Are you too old to make a career change? Hint: the answer is no!

Are you too old to make a career change

An astonishing 71% of people see their work as just a job, not a career. If you feel stuck in a rut, is it too late for you to change careers? 

According to research carried out by Vodafone, people between the ages of 31 – 35 are most unhappy at work. A second study by GSM found that those over 34 believe they are too old to change careers.

This market is always evolving, meaning standard job requirements are becoming more flexible.  

Does the thought of spending the rest of your life in your current job break you out in a cold sweat? Chances are, you need a new job. Of course, this is easier said than done if you’ve worked your way to a good position and salary within a company.

Is your main concern starting again from the bottom? This doesn’t have to be the case. Over your time as an employee, you’ve gained various skills, experience and wisdom which is invaluable within the workplace. These skills are commonly referred to as soft skills, and are thought to account for 85% of job success!

Career change is not just for those who know what they want to do in life. Gone is the age-old mantra of sticking with a job in perpetuity - now replaced with a dynamic labour market. This market is always evolving, meaning standard job requirements are becoming more flexible.

  You should use the flexibility of the market to your advantage, exploring different job opportunities...

This is good news for those with family commitments, as employees now have the right to request flexible working arrangements. Many employers also offer variable shift patterns, the ability to work from home and part-time work to accommodate their staff members.

You should use the flexibility of the market to your advantage, exploring different job opportunities until you find what your heart truly desires. You may even end up in a career which you have never considered before, but find your skills and needs are matched perfectly.

Lack of confidence is another reason many people resist changing career paths. The best way to remedy this is by consulting with a seasoned professional, such as a consultant here at Just. We will be able to mentor you every step along the way of finding a new job, and we know how to turn a CV into a story; showing employers how valuable you really are.

Rather than ask yourself when the oldest age for switching careers is, sit and have a think about what you really want from the rest of your life. Rest assured, Just will always be there to help you through the process.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may like:
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Published: 6 June 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

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Multi-skilled Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913732
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a global organisation with a manufacturing facility near Sudbury. They are looking for a talented Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer to join their expanding team.

Key roles and responsibilities include:

  • Assist with the layout of the site, being involved with and understanding the installation of new services during the development of the site
  • Assist with the layout of the equipment, being involved with and understanding the installation of new equipment and the production process flow
  • Be a key member of the Engineering team in the creation of the:
    • Site Engineering maintenance department.
    • Site Engineering maintenance facility.
    • Site Engineering control system, maintenance schedules and procedures (CMMS computerised maintenance management system).
    • Site Engineering technical stores.
    • Site Engineering technical library, both manual and electronic.
  • Fault finding and problem solving on a variety of production and site equipment.
  • Create and carry out planned maintenance schedules.
  • Liaise with suppliers and service companies regarding problem-solving and service engineer visits.
  • Identify spare parts for all equipment, in line with business strategies.
  • Liaise with Production teams and identify, implement, and optimise improvements to machinery and plant.
  • Identify and carry out Engineering improvement projects when required.
  • Actively train down skills through standardised work to both Production Operatives through TPM & other shift Engineers.
  • Work with suppliers in the installation of new and existing plant and equipment.
  • Provide technical assistance to aid in the verification of new equipment.

Essential qualifications and experience required:

  • Experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • HNC Engineering Qualification.
  • Experience in PPM and TPM.
  • Experienced in both mechanical and electrical fault-finding.
  • Experience in a fast-paced maintenance department.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business that offers a competitive salary and a great working location.

Please note: Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

This role involves split shifts during the day, Monday to Friday only.

Please note that you are required to be on call-out, on a rota basis, once a month to cover evenings and weekends.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Field Service Technician – Shaftesbury, Dorset
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Shaftsbury, Dorset
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB06
About the role

Due to continued growth, the world’s leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to support its customer base in the Shaftesbury, Dorset area.

The role will involve Service and Installation of Car and Commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, equipment service and repairs, keeping van stock levels to the standard requirement and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Can work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience.
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Technician – Leeds / Bradford
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Leeds, Bradford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB07
About the role

Due to continued growth, the world’s leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to support its customer base in the Leeds / Bradford area.

The role will involve the Service and Installation of Car and Commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, equipment service and repairs, keeping van stock levels to the standard requirement and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Can work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience.
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more