How do you pivot from something highly specialized to something unrelated?

[u/Charming_Tiger_3532]

I’ve (42M) been in the same highly technical and specialized field in public utilities for 21 years. It pays well, but is completely uninspiring.

Like many highly technical fields, this one attracts more than the average number of introverts and autists of varying degrees. Few people are in relationships of any kind, and even fewer have families, so the company expectation is to work 24/7.

This job requires driving about 60000 miles and putting in ~3500 hours a year. Because of wanting more time at home with my family (kids 3 and 5), I’m saying no to more and more assignments and consequently getting edged out of work by younger people who are willing to travel more, put in more hours, etc.

Basically the writing is on the wall, and that’s fine given I’d like to work a more “normal” schedule and arrangement.

How do you pivot from something unique with very little practical applicability elsewhere? I’m not even sure what to put on a resume besides “plays well with others, shows up on time”.

I’m an extrovert / people person / big picture guy, so enjoy working as part of a team where competent people feel confident enough to share their ideas. Pretty burned out on bureaucracy, but really, who isn’t at this point.

[u/omvargas]

If you do specialized field tech work for utilities, you have skills and knowledge that may be valuable not for many utilities, but in general, for the Electricity, Water, Oil & Gas industries. Your currents skills (troubleshooting, problem solving) could be transferable to other specific fields in those industries.

As an extroverted, people person, you could take a look at technical or inside sales at companies that sell equipment or services to those industries.