Have you been feeling less than inspired in your current career? Do you feel as though you’re stuck with no chance of advancement and no personal fulfillment to be had? Are you in your 40s or older and figure this is just as good as it will get in life, and changing careers at this point isn’t realistic?
If you’ve answered yes to these questions then it’s time for a reality check. There is truly nothing that should be preventing you from pursuing your own dreams, goals, and happiness, regardless of your age.
Sure, making a career change in your 40’s and beyond can be intimidating and difficult, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible.
Here are some tips that can help get you started on this major life change.
Take the Time to Ask Yourself What Your Skills Are
One of the best tips in finding a new career is to use some honesty and look at your skills, experience, and interests in an honest manner. What makes you excited and inspired? What are your best personality traits? What are your most marketable skills? What kind of experience do you have and how is it transferable?
For some people, this can be easier said than done. You can start to lose sight of who you are and what makes you tick over time, and you just become your current job.
If you’re looking for some help, this quiz will point you in the right direction, as it acts as a personality type indicator. It can shed light on who you are and what the standout features are of your personality. This information can then be used to find a job that is better suited to you.
Start Networking and Get the Word Out
While there is nothing wrong with taking the traditional steps in job hunting, often it’s who you know rather than finding an ad on a job posting board. What this means is that it’s well worth your time to network, get the word out that you’re looking to make a career change, and start growing your contact list.
This can mean attending job fairs, industry events and conferences in the field you have your eye on, and reconnecting with old contacts that may have some insight into the industry of your choice.
Further Your Education and Training
It can also be wise to further your education and training and either build on the current accreditations that you currently have or start from scratch in a new field. The right education and training can help your resume rise to the top of the pile, especially in competitive careers.
Do a Little Job Research
Maybe you don’t exactly know what job you want to change to, or what field would best fit your personality and skills. Then there’s the fact that you likely have responsibilities such as expenses, a family, and so forth, which means you need to be mindful of your salary. This is why job research is important. You can look into job trends, what industries and fields are showing the most growth, median salary, etc. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics can be an excellent resource for you to use. You can research particular jobs or look at things with a broader lens.
Don’t Let Fear and Doubt Hold You Back
Even when you follow all these steps there is still going to be a level of fear and doubt that you need to deal with. Rather than let it hold you back and take control of you, it’s time to stomp it out and allow your desire to fulfill your own dreams and goals take over.