Trying to make a successful midlife career change can conjure up all kinds of fears. For some folks, just the thought of looking for another job at this stage in life is overwhelming.
But changing careers isn’t that complicated if you consider these five tips.
Stop Dreading Monday!
There’s only one thing worse than staying at an unsatisfying job: the feeling that you’ve missed your window of opportunity to do something different with your life.
You might be one of those folks who think it’s easier to stay than to make a successful midlife career change.
But then, you have one of those rough weeks. You know, the ones where you feel like walking out even if you don’t have a job lined up.
You live for Friday and look forward to weekends. But, on Sunday afternoon, you’re already watching the clock and dreading Monday.
I’ll be honest, it takes determination to make a successful midlife career change, but it’s not out of the question!
You can change careers at midlife and beyond if you’re smart and know how to market your transferable skills.
But before we get to the tips on how to make a successful midlife career change, there’s a question you need to ask yourself.
Why Do You Want To Make A Midlife Career Change?
Do you still like what you’re doing but not enjoying it because of your current employer?
It can be challenging to separate the “what” from the “where.” So, you’ll have to dig down deep. Ask yourself, “Would I still enjoy doing this if the working conditions were better?”
Be honest with yourself: is making a career change at 50 the answer?
If you still enjoy and find fulfillment in doing that job, you don’t need to change careers. You need to find somewhere else to work!
You’ll be able to take all your expertise with you to your new job.
But if there’s another type of job you’re interested in, then go for it! But before you make the jump, ask yourself, “Am I prepared to make a dramatic career change and give it my best shot?”
If the answer is YES!, you’ll need to know the steps to take to make a successful midlife career change.
Will My Age Hinder Me From Changing Careers In Midlife?
Are you concerned that your age will hurt your chances of making a successful midlife career change?
Actually, what matters to employers isn’t so much about your age, it’s about how much value you can bring to their company. That’s where transferable skills come in. This is an area you can work through, work on, and work around.
Now that you’ve reached midlife, you have real-world experience and transferable skills. This experience and your skillset give you an advantage over many younger job seekers.
So, yes, you can make a successful midlife career change at 50 years old and older!
Should You Apply For An Entry Or Upper-Level Job?
Now, let’s talk about the level of job you want and the difficulty of getting hired.
Upper-level jobs have better salaries, benefits, and a few perks. But, there will also be jobs that are more difficult to secure for those without experience or who lack specific skills.
When it comes to an entry-level job, there are a couple of reasons they’ll be more difficult to secure.
First, those who are younger and just entering the job market are often preferred by employers, and they’re most likely to be hired for entry-level positions.
Second, since they’re inexperienced, they won’t be asking for the salary you’re going to expect if you get hired.
So, it’s tough regardless of which one you’re thinking of applying for.
How do you win in that situation?
5 Tips To Make A Successful Midlife Career Change
- Stress your life experience:
You may not have a lot of experience in a new field, but you’ve developed a solid work ethic. You understand business systems, you know how to work with others, and you’ve built a strong network. So, concentrate on your strengths and expertise as a professional. Don’t allow your real-world experience to be discounted when you’re making a career change.
2. Make your skills your selling point:
Thinking of leaving an unsatisfying job and changing careers is exciting. But remember, don’t jump at the first thing that comes along. You may have to negotiate your salary. Stay focused on your natural gifts, talents, and strengths. Your transferable skills will bring a lot of value to a new company. Remember that they are your strongest selling point for securing the job. Tell prospective employers that you can perform specific tasks with ease because they come second nature to you.
3. Use your social network
Here is one powerful benefit that you can use to your advantage to make a successful midlife career change. You may not be able to compete on the age level, but you’ve got connections that can level the playing field. Reconnect with your contacts and ask for endorsements to make a successful midlife career change. This type of leverage can get you out of that unsatisfying job fast. Being introduced or recommended to a prospective employer is powerful.
4. Supplement your skills
If you feel you need more knowledge to secure the job, there are ways to make it happen. Consider taking certificate classes online or at your local community college. If it’s the experience you need, pick up some volunteer work a few hours a week. Or you might even find a part-time job. Hands-on experience will give you a “feel” for the job before you leave the one you currently have.
5. Become an Entrepreneur
If you like the idea of working for yourself, then consider becoming an entrepreneur and launching out on your own. You don’t have to worry about age limits. You set your own rules, the schedule, and the workload. This might be the career you’re looking for. If you have the urge to start your own business, there is no better time than now. You’ve got life experience, connections, and professional expertise.
Making a successful midlife career change is challenging, but it’s also one of the most gratifying things you’ll do at this stage in your life.
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