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

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CNC Machine Setter Operator
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB26
About the role

Due to continued growth, a leading UK Supplier of premium building products, systems and solutions is recruiting for a CNC Machine Setter Operator.

Working hours: 40 hours per week on a weekly rotation shift comprising earlies and lates.

Early shift:
Monday to Friday, 6am – 2pm (paid 0.5hr lunch).

Total = 40hrs

Late shift:
Monday to Thursday, 2pm – 11pm = 36 hrs. (paid 0.5hr lunch)

Friday 2pm – 6pm = 4 hrs.
Total = 40hrs

Key requirements include:

  • Proven experience as a CNC Machine Setter Operator / Programmer
  • Working knowledge of diverse high-speed machinery and measurement tools
  • Previous setting/programming knowledge of CNC multi-spindle machines preferred
  • Previous Mazak CNC machine experience is advantageous
  • Ability to adapt to change
  • Tool setting
  • Part inspection

Role will involve:

  • Setting up machines (calibration, cleaning, etc.) to start a production cycle
  • Producing components in accordance with layouts, drawings, sketches, production orders or verbal instructions, working to the stated limits of tolerance
  • Controlling and adjusting machine settings (e.g., speed)
  • Feeding raw material or parts to semi-automated machines
  • Inspecting parts with precision and measuring tools
  • Testing the operation of machines periodically
  • Fixing issues that might occur during the shift
  • Checking output to spot any machine-related mistakes or flaws
  • Keeping records of approved and defective units or final products
  • Maintaining activity logs
  • Using cranes and forklifts

Benefits include:

  • Holidays: 25 days' holiday, plus bank holidays
  • Salary Sacrifice Pension
  • Scheme Cycle 2 Work Scheme
  • Quarterly Employee Recognition Scheme
  • Benefits Hub (Discounts, Rewards and Perks on 1,000s of brands)
  • Health and Wellbeing Employee Assistance Platform
  • Free parking

 

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

 

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New job
Sales and Office Assistant
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £25,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913743
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a growing business in Sudbury that is looking for a Sales and Office Assistant to join their team.

Duties include:

  • Taking telephone orders and answering customer queries/taking telephone messages
  • Processing customers' orders, picking stock and processing customer details
  • Assisting the E-commerce Sales Manager in labelling stock, making up boxes, inserting marketing materials, etc
  • Assisting with creating purchase orders
  • Assisting with replies to email enquiries
  • Sending out written customer communications as required
  • Processing customer account statements

Hours:

Monday to Thursday, 9.00am - 5.30pm
Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Service Engineer (Gas Safe)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Guildford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB15
About the role

Just Recruitment is currently recruiting for a Service Engineer, ideally located in the Guildford area, to cover South East London and the South East England region.

The role will involve carrying out routine servicing and maintenance, including filter changes and breakdown repairs, across a wide range of company units. You will need to have a good level of physical fitness and be comfortable working at heights.

Occasional call-out cover will also be required to support a key local customer.

Key requirements include:

  • Must have a full driving licence
  • Must be Gas Safe Registered, ideally with CoNGLP1 PD COCN 1 CIGA 1
  • CDGA 1 ACS accreditations
  • Electrical/Mechanical/Engineering background required
  • Experience with gas/oil burners
  • Self-motivated and innovative
  • Ability to use initiative and have excellent customer liaison skills

The benefits package includes:

  • Competitive salary depending on experience, overtime, paid door to door (at 1.5x (travel included)
  • Company Vehicle
  • Mobile Phone / Tablet
  • Pension
  • Private Health Scheme
  • 25 Days Holidays

 

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

 

Read more