Would you move jobs at 54?

[Floofybunnywabbit]

Have name changed for this. Entirely hypothetical situation as I haven't yet been offered the job, but am in interview process.

I've been with the same employer for 23 years and am so fed up with current role and office politics that I'm praying for a redundancy payout. We're under resourced and the workload just keeps getting higher. It's all a bit toxic. I find myself counting down to retirement which is realistically 5 years away.

I got approached for a role in a smaller business but using my existing skills. The package is a 10% pay increase plus car allowance plus greater bonus potential than current role. The job excites me and I think I could do it. But part of me is reluctant to give up my years of service and move out of my comfort zone. New role is WFH (as is current) with some business travel.

WWYD? Now that I've written it all out it sounds like a no brainer.

Started a new job at 55 after 12 years in my previous. Now heading for retirement eight years later!

Yes I would. Go for it! You have many working years left and should be happy in your role 😊

Pls, make sure the company is financially viable and you are moving too. My family friend was 59, and he had worked in the same company for nearly 40 years, a really senior position, with Amazing benefits and a pension. He got tempted and was lured to a new company which needed to downsize within 18 months of his starting here. He was made redundant. he is now unemployed still with school age kids. So be careful!

I’m around that age and considering it. Current job feels like it’s a sinking ship despite being a huge company. Unfortunately I’m not sure if the new company would be the same! Hence I’m hesitant. They are really interested in me but have not yet discussed an offer. Issue is my benefits are worth a lot where I am but new role offering a job title I should be at really for my age and experience! Also retirement package is good where I am but concerned about job security as in cost containment where having to make difficult choices about staff! So I understand your hesitation esp after that much years service (can you offer to take voluntary redundancy?)

@Theapplefallsclosetothetree that would be the perfect solution, if I got a redundancy package and then a new job. There may be redundancies later this year where I am but right now they're not taking applications for VR.

Only way to guarantee that you won’t get it is to not apply 😀. Aren't most jobs worth going for pretty competitive at the moment? And usually, at least in my area (I recruit a lot), 60 applications quickly narrow down to 4-5 viable candidates with the right skills and experience.

Don't be put off by that! I landed a big promotion last year which had over 300 applicants. Most applicants on LinkedIn just hit the quick apply button which just shares your profile with the recruiter. It's nothing like as good as a properly tailored application and cover letter. Most of those will get rejected very quickly.

I'm 54 and got a £20k payrise and a company car. The job has been a steep learning curve but tbh I think it would have been harder to do aged 44 as the kids needed me more. Now they're at university and I'm more of an occasional hotel provider 🤣

Yep fair comment @Pepperama. I haven't tecnically applied, they approached me. So maybe the 60 applicants were unsuitable. Have had initial chat, just waiting for interview confirmation.

Well done @Sportycustard - that gives me inspiration to pursue this!