Four and a half years ago, Evelyn, a marketing leader with decades of experience, made a deliberate decision to step into a completely new field — career coaching.
Looking back today, her transition was neither smooth nor immediate. But it was formative. Through that journey, four key lessons stood out — lessons that Evelyn now sees echoed repeatedly in the clients she supports as a career coach at AKG Singapore.
1. Drive for success can be transferred — but past titles do not
Evelyn’s transition required moving from a leadership role into an individual contributor position. While motivation and discipline carried over, seniority and past achievements did not.
She had to relearn fundamentals, ask many questions, and rebuild credibility from the ground up. The shift was uncomfortable, particularly after years of leading teams. Yet this reset became a necessary foundation for growth in a new context.
For many mid-career professionals, this is often the first reality check of a transition — being success-driven helps, but entitlement hinders.
2. Career transitions involve real trade-offs
The transition came with tangible sacrifices. Evelyn took a pay cut of more than 50 percent, made lifestyle adjustments, and adapted to a new industry culture in her 50s.
These trade-offs were not signs of failure. They were part of stepping into unfamiliar territory and learning what the new role required. Over time, Evelyn recognised that career transitions demand intentional choices, effort, and resilience — especially during the early stages when progress is not yet visible.
3. Income recovery is driven by contribution, not time
A common fear among career switchers is whether income can recover after a significant pay cut. Evelyn’s experience reinforced a simple truth — income does not grow just because time passes.
Progression followed only after she became effective, relevant, and trusted in her new role. As credibility and contribution increased, opportunities and compensation followed gradually. This pattern has since been observed repeatedly in the individuals Evelyn now supports.
4. Experience remains valuable when translated clearly
Evelyn’s marketing and leadership experience did not disappear during her transition. However, its relevance depended on how clearly that experience could be translated into value in a new context.
Learning to articulate transferable skills — rather than assuming they would be recognised — made a significant difference. This remains one of the most common challenges faced by individuals navigating career change today.
The Turning Point
Like many transition journeys, clarity did not come immediately. Evelyn found herself carrying dual professional identities for years — part of her still attached to her previous role.
A defining moment came when she was unexpectedly invited to consider a ready opportunity back in marketing. While familiar and comfortable, it prompted deeper reflection. That moment clarified her direction: to continue building, adapting, and growing in her new career rather than returning to what was known.
What the Transition Really Entailed
The transition was supported by an employer (AKG) willing to take an open-minded approach, despite Evelyn’s lack of direct industry experience. However, the challenges were substantial.
They included learning on the job, managing self-doubt, supporting clients through complex career situations, and adjusting to practical realities such as a daily commute of close to three hours between Pasir Ris and Jurong East.
There was little that was glamorous about this phase, but it was deeply formative.
Four and a Half Years Later
Over time, the transition progressed positively. Evelyn experienced internal progression, built and led an award-winning team, supported hundreds of individuals through their career journeys, and contributed to the development and scaling of structured career guidance programmes such as Polaris.
Through this work, she has seen firsthand how clarity, structure, and guided reflection help individuals navigate change more effectively.
Navigating Career Transitions with Intention
A question Evelyn hears often is how individuals can identify what to transition into.
Reflection, research, and informed conversations remain critical. Today, with initiatives like Polaris, supported by Workforce Singapore (WSG), individuals in Singapore have access to affordable, structured career guidance that helps them understand their transferable skills and make informed decisions.
Career transitions do not need to be rushed or reactive. With clarity, structure, and guidance, they can be navigated thoughtfully — and sustainably.
Contributor:
Evelyn Chua
Career Coach, Angus Knight Singapore (AKG)
Programme Lead, Polaris Career Guidance
Evelyn Chua is a career coach with Angus Knight Singapore, where she supports individuals navigating career transitions and employability challenges. With over 20 years of experience in marketing leadership, she brings industry insight and lived experience into her coaching practice. Evelyn currently leads the development and scaling of the Polaris Career Guidance programme, supporting individuals in making informed and sustainable career decisions.
