Sam Smith

Age at time of shift

27

Gender

Male

Education level

Graduate

Universities attended

Southampton

Shifted from

Website Producer at a multi-national broadcasting company

Location

?

Salary

£30,000-£40,000

Years in old career

4

Shifted to

Communications Manager for a small environmental NGO

Location

?

Salary

£30,000-£40,000

Years in new career

<1

Year of shift

unknown

What was your role in your old job?

I was a website producer at a multi-national broadcasting company.

What is/are your new role(s)?

I am a communications manager for a small environmental NGO.

Why did you change?

Various reasons.1 - After six years I wanted to do something other than make websites(!) 2 - I wanted to work for a small organisation, I felt I was in danger of becoming institutionalised. 3 - I wanted to work for a 'cause' - thought it was time to start putting something back.

Are you happy with the change?

Yes - for now.

What do you miss and what don't you miss?

In my old job I had a team of ten highly motivated creative people in my team - keeping them happy and motivated was most of my job. Now I work in an office of six people - and I am the communications department - it's all down to me.In my old job we had all the support of a massive company - IT helpdesk, hr department, press office etc. etc. Now it is all up to us to sort out for ourselves (including taking out the rubbish). Of course you miss that on one hand - but on the other, you don't miss all the hassle and beaurocracy - if I want to do something now - I just do it - there is no hierarchy.

How did you go about making the change?

My girlfriend and I both quit our jobs, gave up our flat and went travelling around the world for six months - and then came back and found new jobs. The six month break was important because I didn't really know what I wanted to do - I was too burnt out - six months helped me recharge the batteries - regain my enthusiasm and I came back fresh and ready for new challenges - not least the challenge of finding a job in a new sector.

What was the most difficult thing about changing?

Going from knowing a heck of a lot about my subject (interactive projects) to knowing very little (environmental policy). In my old job I was surrounded by people like me in many ways. Now I am the only media-type - surrounded by policy experts - that takes some adjusting - you have to remember that you have been hired to do a specific job - because of your skills - so just get on with it.

What help did you get?

My old company had a career guidance service - which was kind of helpful but not really. The most important thing is encouragement from your friends, family and colleagues.

What have you learnt in the process?

Don't underestimate the adjustment time. It is a delayed reaction - after six months it can jump up and hit you.

What do you wish you'd done differently?

I can't think of anything.

What would you advise others to do in the same situation?

I was extremely lucky that my new boss was prepared to take a gamble on me - people don't like to hire from 'outside' their world. You've got to be totally honest - don't bullshit your way into a job. Be prepared to say what you know and what you don't know. Also, be prepared to take knockbacks from people who aren't prepared to take hiring 'risks'. Don't be afraid - much better to spend two to three years over making a career change than doing something that doesn't interest you any more for another 30.