The Second Act: A Mid-career pivot

For years, Wendy had built a successful and respected career in retail management. She was feeling a quiet, persistent pull toward doing something new. She enjoyed her industry, but she had reached a point where "manager" no longer felt like the right fit for her future. She knew it was time for a change, but at her stage in life, she couldn't afford to simply jump from job to job hoping to land in the right spot. She needed a strategy.

Through a friend, Wendy was introduced to Ann at Career Catalysts. This connection proved to be the turning point. With Ann’s strategic career counselling, Wendy was able to move away from vague ideas and began looking at the big picture with a sense of optimism. Through professional career assessments and resume development, a clear path emerged: a Professional Administration certificate. It was a high-demand field that offered the long-term security Wendy required, providing her with the most versatile options for her next chapter.

Betting on Herself: The Decision to Jump

While the path was clear, it wasn't necessarily easy. Wendy’s research showed that despite her extensive managerial experience, many of the roles she truly wanted required formal certification. She faced a choice: stay in the comfort of her known world or invest in herself.

Taking that leap meant more than just filling out an application; it meant committing to a year of "upskilling" without a full-time salary. However, the data was on her side—the demand for business administration professionals was high. Understanding that this was a calculated move for her future, Wendy decided to bet on her own potential and enrolled in the program.

The Brave Beginner: Back to the Books

Stepping back into a classroom as a mature student was a profound exercise in vulnerability. Wendy found herself in a world of textbooks and lectures, often being older than the instructors teaching the courses.

"Was going back to school and being older than some instructors hard? 100%," Wendy shares. "Did I struggle? 100%. Did I doubt myself? Yes, I did." The temptation to quit and find a more "comfortable" job was always there. After all, she had a resume full of bonuses and vacation time she could have easily returned to. But Wendy chose to embrace the discomfort. She realized that being a beginner again wasn't a sign of weakness—it was a sign of growth. This period of study gave her a fresh outlook on life and a deeper appreciation for the journey she was on.

The Leap of Faith: Landing the Reward

One of the most vital pieces of Wendy’s success was how she handled her departure from her long-term workplace. Because she moved toward her new career without burning bridges, her previous employer was more than happy to accommodate her with a part-time role while she studied. This helped her continue bringing in some income and proved that professional relationships often come full circle.

Today, Wendy has successfully transitioned into the insurance industry. The results of her hard work have been fantastic, and she speaks of her new career with nothing but positivity. In addition to good morale and support, Wendy shares that she appreciates the great hours and good wage, and that she is really happy doing what she is doing.

 Her advice to anyone standing on the edge of a similar change is simple:

"Examine your options, get the facts, and talk to Ann at Career Catalysts. She knows the questions to ask to help you make the decisions you need to make. Above all, keep your relationships strong and current: you never know when they will support your next leap."