For many people, the idea of changing careers later in life can feel daunting. But for Joe, a former military intelligence analyst and now a new adviser at The Openwork Partnership, a second career wasn’t about starting again, it was about redirecting a lifelong commitment to service.
After more than a decade in Defence, Joseph Knapp has embarked on a new professional chapter in financial advice. His story is a powerful reminder that with the right skills, mindset and support, it’s never too late to build a meaningful second career.
A foundation built on service
Joe was born and raised in Bristol, where he studied Business Studies at university before beginning his career with a short stint at Hargreaves Lansdown. It was his first introduction to the financial world, but at the time, something else was calling.
“I felt a deeper pull, a desire to serve my country,” Joe explains.
That calling led him to join the British Army as a military intelligence analyst, a role that would define the next decade of his life. His work focused on helping to make informed decisions in high-stakes environments, often under intense pressure.
Joe’s career in Defence was anything but ordinary. Early on, he became a subject-matter expert in Middle Eastern affairs, supporting the UK’s rapid reaction crisis response force and deploying overseas at short notice to assist UK nationals in times of crisis. He later specialised in risk management, security and human intelligence, supporting military operations around the world.
“I’ve supported everything from humanitarian disaster relief in the Caribbean to evacuation missions in the Middle East,” Joe says. “The environments were demanding, but they shaped how I think and how I approach complex problems.”
Knowing when it was time for a career change
After ten years, Joe realised he had achieved everything he set out to do in the Army. While the work remained meaningful, military life began to take its toll.
“Being held at four hours’ notice to deploy anywhere in the world sounds exciting,” he reflects, “but over time it creates instability. My home life suffered, and I reached a point where I needed more balance.”
At the same time, Joe found himself drawn back to an old interest: financial advice. Investing had always fascinated him, and he strongly believed in the power of good financial guidance to change lives.
“What surprised me was how many parallels there are between military intelligence and financial advice,” Joe explains. “Both require analytical thinking, integrity, clear communication and the ability to lead people through uncertainty.”
He also recognised that the resilience forged in the military, staying calm under pressure, adapting quickly and solving problems when the stakes are high, translates directly into advising clients when markets fluctuate or life throws unexpected challenges their way.
“So why now? Because it was the right moment to take the skills I’d built and apply them in a way that still gives me purpose but also gives me stability.”
A human profession, and a welcoming culture
Now just two months into his role at The Openwork Partnership, Joe has already experienced a few pleasant surprises.
“Daily uniform and room inspections are fortunately a thing of the past,” he jokes. “And I’m no longer expected to salute my new bosses… although I’m prepared to if required!”
Humour aside, what’s stood out most is how human the profession really is.
“I assumed the job would be mostly numbers and strategy,” Joe admits. “But the heart of financial advice is people, their hopes, fears, and future plans. Often, it’s about listening to the things they don’t say out loud.”
He’s also been struck by Openwork’s culture. Rather than the competitive environment he expected, Joe found collaboration, guidance and genuine support.
“The British Army and Openwork share many of the same values, courage, integrity, respect and resilience,” he says. “That’s helped me feel at home very quickly.”
Perhaps most importantly, Joe has rediscovered something he thought he might never find again outside the military: a true sense of belonging.
“I felt a strong bond with my team in the Army, and I didn’t expect to experience that again in the private sector,” he says. “But I genuinely feel like I belong here. Thank you, Openwork, for proving me wrong.”
Building a second career with purpose
Looking ahead, Joe’s focus is clear. Over the next 12 months, he aims to gain the qualifications and licences needed to become a regulated financial adviser. But for him, qualifications are just the starting point.
“My real goal is to gain the knowledge that truly changes clients’ lives for the better,” he explains.
Joe is particularly passionate about supporting military personnel, veterans and their families, a community he understands deeply.
“I talk their language. I’ve been where they are,” he says. “My dream is to become a trusted adviser to this community and help them build a better financial future, bringing the same diligence and care I brought to Defence.”
Considering a second career in financial advice?
Joe’s journey shows that financial advice isn’t just a first career, it can be a powerful second one. If you’re looking for purpose, stability and the chance to make a genuine difference, there’s more than one way into this profession.
At The Openwork Partnership, we believe that life experience matters. If Joe’s story has inspired you to explore a career in financial advice, now could be the right time to take your next step.
Find out more about building a career with The Openwork Partnership and discover where your second chapter could lead.
