How to Change Your Career In a New Industry
A personal journey from Construction to eCommerce
In 2007 things were good. In February I picked up the keys to my new home. In July I was paid a €6k bonus on top of my salary.
What could go wrong?
By 2008, things started to change, drastically. The global financial crisis hit and by the end of 2009 Ireland was a ‘basket-case’.
Our banks were bust to the tune of €90 Billion.
There was no money in the economy.
In 2010, lift shafts peppered the Dublin skyline, grey concrete structures lay barren. Unfinished. Abandoned.
By 2012, I was disillusioned.
For the previous decade, I’d been working hard as an Engineer in the built environment — the lift industry. My job had evolved into a commercial role, but deals were thin on the ground, then dried up.
I had to change.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us” — Marianne Williamson
In my minds-eye, I set out a 3-step plan.
Step 1 — Get Fired
Some of my friends were working in the Digital and eCommerce space at the time. The recession didn't seem to have any impact on them, certainly not long-term, with the exception of a short-lived dip in 2008.
But it bounced back, and fast. It caught my attention.
The eCommerce industry bucked the trend. In 2010 it was on an upward projection — double-digit growth — and hasn't looked back since.
I was in my mid-30s. I was apprehensive. I had to do something.
Then one night, it hit home. In the dark of night, it was as clear as day — I had to change my career.
Could I do it? Who knows, but I’ll never know unless I try — so I did.
The first step was to leave my job. Or get fired. In the end, I was made redundant, it was November 2012.
This cleared the way for me to think. To act. To set the wheels in motion.
Step 2 — Upskill
In order to change my career, I felt I had to upskill, to bring something new to the job market. To appeal to prospective employers, failing that I’d go it alone.
I was excited — the unknown lit a fire in me.
At the time, qualified Architects were applying for jobs at McDonald's. Not that there’s anything wrong with this, but I had a vision and Ronald McDonald wasn't part of it.
With some savings in the bank, I had two choices:
- Miss my mortgage payments, or
- Go for broke
I decided to act responsibly — I invested in Me — my MBA.
The banks can wait, they got us here in the first place with wreckless lending and retained their €100k jobs while the rest of us took the brunt of the storm.
And just like that, phase two of my journey began.
By the end of 2014, I submitted my MBA Thesis. My father had passed away that summer, 2 weeks after my final exams. He always inspired me. So as a tribute to him my chosen topic was an easy decision— Leadership.
Final results were published in 2015— my Thesis was awarded an A Grade.
Soon after receiving my results, I attended my graduation — I was stunned to learn that I was awarded ‘MBA Student of The Year’!
If I had to choose one word to describe how I felt at that moment, it would be:
… Validated!
I’d made the right choice. Plus, my upskill journey didn't stop in 2015, it had just begun and is on-going today.
When the dust settled, I’d bettered myself. I improved my level of education. I evolved. My thinking changed. Also, I agreed on a deal with my Bank. My debt was capitalized. My home was safe — payments were back on track.
Step 3 — Network
Since the end of 2012 until today I’ve learned to nurture my network. Remember that your network is one of the most powerful assets you own.
So own it. Protect it. Develop it.
In 2013, when I was halfway through my MBA, I secured a role with an Entrepreneur that I’ve known for 30+ years. Since our school days.
We’re still working together today.
My role now and since 2013 is in the eCommerce industry.
Reflection
If I was to share any lessons from my experience over the last decade I’d simplify it into three words:
№ 1 — Dream: The impossible is possible, don't ever forget that.
№ 2— Belief: Never stop believing. Most of all, never stop believing in YOU.
№ 3 — Persistence: There are no better words than that of Calvin Coolidge, so I’ll leave you with this:
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” — Calvin Coolidge
