Imagine being handed an old manual to run a department in today’s world.
The structures have changed. The funding streams have shifted. The stakeholders are different. But you’re still expected to make things work, using outdated tools.
That’s what it feels like for public sector leaders considering a career change.
They rely on ideas and beliefs shaped decades ago. Ideas about what a successful career ‘should’ look like. About changing careers being unwise, naive, impossible. Simply an own goal.
Beliefs that might have been useful once. But now?
In a changing world of work requiring us to deal with change at an ever faster pace, to be adaptable life-long-learners?
They might just be keeping you stuck.
In this episode, I unpack 4 common myths holding public sector leaders back from changing careers – even from just exploring alternatives. Myths that self-censor.
I’ll share real life stories of humans who challenged those myths.
Humans with public sector careers, who shifted into something different. Something they had perhaps only dreamed about: a career that makes them feel joyful, energised and alive.
What Does It Take For Public Sector Leaders To Change Careers?
In my work with public sector leaders, I often hear a familiar set of worries:
“I don’t have a clue where else to go, so I better stay where I am.”
“What if I try something new and it doesn’t work?”
“Maybe I’ve left it too late to make a shift?”
Does this sound familiar?
Let’s unpack 4 common myths and the truths real-life career shifters have discovered.
So here we go…
Myth #1: “You Need To Know Exactly From The Start Where You Are Going”
For some, this might be true. They always knew they wanted to become a doctor, a government lawyer, or a teacher.
But for many public servants, their career started with what was available, sensible or expected of them. And making it past the entrance exam.
Then you climb the ladder, step into leadership, manage larger teams, larger budgets.
But maybe somewhere along the way, you begin to wonder: “What else is out there?”
Or you come across something that really sparks your interest, and you secretly wish: “If only I could do this all day!”
Mind you that can happen to you as well, if you’ve always wanted to be a doctor, government lawyer or teacher.
That’s what happened for Tobias, one of my guests on my previous podcast, called ‘Shifted: Career. Mind. Life’.
Tobias had originally studied what was expected of him and considered a sensible choice: macro-economics. He got a PhD, then worked as a university lecturer, and had a stint as consultant in the energy sector.
If you ask him today, he’d tell you he’d never imagined to have a portfolio career. So how did it happen?
Becoming a father was the trigger for him. The biggest change in his life that prompted him to reflect deeper about who he wanted to be. Not least what kind of a father he wanted to be for his children. And how work fits into that new identity.
Through his own experience with therapy, he got curious. He realised he wanted to create spaces for others to have conversations in a therapeutic setting to work through their fears.
With encouragement from his own therapist, and support from his partner, Tobias decided to take on part-time study.
Slowly, over several years – and yes also a significant financial investment – he re-trained and got a qualification. Today, Tobias combines that work with part-time lecturing.
It was not an easy decision. But once Tobias decided to move towards what lit him up, it became a series of aligned steps. He faced his own fears and did it anyway.
The truth is: you don’t need to know EVERYTHING from the start. But you DO need to take ‘a’ first step.
And be prepared to adjust along the way. Which leads me to…
Myth #2: “I’ll Find My Ideal Career By Trying Out Just One Thing”
Wouldn’t that be nice? One leap and boom, you’re in your dream role.
But more often than not, changing careers involves trying things out. Following an inkling. Testing an idea. Getting closer, bit by bit.
One of my clients decided to leave her draining public sector job a short time into our work together.
She didn’t jump into something radically new straight away. Instead, she moved to a similar role in another organisation. She bought herself time and space to explore what matters to her.
She kept the stability of a paycheck while experimenting with alternative ideas that light her up. In her case: working with children, creativity, yoga. Steadily AND intentionally, she’s testing whether and how those interests could turn into a new career path.
Could you do with a ‘bridge job’ too?
A strategic, temporary job that supports you financially and psychologically while you explore alternatives?
That’s what Vera did, too. She wanted to transition out of international development and into HR in the private sector. She found a job that moved her one step closer. That step led to unexpected opportunities she hadn’t even considered before.
Vera was a guest on my podcast ‘Shifted’ as well. You can listen to her whole story there.
The truth is: career change often unfolds step by step. Not in a single leap. But through gradual exploration, recalibration and discovery.
Now here is…
Myth #3: “I’m Too Old To Change Careers”
This one comes up A LOT! And across all ages.
The public sector leaders I speak with are in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. All of them wonder:
“Isn’t it too late?”
“Is it really worth it to retrain?”
Let’s reframe that. We’re likely to work until 70 or beyond. Whether by necessity or by choice.
Some countries have already raised the retirement age to 70 (Denmark for example). We can expect others to follow out of financial pressures. Because of the way the social security system is set up and demographic realities.
Now imagine spending all those remaining working years doing something that brings you energy, a sense of meaning, even joy – rather than slaving away, counting down the days to retirement.
You may think: “But I’d be starting from scratch”
Except that you wouldn’t. You’d be building ON TOP of what you’ve already mastered.
Take Ute, for example, another guest on the Shifted podcast. She did further studies in her 50s and worked in a new area for another 10 years – and she loved it!
The truth is: You’re not too old. You’re experienced and capable. It’s OK for you to strive!
To dream, explore and discover a new path – one that’s more aligned with who you are now and how you want to evolve.
Now on to …
Myth #4: “Career Shifts Take Too Long”
Yes, they take some time. But not forever.
Research for the UK shows most people who intentionally shift careers either do so within 12-18 months. Or they have at least clarified what they want and are actively working towards shifting careers.
I wonder: What are the numbers for your country?
I mentioned Tobias earlier. For him it took about 5 years.
Let me introduce Suzanne, another guest on my earlier podcast ‘Shifted’. She started in local government as a social worker when she was 16. Her interest in people led her to study HR on the side.
Her curiosity paved the way to leave local government and work internationally in leadership development across Asia. And eventually to set up her own business, working for public and private sector organisations. First as a side-hustle. Then full-time.
The truth is: Shifting careers isn’t instant. But it doesn’t take forever either.
Are Public Sector Leaders Prepared For The Future Of Work?
In fact, shifting careers is expected to be the norm in future. If you believe the World Economic Forum and their studies into the ‘Future of Work’.
I think it is already happening now, more than you might think. The real life stories I shared with you today are some examples.
So I encourage you to think longer term.
In the grand scheme of your working life, 1 or 2 years – even 5 years – is not a long time, if that investment allows you to do work you love.
If it pays off in fulfillment, freedom, and flexibility. Or in creativity and impact. Or whatever it is YOU want more of.
I’m curious:
- Which of these myths have you found yourself believing?
- What might open up for you if you let go of that belief?
I’d love to know. Leave a comment under this episode. Or send me an email or DM on LinkedIn.
Until next time: make space, rediscover YOU, and then take action.