The Seoul Metropolitan Government is collecting accounts from middle-aged and older residents who have found new jobs after leaving their careers or moved into entirely new fields. By sharing the process — from job preparation to vocational training and career transition — the city expects the stories to help others facing similar questions chart a new path.
The Seoul50plus Foundation said it will accept entries for the fourth edition of its best-practice essay contest, "Change-Up in My Life! Season 4," from the 19th through Nov. 10. It is the first contest held since the Mid-Career Employment Training School was launched in March this year, and it aims to surface cases of people whose lives changed through the city's support programs for middle-aged and older workers.
Eligible entrants are middle-aged and older residents who took part at least once in 2025 or 2026 in support programs such as the training school's job counseling, vocational training and recruitment briefings, or the foundation's startup and digital skills courses. Applicants submit a written account of their career transition, skills development or path to landing a job.
Seoul runs the Mid-Career Employment Training School to help residents aged 40 to 64 return to work. Five 50Plus Campuses across the city provide career assessments and counseling, tailored job training and matching with employers.
After screening, the foundation will award 1 million won to one grand prize winner, 500,000 won each to five runners-up and 200,000 won each to 10 honorable mentions, paid through Seoul Pay. Winners will be announced on Nov. 24, and the selected entries will be compiled into a casebook and online content.
Entries can be submitted through an online application form on the Life Mongttang website or by email.
"The experiences of middle-aged people who took on something new will serve as a good guide for residents wrestling with the same questions," said Kang Myung, chief executive of the Seoul50plus Foundation. "We hope many will take part, so that sharing each person's change and achievement can give courage to others preparing for their own challenge."