professionals all over the country are trading in their high-paying, high-stress careers, with their 60-hour weeks and $200 ties, for a more fulfilling life. This trend, known as downshifting, is catching on as overworked professionals look for balance in their lives.
“When you are stuck in the rat race trying to climb the ladder to career success, you often have to put so much of your life on hold,” said Julia Kennedy, assistant vice president of career services for 110 Everest schools located throughout North America. “You may end up sacrificing time with your family, not giving yourself time outdoors or putting your hobbies and passions on pause.”
Downshifting is one way professionals re-establish their priorities, Kennedy said.
“They recognize that perhaps their new careers won’t be as lucrative, but they will be more fulfilling,” she said.
Downshifting is one of many innovations to the traditional work culture that has redefined the workplace in the past few decades, including a rise in part-time, flex-time and work-from-home options.
The phenomenon of downshifting is due in part to generational differences between baby boomers and older generations, Kennedy said. While older generations saw work as something mandatory and not necessarily enjoyable, baby boomers believe they deserve fulfilling lives and careers.
Kennedy said there are many options for employees who want to balance between their careers and personal lives, without necessarily having to give up their jobs. For example, workers can say no to new projects, take on fewer projects or renegotiate work arrangements.
“If you aren’t ready for a complete career change, you still have a number of options,” she said. “For example, bargain for more vacation time instead of that annual raise. Or see if you can work from home or move to part-time work.”
But for some, small changes aren’t enough. There are many wake-up calls that encourage a complete career change. Whether it is the death of a close friend, a divorce or getting that dreaded pink slip because your company is downsizing, many professionals realize that life is too short to stay in a career they hate.
For those who might be considering downshifting, it’s important to consider how a career change could alter your life.
“You have to take your finances into consideration. There is a lot of planning that needs to happen before you make any big changes,” said Dr. Samuel Carrol, business department chairman at Everest University in Orange Park, Fla. “Specifically, you need to be thinking about how to meet costs of your insurance, children’s education and mortgage and retirement savings. That being said, with careful planning, changing careers can be done well and can be incredibly satisfying.”
In addition to financial planning, downshifting may also require going back to school.
“Many downshifters want to open a new business – perhaps a bed and breakfast, or local used-book store or massage therapy business,” Carrol said. “Starting a new business in something you are passionate about is a great way to find a fulfilling career, but at the same time, you want to make sure you have the knowledge you need to be successful. For example, if you want to become a massage therapist or bed-and-breakfast owner, you may need to take massage therapy classes or basic accounting and entrepreneurial courses before making that leap.”
Daniel Keller, a massage therapy instructor at Everest, has noticed an increase in older-age students.
“In our massage therapy program, we find a number of older and career-changing students,” Keller said. “This is something they have always been passionate about, but just didn’t have the time to devote to developing their expertise. … All are looking for a fulfilling career.”
