We’ve all heard of a “sea-change” or a “tree-change” — but Andrew is living a “me-change.”
While some of us might fear changing careers in our 50s, Andrew is relishing the opportunity.
After 41 years in the television industry, Andrew has joined UnitingSA as a Support Worker – and he couldn’t be happier!
“I was laid off just before Christmas,” he says. “I’d already been thinking about a change. That just sped things up.”
Quietly, he’d been asking friends if they thought he’d suit work in the community services sector. The response was unanimous: you’d be great at it. Turns out, they were right.
Andrew started volunteering with UnitingSA’s emergency relief team – collecting and sorting food donations for people in need.
The redundancy also gave him time to commence studying a Certificate III in Community Services.
It wasn’t long before he spotted a role advertised to join UnitingSA and Wesley Social Enterprises as an Employment Support Worker. He got the role and now works three to four days a week and loves every minute.
“I’m absolutely stoked. It makes me happy and it makes other people happy too.”
It’s a far cry from his former role as a technical director at a local TV station, stuck in a control room managing broadcasts and live feeds.
“I don’t think I really realised just how toxic work in the media industry can be.
“Getting that push was a blessing in disguise. I love my job. I feel very blessed.
“It’s going to sound corny, but this is making me a better person: more patient; more gentle. The work is definitely bringing out my good side.”
“Even my wife said the other day ‘You’re on fire at the moment.'”
The flexible working hours also support his study. Andrew will soon begin a Certificate IV in Community Services as an extension of his current qualifications.
There’s no doubt – this mid-life career change is enabling Andrew to live his best life.
In fact, it’s turning out to be not just a career change but a quality-of-life upgrade!