Microsoft | Learning chief on the rise of encore careers

Switching careers is not uncommon among workplace professionals, as some may feel they have got all they can out of their original career choice, while others seek out a new challenge by changing up their line of work.

However, the global pandemic has sparked an increase in encore careers, where those aged over 45 prepare to overcome pandemic career pressures. This is according to recent data shared by Microsoft, which found that four in ten over the age of 45-years-old are considering changing their occupation.

It also found that nearly one-third are driven to switch careers out of fear of financial stability and over one-quarter are worried about rising state pension. While the average age of a career switch is 52, Microsoft’s data found that 73% of over 45s are willing to invest significant time in learning new skills.

Simon Lambert, Chief Learning Officer at Microsoft, explained that while this career shift is apparent among this generation of workers, the pandemic has also fuelled an increase in professionals embracing upskilling to ensure they are not left behind in the changing work circumstances.