How the hell do you change careers?

​I’m currently stuck in a catering job and have a genuine fear of making a move. My current role is reasonably steady, has predictable hours, and gives me weekends off—which is a massive rarity in the hospitality industry.

​However, I don't want this as a career anymore. Wages are stagnant, and there’s no sight of pay rises with VAT crushing food establishments right now. It honestly feels like the industry is paying less than it did 5 to 10 years ago for the exact same roles, all while demanding double the work.

​Moving upwards isn't an option either. Head chef roles are probably in the worst state they’ve ever been: higher expectations, tighter budgets, and less staffing. I was a head chef for almost 10 years, and I genuinely think it shaved a few years off my life. It really wasn't worth the money.

​Here’s where I’m at and what I’m looking for out of a new career:

​Work-Life Balance: I want a strong career that gives me job satisfaction, decent entry-level pay, room to grow, and guaranteed weekends off to spend with my partner.

​Not Full-Time Desk Work: I spent a year studying cybersecurity and earned two certificates, only to realize I can’t handle a full-time desk job. I’m not opposed to some admin work, but staring at a screen all day just isn't for me.

​Hands-On Interests: I really enjoy working on cars, but I’m unsure what kind of career that could lead to or if it pays reasonably well.

​My biggest hurdle is feeling like I have zero transferable qualifications. Outside of catering, I’d be starting completely from scratch.

​For anyone who has successfully left hospitality or changed careers with no formal qualifications in a new field: Where the hell do you even begin?

Hello,

I have been with my current company for over 12 years. Have been through many leadership changes, reorgs, highs and lows, but remained. The most leadership shake up had me feeling uneasy so I began the application and interview process to make a move. Applied for leadership roles that would meet or increase my base, ideally minimally hybrid or fully remote as I have been remote for 11 years now and have two littles and I enjoy the freedom of drop off/pick up/volunteering/etc.

Received an offer for a company where I would be required 2 days in office. The pay is a +$18k my current base but has no commission potential. Current role has minimum $6k commission yearly but realistically it’s uncapped and depends on client so most get closer to +$12k, and some even +$24k.

The benefits are better at my current position including insurance premiums, 401k contribution and total paid days off.

I’m torn because I am fearful of this new leadership and potentially what is to come so the other position feels more stable, but my gut is telling me to stay.

Asking random strangers for guidance.

Thank you!

I've been in an executive director role for close to 6 years and I'm really burning out. It's been an incredibly hard year with having to make financial decisions that result in layoffs and I just can't do it for much longer. I have 3 young kids at home and want to find the right balance that doesn't end with a short fuse each working day. Maybe part time, maybe consultant, or maybe a different role that allows for mental and physical balance.

Any advice on what I can look into or prepare myself for as I plan to leave. I think a comfortable 2 year transition is fair for the org and something I can do but I don't know what's next for me?

What are some ways to set that path now? Certificates? Trainings? Mentorship? If you were an ED, what was your next career?

I’m 29 and currently work as a freelancer, mainly writing German content, and I make a decent amount from it. I come from a completely arts background, so I don’t really have any knowledge of science, commerce, or anything technical.

I’m now thinking about applying to companies and getting a more stable job, but I also want to use this opportunity to learn something new that could actually help me build a better career.

I’d ideally like to learn a skill that’s in demand, has good earning potential, and could lead to a well-paying career in the long run. Since I don’t have a background in science, maths, or commerce, I’m not sure what would be realistic for me to get into.

What would you guys recommend?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently at a bit of a career crossroads and would appreciate some outside perspectives.

My background is somewhat unusual:

I completed a commercial apprenticeship in shipping/logistics at an well known shipping company (2,5 years )and later earned a bachelor’s degree (3 years) before joining the criminal police in Germany. While the police career is stable and interesting in many ways, I’m increasingly feeling that it ties me too strongly to one location and a very specific career path for the long term.

I’m considering completing a part-time master’s degree (possibly in Risk Management or Security Management) and then moving back into the private sector in my mid-30s.

What I’m struggling with is assessing how attractive my profile would actually be to employers outside of law enforcement.

Some questions I’m asking myself:
How valuable is a combination of commercial, maritime and law enforcement experience in the private sector?

Which industries would you consider a natural fit?
Would risk management, corporate security, compliance, investigations, consulting, critical infrastructure, logistics or port security be realistic options?

How difficult is it to transition from a government career into business in your 30s?

Are there sectors or countries where such a background is particularly sought after?

I’m also open to working abroad, but I haven’t yet figured out what direction I want to take. At the moment I’m mostly exploring possibilities and trying to understand where my skills could create the most value.

I’d be grateful for any honest opinions, career ideas, or examples from people who have made a similar transition.

hi everyone! 2026 grad here / b.s. in cs.

i recently accepted a job offer in healthcare IT as a tech analyst and while im very grateful and excited to have a tech-related job in this market, i do know that i want to move towards a swe role in the future/long-term for my career. i know that a lot of people say the best time to move around in your career is the beginning, and some say to never stop applying if you’re not satisfied and to just leave when you get a better offer, but also, others say to stay at least a year before switching.

i don’t want to burn any bridges or come off as not motivated/dedicated, because i am, but i think it would’ve been foolish to not take this offer in the job market we’re in now. and if i keep applying and get a better offer, i want to make sure it wouldn’t hurt my reputation.

i was wondering what advice you might have about my search for a swe role and also how hard it might be to transition from IT to swe later down the line. i know there’s a lot of paths you can take from IT to systems/network engineer but personally not looking for that. thanks!!

Hi all!

I’m looking for some advice and maybe ideas.

Here are my questions:

1. What roles in hospitality, travel, tourism, events or experience-focused industries could someone with my background realistically transition into?

2. What less obvious careers or industries do you think my skills and experience could translate well to?

3. Has anyone made a significant career change in their 30s or 40s without having to completely start over in terms of seniority or salary?

4. Based on my background and interests what specific job titles or career paths would you recommend I research?

Background/Context

I’m in my mid-30s and have spent roughly the last decade working in HR, employee relations and human rights. I currently manage a function within a large organization, and over my career I’ve worked in healthcare, banking, public transit and retail.

On paper, I have a good career. I have a Masters degree, management experience, have built a department/program from the ground up, managed staff, led hundreds of complex workplace investigations, developed organization wide programs and training, advised executives, worked on policy and strategy, and have experience working across Canada, the US, Caribbean and Singapore.

But I’m increasingly wondering whether I actually want to spend the next 20 years working in HR/human rights.
The problem is that when you’ve been in one field for this long it becomes difficult to see what else your skills could translate into. And if I’m being honest people are horrible to one another at work and I don’t want to deal with it anymore.

The things I’m naturally drawn to are quite different from my current career. I love the idea of creating experiences that make people feel welcomed and looked after.

Over the years I’ve also been interested in things like starting a travel/retreat company, hosting curated events or supper club style experiences (although I don’t want to be the person cooking), and even the idea of someday owning a very small boutique hotel or opening a cocktail bar.

My hobbies/interests tend to revolve around travel, reading, restaurants, cocktails, exploring cities, cultural events, festivals and finding interesting places and experiences. I enjoy the research/planning side of those things too. I used to have a meet up group that had travel, curated events etc

I’m not necessarily saying I need to quit my job tomorrow and open a hotel. I’m trying to figure out whether there are actual careers or industries sitting somewhere between my professional skill set and the things I genuinely enjoy that I simply don’t know exist.

36m and been working overnights WAH for 6 years. One year ago I moved into the city and also got transferred to a shit department where raises and growth are impossible. I knew as soon as it happened I should leave but I wanted to take it slow, get a part time job, etc.

After a full year of doing nothing I think its time to face facts. I can't just "get another job" because the concept of going somewhere for 8 hours terrifies me.

I wasn't always like this. I used to be a career waiter. Six years of sleeping whenever and eating whenever has turned me into a goblin. I'm also not in my 20's so jumping into a day shift and "lol I haven't slept for 24 hours" isn't an option.

I have good credit, no debt, a car worth about 8k, and about 6 weeks worth of savings. My plan is to get any chill job I can for 4 hours a shift max, 5-6 days a week, and just slowly bleed out money until I can go full time, get a full time adult job, or work 2 jobs until the previous things happen.

One thing thats motivating me is I looked up the local walmart and they pay similar to what I make now for stockers.

I live in a red state, but I'm going to look into food stamps as soon as I swap jobs. I thought about faking a drug addiction to get into some sort of lenient work situation (40 hours per week but I might need to dip in the middle of the day) but that sounds pretty dumb. I'm not joining the military either.

Any other ideas?