Gone are the days when we would leave school and enter into a job for life. It is becoming increasingly common for people to change their careers – some do so as often as they change their shoes.
Whether you’re on the hunt for more responsibility with a promotion, more money, or a complete change of direction; there are a whole host of reasons why you should change your career.
But that’s all well and good in your twenties and thirties. What happens when we enter into our forties, or even our fifties? Is a midlife career change possible, or are we heading into midlife crisis territory?
Is Changing Careers a Smart Move?
The reality is it is never too late to change your career path. Whether you’re a victim of the economic downturn and have been made redundant, or you’ve fallen out of love with your job; now is the time for action.
After all, if you no longer love your job; are you really giving 110%? A midlife career change is a great way to reignite your passion for work, or realise a long disregarded dream. Whoever you are, and whatever age you may be; changing careers is definitely a smart move.
Top Tips for Midlife Career Change
Taking the steps to changing your job – and changing your life – is scary. Whether you’re a serial job jumper or you’ve been in one job for ever; there are a whole host of things that can hold you back. Fear of failure, a resistant partner, financial constraints, and many more factors can heavily influence your decision. Ultimately though, you should do it for you.
If you think it’s time for change, there’s no time like the present to act. Here are our top five tips for a midlife career change:
1. Assess Your Skills
When you’re looking for a job in your twenties, you’re bright eyed and bushy tailed. You have the world at your feet, and know exactly what you can offer prospective employers.
Later in life, we may have lost some of this enthusiasm. But what you’ve have gained – and what sets you apart from these youngsters – is a wealth of real job and life experience. The skills you’ve acquired can really boost your job search, so take the time to assess exactly what it is you can bring to a new role.
2. Modernise Your Job Search
If you haven’t changed your job in a while, you will be used to the traditional methods of applying. In 2012 though, the way you look and apply for jobs has changed. And to be in with a chance of success, you have to keep up.
Most applications are now online, as opposed to in print, so you need to focus your efforts there. You should also consider using social media to find a new position. Again, many companies will post their vacancies on their Twitter and Facebook pages.
To stand the best chance of success, you really need to broaden your horizons.
3. Call in the Professionals
If that all sounds too complicated, or you need an extra boost, you should enlist the help of a specialist recruitment company. They will do all the hard work for you, finding the perfect job for your requirements.
Take the time to approach a number of companies, and work with them to assess what you really want out of your midlife career change.
If you’re looking to go it alone and start your own business, there’s still loads of help available to you. You can turn to online resources, as well as recruiters for expert advice and guidance on becoming an entrepreneur.
4. Keep Your Options Open
The key to changing careers at any age is to keep your options open. While you need to fight for the job you want, you do need to be prepared to compromise. Apply for a variety of positions, in a variety of companies.
After all, you will have the chance to progress up through the ranks. Sometimes this can be more beneficial than jumping straight in at the deep end.
5. Don’t Fear Rejection
A midlife career change is scary. It is a big risk leaving a stable job and pinning your hopes on dream career. Likewise, the fear of having your applications rejected is enough to put anyone off. However, you shouldn’t fear rejection.
In fact, you should see it as a positive. If you fail at interview stage, take on board the experience for next time. Ask for feedback on what you can do to improve, and just keep growing and learning. All these experiences will help you land your new, dream job eventually.
A midlife career change is a great way to fall back in love with work. Whether it involves realising a lifelong dream, or just turning a hobby into a job; it’s never too late to change your career path. So what are you waiting for?
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