clear and aligned and show the benefits of these two last jobs and why you are ready to find that long-term position now.

    Remember, too, that it's a tough market now and that not all headhunters want to work with anyone who needs any explanation, so research and find the best headhunter for you.

    Good luck and stay positive - the right job will come along.

24. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 5:32PM UTC

    I've had three careers and one job in my lifetime and I am not a job hopper. I started out as a receptionist and when I tried to advance, a recruiter told me I was too old at 27 years old to change career fields. Well, I did. I got into the fashion industry and worked in it until outsourcing took all the jobs to China. So, I went back to college and earned a degree in a subject I loved. I worked in that field for two decades but later added another degree in a field with more stability. Change is part of life. Industries change and companies rise and fall. Several of the companies I had worked in no longer exist and one was a large corporation.

    So, why should anyone be called a job hopper during these turbulant times? We will never have the lengthy careers in one field that our grandparents or parents had. Change is a given. We should not be expected to apologize for pivoting to survive.

25. AyianJuly 6,2024 at 5:33PM UTC

    The job market is more open now than it has been in recent history. People died and retired during the height of COVID who otherwise would be occupying the work force. Unemployment has returned to pre-COVID levels, which was pretty low to start with, indicating a market more favorable to job seekers. Add those two together and there's a LOT of opportunity out there. I disagree entirely about the job market.

26. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 2:33PM UTC

    They do mention it. All the time. You probably weren't listening.

    I'm sure my post will get all sorts of negative comments about being too harsh, but reality checks are sometimes needed. Life is risk. You obviously decided to change careers because you weren't happy. Now it's not going as you planned and you're saying "How come no one mentioned how risky making a career change can be in your thirties and forties? "

    Really??? Did you think it was going to be unicorns and rainbows???

    If you think those two stints are dragging your situation down, leave them off. People leave "bad" positions off their resumes all the time. And see what happens!!!

    I switched careers in my early 40s, being a wife and mom, and have never been stronger. I get approached for opportunities, whereas before I would apply to dozens of open positions. Now I don't have to go looking for them, they come to me. I now speak at national conferences and am on highly regarded boards of directors.

    You seem to be waiting for THEM to give you what you are needing/wanting. YOU have to give YOURSELF what you need.

    Staying at jobs for years is not the norm anymore, if you have skills others are looking for.

    You cannot rely solely on job training/experience to get ahead. You have to be in charge of your own professional development. Take courses, webinars, read books, join professional associations, join local chambers of small business owners (or future owners) and get paired up with a mentor.

    You make your own path, don't wait for others to show you a path, especially one that likely isn't meant for you.

27. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 2:36PM UTC

    Hi! I changed careers in 2021 after getting undergrad (2017) and grad (2019) degrees. I spent 2020 taking care of some serious health issues--though still employed at a long-term job--and in 2021 I started my job search. I was 54 years old. I got the first and only position I applied for, which was probably a bit of an "underemployed" situation. LOVED IT. Absolute undiluted joy. Then my boss resigned and now I am a director and an officer over 9 locations. I dunno. I think my situation is likely not the norm. But it does happen. I refuse to let my age define me except to be an asset. Well, and maybe bad knees. Whatever. I've had those since I was in my 20s. Maybe find a different recruiter? Definitely hang in there. I wish you all the best.

28. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 2:53PM UTC

    Ironically I changed to accounting from another career path in my early 30s. It's been slow moving and my progression is not as quick or high as I want it to be. But I do know deep down, I never had luck in my prior career path (which was choppy bc I didn't know what to do w/my degree and companies were not hiring much) And I know I did not want to continue along with what I ended up doing (retail buyer - - do we see how many brick and mortar locations are going out of business sadly).

    It's not going to be easier, so maybe that was a mistake in your thoughts process. Maybe for some, but maybe not for you, or me, or many others. What you do have is your work experience, no matter what it is, and how you frame your story. Framing your story, talking up your soft skills, managerial skills, time management skills, etc, - whatever applies - is what can make the difference. Do it on your LinkedIn profile, do it in your elevator pitch. Make it a compelling story.

    Trust me, I sympathize because I'm old enough that my title is not impressive, nor my salary, yet, but I do think that both my happiness and my longevity depended on making a switch. And I feel there is only an upside even if it's a slow one. Just try to frame your decision in the best way and be patient. Maybe it'll take 5 more years than you wanted it to but you can end up on top. Good luck!

29. KathyJuly 6,2024 at 3:44PM UTC

    It's so ironic that recruiters label you as a job hopper. It's a label of convenience in my opinion. In my opinion women are labeled 'job hoppers' but the same label doesn't seem to apply to men.

    I was labeled as a 'job hopper' after a contract job ended and I was seeking work.

    It may just be bias. Women are treated differently than men when it comes to hiring. Women with ambition are treated differently than men with ambition. Women need to have experience in a particular field in order to change careers where men without experience are viewed as 'having potential'.

    My nephew quit numerous jobs in the technology sector, sometimes after only a month or 6 weeks and seemed to land on feet every time. He was even working two remote full time jobs at the same time.

    I don't have any answers for your dilemma but I hope you find what you seek.

    Good luck!

30. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 4:42PM UTC

    You are NOT a job hopper!

    You transitioned (successfully) into a new field. As a person in a new career, you have to get experience in order to grow in knowledge and skills. That’s what you are doing. Now you have over 3 years experience in your field, you are ready to move into a higher position. You should be commended for your success! Good luck!

31. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 5:20PM UTC

    After setting up and launching two enterprise wide programs for a global Fortune 1000 company and mentoring a team of four, my position was ‘eliminated’. I was with the company for 8 years. At 63 I was the oldest on my team. One other employee from the same department was ~30. We’re both white. The remaining three are NCGs in their 20s and are of Indian descent. So much for the promise of DEI. Though I have a killer resume in my field (even keeping it to the last 10 years), at my age I have a snowball’s chance in hell of finding another similar job in this market. Not only am I too young and not financially ready to retire, I don’t want to!

32. AyianJuly 6,2024 at 5:29PM UTC

    DEI has absolutely nothing to do with capitalists releasing their most senior employees to hire cheaper work (younger, less experience).

33. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 6:43PM UTC

    I posted as 'Anonymous' at 2:36pm on 7/6. Please read my post as I was 72 when I was hired for my current job. It comes with a low six-figure salary and amazing benefits. I think you are more high-powered than I ever was, but I want to encourage you to keep looking. Wouldn't a non-profit just love to grab someone like you? And look into healthcare (my research specialization) as it is not a field that is going away. Let go of the way you were treated at your old company, perhaps employ someone who can work with you to market yourself and do a resume check. (Personally, I think it's the attached letter that makes or breaks someone, not the resume.) You sound much too special to be unemployed for long!

34. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 9:31PM UTC

    Thank you! I appreciate your encouragement ?

35. Rosa GoesJuly 6,2024 at 6:09PM UTC

    I would find a new recruiter. You are not a job hopper. One or two years at a job is the norm nowadays, and if there were no opportunities to grow at the company, then you move on. It sounds like your a quick learner and the fact that you worked for two companies in the new industry shows an interest in growing and moving up. Be confident and good luck to you.

36. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 6:36PM UTC

    First of all, I find that 'job hopper' is a term used primarily as a derogatory descriptor when women, not men, find better positions for themselves. Secondly, there is strong data that shows you are more likely to get a higher salary with another company than the traditional "things are really tight here" or "It's just about the inflation rate" increase by holding on to a mediocre job. And thirdly (if that's a word), I was a retail buyer, an account executive for a Fortune 100 company, an account executive for a local television station and a major network before I went back to graduate school at the age of 37 for a doctorate in psychology. I supported myself by teaching at five major universities, so you can add that to my skill set. It was through writing my dissertation I realized how much I enjoy the process of research. In essence I combined my business background and education (I got an MBA part-time over 4 years in my 20's), my sales experience in a variety of fields, and my zeal for research into a job that encompasses my strengths. I now work for a great company, the best boss I've ever had, and have a benefit of unlimited PTO. And FYI: I was hired after the pandemic at a 'Medicare Age.' The CEO told me that he could see me "Having a great future with the company." As others have said, you need a better recruiter and perhaps a resume creator who can package you better.

37. AnonymousJuly 7,2024 at 4:21AM UTC

    Thank you! I have moved on to other companies when it was horribly apparent that they were not going to live up to their promises of promoting me. I gained more suitable titles and compensation for doing so. I also demonstrated greater responsibilities and accomplishments with each move. Yet, I had women recruiters calling me a job hopper. Funny how boys are admired as smart and strong for doing the same thing…..

38. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 7:16PM UTC

    Yeah, that recruiter is seriously out of touch with the current reality and I would tell them that. I've had to give myself promotions every few years because if company bureaucracy and while it may be a tough market right now, keep going! It just takes one yes but make sure it's the right company for you or else you'll be miserable again. I'm almost 50 and have had great experiences finding better jobs but it's also because I'm in the tech industry and don't give up easily.

39. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 8:26PM UTC

    Hi. Former accountant here. I transitioned away from that discipline - not into 70-hour work weeks without being paid for my time :). The new normal is 1 year or more = not a job hopper. It used to be 2 years. I do have some job hopping on my resume, but it didn't prevent me from getting a role in the field I really want to be in. I'm over 40 in case that's relevant. I also had some pretty high-ranking titles throughout my accounting adventures. I agree with other posters to disregard this one particular recruiter and carry on. Things will work out just fine. I think the most important thing is to have very sensible, logical reasons for each job move. A career coach can help if needed. Many of the skills you developed and practiced in higher level positions are transferrable to a new field and provide a solid foundation for success in other roles, no matter the level. You will be successful!!

40. AmandaJuly 7,2024 at 10:30PM UTC

    I’ve been working with a career coach for the last 6 months on what’s next for “future me” - I’m 45 and have been in the same career in financial services ( which is essentially contracting not a salaried employee). It’s a frightening process & will have big financial implications if I choose to go in that direction but investing in a coach has helped me enormously

    good luck!

41. AnonymousJuly 7,2024 at 11:00PM UTC

    i change every 2 years. I tell a clear story of why I left and what I offer. No one has ever said I’m a job hopper and if they did— I don’t care. I made those moves and increased my salary significantly each time (most recently 30%).

    Id encourage you not to care about the old school thinking of one recruiter. Just tighten up your storytelling.

42. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 3:04AM UTC

    Probably not the best advice to imply it’s a good idea to routinely leave your place of employment every 2 years. It’s a clear red flag if someone is doing that.

43. AnonymousJuly 7,2024 at 11:04PM UTC

    Sounds like the recruiter needs to update their skills.

44. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 1:19PM UTC

    Thought i would chime i as a recruiter here. This is not as uncommon as you think this person just had the guts to actually say it to you. Everyone likes to think that the job market is very progressive but you're still dealing with people. I work for a software company with cutting edge software and we are the absolute leader in our market. I would also say 80% of our hiring managers won't hire someone they think is job hoppy. that is they've had more than three roles in the last five years. I know the generation coming into the job market is all about moving every couple years to get a higher salary but the fact remains that most hiring managers aren't. They are boomers or gen xers and they do look do on that. it isn't fair but that is the reality in most careers still.

45. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 1:51PM UTC

    I don't know that 'fair' has anything to do with it and please stop equating Boomers and Gen X as if we are the same or have the same Old views. As a hiring manager, I don't expect people to stay in a role for the rest of their lives, but it does make me hesitant to hire someone who is obviously going to leave as soon as a better opportunity comes along. It takes about 18 months to train someone in the positions on my team. I don't want to invest that much time and energy only to have to replace someone six months later.

46. AnonymousJuly 9,2024 at 7:13PM UTC

    In response to the post “Thought I would chime in here…” Thanks for highlighting the optics to boomer hiring managers. I’m lucky that my hiring managers have been Millennials and Gen X and they focused on the skills more than time in role. While my skills are very niche, I have had times where it was harder to find that “right fit” and… perhaps this has been a silent contributor.

47. AnonymousJuly 10,2024 at 8:42PM UTC

    Thank you for being honest from a recruiter's point of view. I found that when interviewing with a Gen Xer, they really frown upon candidates having less than 3 years with one particular employer.

48. Kimberly McKenzie-KlemmJuly 8,2024 at 1:49PM UTC

    Have you ever thought about contracting? I left in mid-career to go independent as a contractor and it was successful in supporting what I needed although I did take a $5,000 a year pay-cut. I liked the mobility of new challenges in new arenas with each new employer and the freedom of working from home. It might turn your decision around on your resume because the experience builds and counts for further customers.

49. athenanow1July 8,2024 at 3:39PM UTC

    Explain that you did it to get experience, and what you gained in each job to bring to the one you're interviewing for.

50. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 3:55PM UTC

    I’m not sure what industry your recruiter is referring to but 1.5 year - 2 year stints are normal for the tech industry! You’re doing the right things while transitioning careers. Many job seekers in tech have shorter durations in fact. I hope you can talk with a new recruiter who is more up-to-date with industry trends. Speaking from experience, I’d advise you not to stay at a job you’re miserable in for more than 2 years. An unsupportive/ toxic workplace will never promote you or take your career to places. It’s time you spent that you won’t get back! And time is of the essence when you’re in your 30’s and 40’s. Best to look elsewhere. I wish someone told me that years ago.

51. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 11:33PM UTC

    Sounds like 3rd party recruiters. They can be nasty and condescending. In this current job market, finding an organization that aligned with my values and was a culture fit was something I prioritized. Does the hiring manager leadership style vibe with mine.

    Easy way to address the recruiters concern "At this stage in my career, I'm looking for ....."

    I left a sector that I had been in for little over 10 years + my undergrad and Masters were in the same sector.

    Remember the company has to be a fit for you as well as them. Leverage lessons learned from 1-2 year stints and new skill sets you acquired. STAR Method helps to have talking points during screenings and interviews.

    Sending positive vibes & outcomes your way :)

52. MC MarsellaJuly 10,2024 at 12:49AM UTC

    What was your career transition too? If you are local in Delaware County, and decide to remain in accounting, there is a nice firm on Indeed: Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz.

53. AnonymousJuly 10,2024 at 2:18PM UTC

    The optics might depend on the vantage point. I work in big tech. I have worked in AI for several years now. My skills are rare and in-demand. I have moved often, and usually when the scope of work no longer took advantage of my skills. Sometimes in consulting there are “dry periods” where your skills can get rusty. This movement works for me and is expected in my profession.

    However, if someone is early career and changes every few months (and it isn’t a pre-determined amount of time like contract work), it might raise an eyebrow and I’d ask to see work samples or ask for an exercise. (This is common in my field). The exercise would be administered to all candidates.

    TLDR: Some fields change rapidly and so do the hiring practices. Other industries are slow. Which one is yours?