Looking for a new job after many years in the same company is not just a professional step — it’s a deeply personal journey. For many people, it feels like leaving a safe harbor and setting out onto unfamiliar waters. The thought of change often brings a cocktail of emotions, and each deserves to be acknowledged.
The Emotions of Change
Uncertainty. After years of routine and stability, stepping into a market that may have transformed is intimidating. Recruitment has gone digital, roles look different, and expectations shift.
Case Study: Elena worked 15 years in manufacturing operations. When she started job hunting in 2023, she was shocked that most applications were through automated portals. Her first ten applications got no reply. After attending a workshop on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), she learned to reframe her CV with keywords — and within a month, she secured two interviews.
Self-Doubt. Long service in one company can make you forget how much you’ve accomplished. Comparing yourself to younger candidates can fuel insecurity.
Case Study: Raj had spent 20 years in banking but worried he was “too old-school” for fintech. A mentor helped him list out achievements — like leading compliance projects during regulatory changes. Once he highlighted those in interviews, he landed a senior compliance role in a fintech startup. His experience, far from outdated, became his competitive advantage.
Overwhelm. Today’s job market can feel like a different language. Online applications, LinkedIn networking, and video interviews may be unfamiliar.
Case Study: Sophie, a marketing manager, hadn’t updated her CV in 18 years. She felt paralyzed by endless job ads. Instead of applying blindly, she hired a career coach for two sessions, who helped her build a simple strategy: focus on five target companies, refresh her LinkedIn, and reach out to ex-colleagues. Within six weeks, she had a new role.
Excitement. Despite the doubts, many discover a spark of possibility. A new role can bring alignment with values, better balance, or a fresh challenge.
Case Study: Carlos left his corporate sales role after 22 years, burned out by travel. He took a chance on a smaller company offering hybrid work. The transition was scary, but he now has more time for family while using his negotiation skills in a healthier environment.
Why Change Becomes Necessary
The decision rarely comes overnight. It grows quietly over time. For some, it’s stagnation — no longer learning. For others, it’s balance — realizing long hours don’t fit with personal life. Sometimes it’s the company that changes, through restructuring or cultural shifts.
Case Study: After her company was acquired, Miriam noticed the collaborative culture she loved vanish. She stayed another year but eventually realized she felt like “a stranger in her own office.” Recognizing this was her turning point to seek out a new workplace aligned with her values.
Taking the First Steps
1. Reflect on Your Achievements
Even if your CV is outdated, your experience has value: leadership, resilience, problem-solving.
Case Study: John thought he had “just been an accountant” for 25 years. But when he listed the cost-saving initiatives he led and the teams he mentored, he saw a narrative of leadership. Framing this turned his CV from a list of tasks into a story of impact.
2. Refresh Your Professional Presence
Updating your CV and LinkedIn is a chance to showcase readiness for the future, not just the past. Short online courses can boost confidence.
Case Study: After 17 years in HR, Laila took a 6-week digital HR analytics course. She put the certificate on LinkedIn and soon recruiters started contacting her for roles that blended her experience with her new skills.
3. Reconnect With Your Network
Your long career has built a hidden asset: connections. Many opportunities come through them.
Case Study: Tom reached out to a colleague he hadn’t spoken to in 10 years. That simple LinkedIn message led to an informational chat — and eventually, a job lead that wasn’t even posted online.
4. Prepare for Today’s Interviews
Expect video calls, online assessments, and competency-based questions. Practice telling your story in terms of achievements and adaptability.
Case Study: Nina’s first video interview was a disaster — bad lighting, nervous answers. She practiced with a friend, learned to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and aced her next one. She now works in a new industry, proof that preparation pays off.
Conclusions
Changing jobs after many years is never only about employment. It’s about courage, self-discovery, and choosing growth over comfort. The transition stirs fear and doubt, but also excitement and renewal. With each step — reflecting on your skills, updating your CV, reconnecting with your network, preparing for interviews — you prove not just to employers, but to yourself, that you’re ready for a new chapter.
✨ If you’d like extra support during your career change, we’re here to help. We can review your CV to make sure it reflects your strengths, and we can prepare you for interviews so you feel confident and ready to succeed in your next role.
“I learned by asking questions and by old-fashioned trial and error, with a healthy dose of over-communication.”
Chuck Robbins
