What if I told you that at 63, I chose a career change after 60 instead of retirement? Sounds crazy, right? Well, let me tell you, it’s been quite a journey. In this post, I’ll share the pivotal moments that led me to this decision and the incredible experiences I’ve had since. Whether you’re considering a career change after 60 or just curious about my story, stick around—this might just inspire you to take that leap too!
Why I’ve Never Been the Retiring Type
I’ve never really been the ‘retiring’ type, you know? There’s just something about learning new things and taking on new challenges that I really like. I don’t know if it’s about finding the boundaries of my potential, or the feeling of accomplishing something that’s exciting. To me, it’s addictive! So retirement? It wasn’t even on my radar.
Recognizing the Need for a Change
After working for almost 13 years at a big company, I was burned out and frustrated. I started exploring remote job opportunities online. I stumbled across an ad for a fully-remote content creation gig with a solid company. And I thought, ‘Now that sounds like something I’m cut out for!’ So, I applied and landed the job.
Facing Challenges During My Career Transition
Have you ever felt stuck in your job? What did you do about it? Sure, I knew it’d be a steep learning curve. Transitioning careers at our age isn’t exactly a walk in the park. But I figured, hey… why not give it a shot? Who says we have to stop working or changing jobs just because we’ve hit our 60s, right?
Preparing for a Successful Career Change After 60
While still at my old job, I started taking online courses in writing and business. I even enrolled in a major university and earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies and a diploma in counseling to prepare for my career transition. This preparation was crucial for my successful career change.
Adapting to Remote Work
Transitioning to the new job was an adventure. Going from on-site to fully remote was a big change. In my old job, I spent hours in time-wasting meetings. Now, I collaborate creatively with a global team. Learning new software like Slack and Asana was challenging, but I got the hang of it quickly.
Leveraging Past Experience in My New Role
My previous experience came in handy in unexpected ways. Years of working with spreadsheets and lean manufacturing practices proved valuable in content creation and data analytics. This shows that making a career change after 60 can actually benefit from your years of experience.
The Positive Impact of Embracing Change
Now that we’ve explored my journey from retirement to a new career, I hope it’s given you some food for thought about your own path. The best part? I feel more relaxed, have a better work/life balance, improved my finances, and continue to invest in learning. My decision to pursue a career change after 60 has truly been life-changing.
Final Thoughts: It’s Never Too Late for a Career Change After 60
If you’re sitting there wondering if it’s too late to make a change, let me tell you: it’s not. Take a good look at where you are now. Are you happy? Are there opportunities to grow? And most importantly, what do you really want to do? Remember, your experience is valuable, and the benefits of a career change after 60 can be life-changing.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. I’d love to hear about your experiences or thoughts on career changes later in life. Share your story in the comments – let’s keep this conversation going!
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