Starting over is scary.
That’s understandable.
But changing careers isn’t as terrifying as it seems.
Millions of workers switch careers every year because they hate their job, want more money, or desire something more fulfilling.
But did you know….
82% of workers who switched careers after age 45 said they were successful in their new careers according to the American Institute for Economic Research. So really, your odds are looking pretty good.
Still don’t know where to begin? Fear not.
This guide covers everything you need to know about building a career as an adult learner.
What You’ll Learn
- Why Adult Learners Are Seeking Career Changes
- Call Center Careers Can Be A Great Second Choice
- Skills You Already Have That’ll Translate To Any Job
- How To Start Without Going Back To School
Why Adult Learners Are Seeking Career Changes
Times have changed.
The job market isn’t what it used to be. Most people don’t work at the same company for 30 plus years like in the good ole’ days. In fact, the average worker these days will change careers 5-7 times in their lifetime. It’s just the way things are now.
Here are some common reasons why people want a change:
- Greater work-life balance.
- Higher paying positions.
- More rewarding work.
- Started a family.
- Recently laid off.
- Burned out in their current position.
Whatever your reason, know this…
There are jobs out there that need your skill set desperately. And many of these places don’t require 4-year degrees.
Call Center Careers Can Be A Great Second Choice
When most people think about changing careers, call center jobs are the last thing on their mind.
And that’s a huge mistake.
Did you know there are over three million call center employees according to the CWA Union? These jobs aren’t all minimum wage dead-end gigs either. Many provide upward mobility, nice benefits, and flexible schedules suited for adult learners.
Give call center careers some thought and take a moment to discover Tucson job openings that work with your availability. There’s a good chance you’ll find many call center jobs are hiring in your city.
Why do call center jobs work well for adult learners?
Training is provided on the job. No expensive certifications or years of college before you can earn a living. Businesses pay for training because they want workers who can communicate well and think on their feet.
Speaking of the feet…these jobs also tend to come with flexible schedules. Evenings, weekends, and work from home options are common. That means you can transition to your new career without having to quit your existing responsibilities.
Skills You Already Have That’ll Translate To Any Job
Here’s a fun fact most career changers don’t know.
Everything you learned in your past job is not useless.
In fact, a lot of the skills you’ve gained throughout your career will translate to another job. Perhaps you don’t see how call center careers use your existing abilities. Here’s how it works.
Ability to communicate. Whether it’s customers, co-workers, or your boss… chances are you’ve learned how to communicate effectively. Being a customer service representative requires strong communication skills. You have to be able to explain things simply and handle upset people.
Problem-solving skills. Didn’t we mention how every job has it’s curve balls? Learn how to deal with those problems and you’ll have the skill of solving any situation. Transferable and highly valuable to any employer.
Time management. Learning to stay on top of deadlines, meetings, and daily tasks is a skill that translates to call center careers. There will always be things to juggle when working customer service.
Computer literacy. Odds are you use a computer at work. Whether it’s a basic computer system or simple software. These are skills that most call center jobs require because technology is involved with pretty much every job these days.
Make sure to remember what you already know going forward. As an adult learner, you have more skills than you think.
How To Start Without Going Back To School
Sure, going back to school to earn your degree is one way to change careers.
But let’s be realistic. Who has the time or money to obtain a 4-year degree these days? Besides, many call center jobs don’t require one.
First, take inventory of your skills.
What do you already have that could translate to a call center job? Can you communicate well? Are you great with computer software? Are you organized? Write down every skill that you think could apply to customer service.
Next, look for employers who are willing to train you.
Lots of companies are fine with you having no experience and no call center background. As long as you have the right attitude they know they can train you to be competent in their specific systems.
Look for job fairs and hiring events in your area.
This is a great way to meet recruiters in person. They can explain to you what they’re looking for and what your career path would look like working for them.
Search job sites for “entry level” or “no experience” required.
Again, these jobs are practically begging for you to apply. Scroll through the list and pick out jobs that match your current skills and schedule.
Conquer Your Fear
Look, this isn’t going to be sugar coated…
Changing your career when you’re an adult can be intimidating.
What if you’re “starting over” at an entry level position? Will employers care about your past experience? Will you even make friends with younger employees?
Here’s the thing though…
Employers want mature workers with plenty of life experience.
Studies show that older workers actually perform better in customer service positions than their younger colleagues. Why? Because they show up on time, handle stressful situations better, and know how to communicate effectively.
You’ve got this!
Make Things Easier On Yourself
Need some career changing tips?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when moving forward.
Research before quitting your job. You don’t need to quit your current job before you start looking. Look at jobs during your spare time. Read company reviews. Check out salary ranges.
Network with call center employees. Send a message to someone that works in a call center on LinkedIn. Ask them about their day to day work or how they got their foot in the door. Chances are they were in the same position you’re in now and will be happy to help.
Revamp your resume. Rather than listing past job titles, focus on your skills. What abilities can you bring to this job? Problem solving, communication, time management, and dependability are great examples.
Prepare for your interview differently. Practice answering questions about how you’d handle difficult customers or manage stress. Use real examples of your past work experiences to show you can handle the job.
Want The Bottom Line? Here You Go.
Switching careers as an adult is more common than you think.
And there are plenty of employers out there who want to hire you. Call centers are a great way to get your foot in the door at a new company. They offer the training you need with nice benefits and room for growth.
So take that deep breath, update your resume, and start applying.
Don’t forget to check out call centers hiring now in Tucson.
