NEW DATA: 1 in 4 Gen X Workers in the South West Want to Pivot Their Career

South West

Mid-life crisis or mid-career crisis? 1 in 4 Gen X workers want to pivot their career

• Generation ‘give back’: 30% of Gen X have an increased desire to pay it forward and make a positive impact with their career choices
• ‘Chaser’ Shaun Wallace from ITV’s The Chase, who pivoted his career, calls on those seeking more fulfilment to share their skills and explore teaching in further education

New research has found 1 in 4 of Gen X, those aged 44-59, are looking to pivot their career, showing it’s never too late to try something new. The research, commissioned by the Department for Education’s Teach in Further Education campaign found almost half (46%) of Gen X workers say finding more fulfilment at work would be their main motivation for a career refresh.

The research also revealed a desire to contribute more to the community is a key driver for this generation’s career choices. 30% report an increased desire to give back as they get older. In addition, a quarter (25%) say their desire to apply their skills in a new way has increased as they have gotten older. Alongside their wealth of skills and experiences gained throughout their career to date, with the median age of an FE teacher at 47, this could make Gen X industry professionals the perfect fit for teaching in further education (FE).

Career pivoter and ‘Chaser’ Shaun Wallace from ITV’s The Chase is calling on Gen X workers seeking more purpose and new ways to use their skills to join the many others from this generation who are already finding career fulfilment through teaching in FE.

FE is any formal learning for those aged 16+ that is not a degree and covers a wide range of subject areas from construction and digital, through to manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, and law. With part-time contracts readily available, many FE teachers retain their existing career and teach alongside their current job.

Shaun has personal experience of sharing his legal skills as a Barrister to deliver a range of industry courses, from business to road transport law. He said,

“If your career crisis feels like a quiz question you can’t answer, teaching in further education could hold the solution. Since sharing my skills through FE teaching, I’ve taught nearly 600 students and watched them go on to thrive in roles from lawyers to bank managers.

Real world experience is invaluable when teaching in FE. As a Barrister I took my skills from the courtroom to the classroom to inspire learners to pursue their dream career path.

If you’re looking for something new in your career it’s never too late to expand your horizons. Stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring new opportunities can lead to personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose. Teaching in FE is a great way to share your existing skills and knowledge with learners hoping to pursue a role within your sector.”

A third (32%) of Gen X workers say a fear of not having the right skills or knowledge is holding them back from trying something new with their career. However, many professionals don’t realise that their existing real-world industry skills and experience would make them the ideal candidate for teaching in FE. Prior teaching qualifications or an academic degree are not always needed and teacher training can be completed on the job, so those looking to teach in FE can begin earning straight away.

One FE teacher who has gone on this journey is John Ryan, a bricklaying FE teacher. He said,

“I chose to pivot my career into further education (FE) teaching because I am passionate about bricklaying. Sharing my industry experience and watching my students develop their skills is incredibly rewarding. Education provides a platform to instil a love for the craft from the early stages of someone’s career. I’m grateful to be able to help prepare a pipeline of skilled individuals who could make a meaningful impact to the construction industry. The dynamic nature of teaching keeps me engaged and motivated – transitioning into FE was the perfect career pivot for me at this stage of my career.”

To find out more about how you could share your existing industry skills by teaching in further education and the next steps to take, visit gov.uk/teach-in-further-education.
 

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