Is the grass greener on the other side? Experiential learning, lifelong learning and career shift

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to give a more appropriate picture of the new trend of career shifts in a late career.Design methodology approach - The paper uses literature studies.Findings - The paper gives a more apposite picture of experiential learning and career shift for mature people.Research limitations implications - The paper gives no exact guidance in how to assess experiential learning.Practical implications - Appreciating mature people's experiential learning gives employers a broader and richer hiring base, which is especially important in a period of shortage of employees.Social implications - For many societies the age distribution is unfavorable with too many mature people in pension age. The good thing is that many mature people are interested in staying active in the labor market.Originality value - The paper argues that a combination of academic and experiential learning probably will qualify individuals best for career shifts as it leads them to a higher order of competence. Career shifts will blow new air into a person's career and enrich them and the organization, which they serve.