After plodding for over two decades in the chosen career path, life can become mundane and the need to look at alternatives such as a career change or beginning a new venture to support our passion. The other reasons for job shift could be stagnation, sheer boredom, and absence of challenges. According to a study published recently in The International Journal of Ageing and Human Development despite the challenges, late-life career changes often result in a positive emotional outlook. Here are few guidelines to follow while considering a midlife career change.
Choose your passion: If you are highly passionate about pursuing a hobby as a career, it is a great thing to do in midlife. Many IT professionals are quitting regular jobs to follow their passions in midlife. Some working professionals are turning towards entrepreneurship, while others are trying their hands on becoming chefs, beauticians, apparel designers and other creative pursuits.
Prepare yourself: If you’re considering a job change, then gather the skills required for the new job. Take up a regular or an online course if required. Read about the new job, its demands and scope in the market. Be sure of what you want to do and what is it you want to achieve.
Keep savings: While considering a midlife career change, consider strong financial backing. Save money from early working years to prepare for possible career changes in the future, even if you do not desire it at that point.
A contingency plan: Changing careers during midlife could be a reason of stress for “other members of the family. They could churn out a list of possibilities such as what if things don’t work out? Can you get back to the original career track? If you are planning to start a business venture, think of a financial support incase of a loss? It’s wise to have a contingency plan in place to convince yourself and the family members.
Skillset: Many a times, people mistake passion for the skillset. If you are passionate about something such as cooking, but dont have the skillset to do well in the field, then a career change is a bad option. It is very important to do a proper analysis of the skillsets that are required for the new profession. Develop or learn new skills. Also be realistic about following your passion.
Seek effective guidance from professional people: It is wise to knock on the doors of help and seek proper guidance from the experts. Career guidance professionals can help you with identifying your core abilities and help you to set goals to reach the final destination.
Be willing to learn: A change of career could mean requirement of a whole new set of skills. The thought of learning all over again could be a little difficult. Consider what transferable skills you have, and if it is possible to ease you into something new you should be open minded to learn the new skills.
