Why Career Change Is More Normal Than You Think

How many careers have you had (so far?!)?

I’ve done some research and discovered that we can expect to have between 7-10 different careers, and up to 15 different jobs in our lifetime.

I think that’s pretty amazing.

If I’d known this at 18 (and understood that having multiple careers can enrich both personal development and professional experience) I would have felt far less pressure to decide my entire future so early on.

Why Multiple Careers Are More Normal Than We Think

We’re often taught that we should choose one career path and stick to it. But the reality is that careers are increasingly non-linear, shaped by opportunity, learning, values, and personal growth.

Changing careers doesn’t mean starting again – it means building on what you already know.

My Own Career Journey

Looking back, I’ve had several distinct careers:

• Swimming teacher for toddlers while at school and university

• Started a primary school teaching degree (and dropped out)

• Worked in banking

• Worked in inbound tourism for Japanese travellers

• Built a communications and marketing career spanning over 15 years

That marketing career included roles across hotels, logistics, and engineering, with a strong focus on employee engagement and internal communication, something I loved so much that I completed a Master’s in Strategic Communication, focusing on the link between internal communication and engagement.

And now… I’ve found my perfect career: coaching.

In fact, I’m so sure that my coaching career will be long-term, that I’ve made the very very big decision to start my second master, this time in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology.

Until my last move to coaching, I kind of just went with the flow and took opportunities as they came up (and felt right at the time). Now through having my own coaching and doing psychometric tests to know myself and my strengths and talents better, I’ve actively sought out the right career for me.

That’s exactly why I’m offering the same to my clients – because it works!! And takes a lot of the risk out of changing career.

Reflecting on Your Own Career Changes

So, let me ask you...

• How many careers have you had so far?

• How did you know that you needed to change?

• How did you make the change?

• What support did you have?

I’d love to hear your stories.

Useful resources

– Some very inspiring stories about career change.

– Get in touch if you’d like my support to create your own fulfilling career change.