Can anyone tell me more about recruitment/talent or reward as well as getting into these pathways without starting in a HR generalist role? Is it even possible to start in it in your 40s?
I'm in a niche operational role, middle management, in financial services. It's fine, but it's way too routine now after 20 years, and I'd really just like to get out of this industry totally. I simply can't see myself doing it through my 50s, 60s and I think I would like to try something else once my youngest starts secondary in a couple years. I'm cool headed, conversant in numbers (accounting & finance degree from a good uni), a sociable introvert. I hate admin and line management but am pretty commercially-minded, a good communicator and respected by senior management. I prefer specialising in anything I do.
I am aware it will be a massive pay cut but think it's entirely possible to rise back to a decent pay level in time. However I think getting into it (at this age) is the hardest part?
Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.
Work
Career change to HR specialist in 40s?
PlanBee · 14/09/2020 11:45
squaredots · 12/04/2023 10:39
@PlanBee Hi, I am aware this is an old post but interestingly enough I am in very similar situation now as you were 3 years ago. I am in my late 40s and considering to have a career change to HR and thinking whether I should start from recruitment as its easier to enter.
Would you mind sharing an updates on how you career change journey to HR been ? Thank you.
Aprilx · 12/04/2023 18:04
I hope that the OP comes back and updates you with good news.
Unfortunately my own attempt to move into HR was not so successful. I have had a very successful career in finance, lots of senior management experience, very good with handling people related situations. So I thought it would be a good move for me as I wanted a change. I took a year out and did an MA in Human Resources.
Alas to no avail. Nobody was interested in the 50 year old new entrant to HR.I couldn’t even get recruitment agents to speak to me, never mind employers. I gave up in the end.
squaredots · 12/04/2023 10:39
@PlanBee Hi, I am aware this is an old post but interestingly enough I am in very similar situation now as you were 3 years ago. I am in my late 40s and considering to have a career change to HR and thinking whether I should start from recruitment as its easier to enter.
Would you mind sharing an updates on how you career change journey to HR been ? Thank you.
PlanBee · 14/04/2023 22:59
Sorry it didn't work out for you @Aprilx I hope you at least enjoyed the MA experience and treated it somewhat like a sabbatical/experience? What are you doing now or plan to do?
@squaredots also sorry to say I didn't follow through to do the cipd. It is way too much of a pay cut. I have switched employer since and get to recruit, coach and develop a global team. Also de&i committee. These are not done by HR, they merely facilitate. Having spent more time with HR i don't think I'd personally enjoy it too.
I'm just 40 so I still think i might give recruitment or comps consulting a go (don't want to do a masters) when kids are older... when I can afford to downshift.
PlanBee · 14/04/2023 22:59
Sorry it didn't work out for you @Aprilx I hope you at least enjoyed the MA experience and treated it somewhat like a sabbatical/experience? What are you doing now or plan to do?
@squaredots also sorry to say I didn't follow through to do the cipd. It is way too much of a pay cut. I have switched employer since and get to recruit, coach and develop a global team. Also de&i committee. These are not done by HR, they merely facilitate. Having spent more time with HR i don't think I'd personally enjoy it too.
I'm just 40 so I still think i might give recruitment or comps consulting a go (don't want to do a masters) when kids are older... when I can afford to downshift.
Don’t want to miss threads like this?
Weekly
Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!
Log in to update your newsletter preferences.
You've subscribed!
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.