🔹 Introduction
If you’re in your mid-30s (or older), working in IT Service Management (ITSM), and asking yourself — “What’s next for me?” — you’re not alone. The IT world changes fast, and while ITSM is a strong foundation, many mid-career professionals are now looking to evolve beyond ticket queues and SLA charts.
🔹 1. From Process to Platform: Specialize in Tools Like ServiceNow
If you’ve worked with ITSM platforms like ServiceNow, Cherwell, or BMC Remedy — that’s already a huge advantage.
📌 Next Step:
- Become a ServiceNow Consultant / Developer / Architect
- Specialize in areas like CMDB, GRC, SecOps, or Automation
- Learn scripting (Glide, JavaScript) to move beyond admin tasks
💡 Why this works: You already know the processes. Now you’ll master the platform that automates them.
🔹 2. Root Cause Specialist → Move into Problem Management as a Service
If you’ve handled incident and problem tickets for years, you know how often issues are patched, not solved.
📌 Next Step:
- Offer Root Cause Analysis (RCA) services
- Specialize in conducting deep-dive investigations, building knowledge articles, and process cleanup
- Work with orgs that struggle to contain repeat incidents
💡 This is in huge demand, especially in healthcare, banking, and critical support environments.
🔹 3. Automation is the Future → Become a Process Automation Consultant
Process people over 35 are often scared of “code” — but in truth, automation today is low-code or no-code.
📌 Next Step:
- Learn platforms like Power Automate, Zapier, or ServiceNow Flow Designer
- Help clients automate ticket workflows, escalations, approvals, alerts
- Learn to design small scripts that save big time
💡 It’s about thinking logically, not coding perfectly.
🔹 4. Go Horizontal → Project Management, Agile Coach, or Delivery Roles
Have you led teams, worked on escalations, or coordinated between tech groups?
📌 Next Step:
- PMP or PRINCE2 certification
- Transition to IT Project Manager, Agile Delivery Manager, or Scrum Master
- Use your communication + process strength
💡 At 35+, soft skills + structure beat certifications alone.
🔹 5. Teach, Coach, or Create
You’re sitting on 10–15 years of knowledge. Why not teach it?
📌 Next Step:
- Create LinkedIn content, online courses, or freelance as a trainer
- Platforms like UrbanPro, Udemy, or even your own blog (BeingTechie!) are ideal
- Start coaching juniors on ServiceNow, ITIL, SOP writing
💡 I did it — you can too. Your voice matters.
🔹 Final Thoughts: Tech at 35+ Is Just Getting Started
Being over 35 isn’t the end — it’s when things start getting clearer. You’ve done the firefighting. Now it’s time to bring structure, leadership, and innovation.
👊 Whether you pivot into ServiceNow consulting, automation, training, or strategy — you have more leverage now than ever before.
📣 Over to You
If you’re 35+ and thinking about your next move, leave a comment or reach out — BeingTechie is your community
In this blog, I’ll break down realistic, high-value paths that people like you — experienced, process-minded, and technical — can explore post-ITSM.
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