4 answers
Xavier
Student
Kansas City, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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For people who switched careers later in life, what helped you stay motivated when you felt behind compared to others in your field?
I am currently changing careers and working toward a degree while raising a family, and sometimes it feels like I am behind compared to others in my field. I want to know how people stayed focused when they were trying to build a new career later in life, especially while balancing responsibilities at home. I am looking for honest advice about what kept you moving forward on the tough days, and what helped you stay confident when progress felt slow.
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4 answers
Patricia Enfanto
Senior Director Governance Risk and Compliance
3
Answers
Dracut, Massachusetts
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Xavier,
It's a great question and I have been where you are. I was raising a family, working and attending college. The hardest thing for me was balancing my time between work, school and spending time with my family. The first thing that I did was to have a family meeting to discuss my plans with my children and my husband. We talked about what might change based on my new schedule. I needed my children to manage certain things on their own. Things like getting themselves ready for their school day by putting their backpacks together, making sure that their homework was ready and helping me to put their lunch together. I explained that I would have homework as well and that like them, I would need to spend some time making sure that I completed my work too. My husband took tasks off my plate so that I could go to class on the weekend. He took my daughter to class and my boys to their sports commitments. It took everyone to help organize and more carefully plan our schedules. It wasn't easy and at times, I didn't think that I would finish. I took advantage of holidays and vacations to spend quality time with my family.
Unconsciously, I actually helped my children to be more independent and take responsibility for their own tasks. We studied together and they recognized that just because I was an adult, I too had to make time for my studies and do the best that I could. I am grateful for the support of my family. I had to keep reminding myself WHY I chose to enroll in school while working and raising my children. I wanted to make a change in my career and wanted to be successful. I ended up teaching my children that if you want something, you need to put the effort and time into making it happen. Not giving up when things got tough also taught them to be patient with themselves and believe that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
Be patient with yourself and ask for help when you need it. You have taken the first steps to make a change; believe in yourself and others will believe in you as well and be happy to support you.
It's a great question and I have been where you are. I was raising a family, working and attending college. The hardest thing for me was balancing my time between work, school and spending time with my family. The first thing that I did was to have a family meeting to discuss my plans with my children and my husband. We talked about what might change based on my new schedule. I needed my children to manage certain things on their own. Things like getting themselves ready for their school day by putting their backpacks together, making sure that their homework was ready and helping me to put their lunch together. I explained that I would have homework as well and that like them, I would need to spend some time making sure that I completed my work too. My husband took tasks off my plate so that I could go to class on the weekend. He took my daughter to class and my boys to their sports commitments. It took everyone to help organize and more carefully plan our schedules. It wasn't easy and at times, I didn't think that I would finish. I took advantage of holidays and vacations to spend quality time with my family.
Unconsciously, I actually helped my children to be more independent and take responsibility for their own tasks. We studied together and they recognized that just because I was an adult, I too had to make time for my studies and do the best that I could. I am grateful for the support of my family. I had to keep reminding myself WHY I chose to enroll in school while working and raising my children. I wanted to make a change in my career and wanted to be successful. I ended up teaching my children that if you want something, you need to put the effort and time into making it happen. Not giving up when things got tough also taught them to be patient with themselves and believe that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
Be patient with yourself and ask for help when you need it. You have taken the first steps to make a change; believe in yourself and others will believe in you as well and be happy to support you.
Val Mongina
Cybersecurity Engineer
10
Answers
McKinney, Texas
Updated
Val’s Answer
What helped me stay motivated was understanding that everyone’s path and timing are different. I switched careers later in life, moving from accounting into cybersecurity, and at times I felt behind compared to people who started much earlier. What kept me going was focusing on progress instead of comparison. I reminded myself that prior experience still mattered — it gave me discipline, problem-solving skills, and maturity. On tough days, I aimed for small wins and steady consistency. Confidence came through hands-on work, being honest when I didn’t know something, asking for help, and watching the pieces slowly connect. Progress may feel slow, but persistence compounds over time.
Darlene Whitfield, Consultant
Coach/Consultant
2
Answers
Matthews, North Carolina
Updated
Darlene’s Answer
Hi Donna. Honey, this hit home for me. I'll be another to tell you, it wasn't easy, but I made it. The one thing I always ask those I work with is, "WHY"? It is imperative that we understand that the choices we make is a sheer reflection of whats going on inside. What's driving those thoughts for change? And then ask yourself, why now? Lastly, but most importantly my love, what has God shared with you about the shift? Is it in alignment with his will? Remember, according to your faith, so be it unto you. There is nothing impossible for God. I did it, a single mom with twins (at the time). Be intentional. Create a plan and stick to it. Seek wise counsel. Move in silence (iykyk). Im here if you want to talk more. You got this. I believe in you.
Donna Paige
Human Resources/Phlebotomist/Medical Assistant/Students entering into the workforce
12
Answers
Hammond, Indiana
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Hello Xavier,
Such a great question. The biggest thing that kept me motivated was reminding myself that my experience still counted even if I was new to the field. I had spent over 15 years in healthcare before moving into my Human Resources career. Though I was starting something different, I realized I wasn't starting from zero. I brought transferable skills with me; I had managed and trained teams, worked closely with HR, and already understood how to support people in sensitive situations.
What help me stay confident was staying curious. I love learning, so I asked questions, connected with people already in the field, and attended seminars & webinars that kept me growing. That didn't mean it wasn't intimidating. Starting something new can be scary, and I didn't feel imposter syndrome until after I got the role. However, I stayed focused on learning as much as I could, networking with others, and reminding myself that everyone begins somewhere.
Balancing a career change with family life is challenging. I relied heavily on my support system, especially my spouse. I sat my family down and explained what I needed to feel supported. I told them the next 6 months to a year was going to stretch me and I needed grace. I asked my spouse to help more around the house and with our young child. For meals I kept things simple, meal prep on weekends, one pot meals, slow cooker dinners, sometimes sandwiches or take out. My child was in after-school programs and sports which also helped.
The biggest thing is not comparing yourself to anyone else. If you're planning to switch careers, remember that everyone's journey looks different. Keep learning, stay open, and give yourself permission to go at your own pace.
You've got this!
Donna
Try identifying 3-5 transferable skills you already have, this helps with confidence.
Set small weekly goals, rather that's at home or at work.
Such a great question. The biggest thing that kept me motivated was reminding myself that my experience still counted even if I was new to the field. I had spent over 15 years in healthcare before moving into my Human Resources career. Though I was starting something different, I realized I wasn't starting from zero. I brought transferable skills with me; I had managed and trained teams, worked closely with HR, and already understood how to support people in sensitive situations.
What help me stay confident was staying curious. I love learning, so I asked questions, connected with people already in the field, and attended seminars & webinars that kept me growing. That didn't mean it wasn't intimidating. Starting something new can be scary, and I didn't feel imposter syndrome until after I got the role. However, I stayed focused on learning as much as I could, networking with others, and reminding myself that everyone begins somewhere.
Balancing a career change with family life is challenging. I relied heavily on my support system, especially my spouse. I sat my family down and explained what I needed to feel supported. I told them the next 6 months to a year was going to stretch me and I needed grace. I asked my spouse to help more around the house and with our young child. For meals I kept things simple, meal prep on weekends, one pot meals, slow cooker dinners, sometimes sandwiches or take out. My child was in after-school programs and sports which also helped.
The biggest thing is not comparing yourself to anyone else. If you're planning to switch careers, remember that everyone's journey looks different. Keep learning, stay open, and give yourself permission to go at your own pace.
You've got this!
Donna
Donna recommends the following next steps: