It’s Never Too Late: A Mid-Career Leap into Tech

Twenty years in publishing, then a leap into tech – what was the moment you knew it was time?

It wasn’t a single moment – it was more like a slow realisation that the industry is sunsetting. After being part of the publishing world for so long, I wanted something different. So, around 2021, I began actively doing groundwork and research, which eventually led me to the tech industry.

How did you get started on the career move?

It involved careful planning! I started by consulting WSG career coaches, exploring options and identifying suitable industries for my pivot. After deciding that tech was what I wanted to pursue, I spoke with a WSG Volunteer Career Advisor, whose background was in tech. I wanted to understand what the career entails and confirm if I was a good fit.

And how did you pick up those tech skills?

I focused on structured learning through the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme. In 2022, I enrolled in Generation Singapore’s Junior Data Engineer programme. It was perfect for beginners like me but still thorough, combining technical skills with employability training. That combination gave me both the knowledge and confidence to transit successfully into tech.

You went from someone knowing your field inside-out to starting from scratch. How did you handle the mental shift from being the veteran to a student?

It was definitely a humbling experience. What helped me was reminding myself that learning isn’t a step backward; it’s a step forward.

With that mindset, I embraced being a beginner again. Staying open to learning and improving a little bit each day is what matters.

So your publishing experience became an advantage rather than a hurdle?

Absolutely! While the two industries were completely different, I wasn’t starting from zero. My experiences in publishing taught me invaluable skills like stakeholder communication, problem-solving, customer relations, and handling pressure. So I focused on transferring what I already knew into this new environment while building technical expertise on top. Having worked with data before gave me a solid foundation that made adapting to new technical skills much easier.

But you also must have had challenges on your career change journey…

It wasn't always smooth sailing. Coming from a different background, I often felt like an imposter – did I deserve my new role? But support from management, mentors and positive work results are helping me overcome that and stay motivated.

Another major challenge was time. I won’t pretend it was easy to balance work and family. I made it work by setting intentional boundaries: blocking out study time, coordinating schedules with my family and letting go of the idea of perfectionism. When something matters, you make space for it. And for that, I am grateful for my family’s support.

Love that! Tell us more about how your family supported you through all this.

My family is truly my safety net! They adjusted schedules, stepped up to help with household tasks, and encouraged me whenever I felt overwhelmed. They have never once made me feel guilty for taking time to study. Their belief in me allowed me to focus completely on learning. Knowing they were behind me kept me going on days when I doubted myself.

After all that hard work and learning, what has been your most rewarding outcome so far?

The confidence I’ve gained, not just in technical skills, but in knowing I can adapt and reinvent myself after 20+ years in a different field. And now, being able to lead  a team and support business growth at JJ innovation  is so rewarding.

On a personal note, having my upskilling journey featured on various platforms and hearing it inspired others to start their own learning journey – that recognition makes all the hard work worthwhile.

You’ve nailed this whole career change thing! What is your top tip for other mid-career professionals looking to make a big change?

Don't let age or fear talk you out of opportunities that could change your life. Your experience is your foundation, not baggage!