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New Year, Fresh Start Finance, Careers & Personal Development Rethink, retrain


Unemployment levels are at a post-pandemic high, and many people are retraining. How can career-changers navigate the shift? Words: Katie Sipp-Hurley


I


n late 2025, it was reported that the UK’s unemployment rate stood at 5%, the highest since May 2021, according to the


Offi ce for National Statistics. Rising taxes, higher operating costs and tighter margins have forced many businesses to downsize or close, leaving some workers with a tough question: is it time to retrain? Reefe Duncan, 29, had worked at


the same advertising post-production company for four years before being made redundant in October 2024. After a few weeks spent


recalibrating, he threw himself into job applications. Despite being well qualifi ed, he found himself facing rejection after rejection. “New jobs within the industry were


few and far between — and people from other failing agencies were also applying for them,” he says. “It felt impossible to even get a response, let alone an interview.” After nearly a year of unsuccessful


job hunting, Reefe realised he needed to change direction, but it wasn’t a decision he took lightly. “With the age of retirement


constantly going up, it’s often joked within my friendship group that we’ll be working until we’re 100,” he says.


“I realised that a long career is only practically and mentally sustainable if I work in a fi eld that off ers both longevity and fulfi lment. I knew it had to be something really diff erent.”


How to choose the right career Changing careers is a major decision. After all, most people will spend around 90,000 hours working over a lifetime, so it pays to be deliberate. If retraining is a viable option, there are a few key things to consider before making any decisions. According to Silicon Valley business


coach, Julian Lighton, the fi rst step is understanding who you are at this stage of your life: “Ask yourself: what do you enjoy? Where do you thrive? What values are important to you? What motivates you?” And don’t underestimate


transferable skills, says Paula Allen, global leader of research and client insights at Telus Health. “Looking at which of your current abilities could apply to a new role often reveals options that don’t require extensive retraining,” she says. T is process of refl ection


— alongside conversations with family and friends — helped Reefe identify a recurring theme in his work.


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LEAN ON YOUR NETWORK/GETTY “Looking back, the success I’ve had


in my project management role was very much down to people skills and a sensitivity to other’s emotions,” he says. “T at came from being close with family members who’ve experienced mental health conditions.” Feeling positive about the prospect


of building on these skills, and encouraged by those around him, Reefe made the decision to pursue a career in psychotherapy.


Do your research For many professions, retraining requires a signifi cant investment of time, money and eff ort. Before committing, Julian advises researching several potential paths


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to determine which best aligns with your interests and abilities. Once you’ve narrowed down your


options, assess how closely you meet the required qualifi cations. If there’s a gap, don’t be discouraged — that’s the point. “T at research helps identify exactly what experience or training you need,” he says. For instance, Reefe discovered that


to be eligible for a psychotherapy master’s course, he’d need additional counselling qualifi cations as well as substantial hands-on experience — steps he’s now taking.


Stay motivated Career transitions can be lengthy and emotionally draining. “Truthfully, my


motivation was heavily determined by my support network,” Reefe says. “But reaching out to professionals in the sector and getting realistic advice helped me plan achievable goals to work towards.” Paula agrees. “Focus on what


you know, rather than what feels overwhelming,” she suggests. “T at approach helps reduce stress and build confi dence.” Wellbeing is crucial during periods


of uncertainty, says Paula. “Protect your sleep, keep a routine and connect with supportive people,” she advises. “Simple daily rituals, such as a morning walk, dedicated application time or regular check-ins, can make a real diff erence.”


A new year often brings a desire to learn something new, to feel more confi dent navigating a changing world and to invest in skills that genuinely make everyday life easier


As artifi cial intelligence becomes part of how people work, create and communicate, understanding it is no longer just for specialists. Northcoders has launched AI for


All, a new course designed to make AI accessible, practical and relevant for anyone curious about how these tools can be used thoughtfully and eff ectively. T e course is aimed at people who want clarity rather than complexity, helping them understand how to use AI in daily life. With over 10 years’ experience as


a UK training provider, Northcoders has supported more than 4,000 learn- ers and holds an Ofsted ‘outstand- ing’ rating. T is new course refl ects the company’s belief that understand- ing AI should be empowering, rather than intimidating.


AI for All is a new course designed to make AI accessible, practical and relevant for anyone curious about how these tools can be used eff ectively


Launching in February 2026, AI


for All is delivered entirely online, allowing learners to fi t study around existing commitments.


northcoders.com T: 0333 050 4368


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