The millennial generation born from 1980 to the early 1990s will be 40 years old by 2020!
Most people report a better belief in their abilities as they turn 40, it is the age of wisdom. Could there be a better time to make a career change than when you feel like you can take whatever comes your way? For many reasons ranging from the stressful nature of the current career or being fed up with one?s current work-life, a change of career at 40 can be inevitable.
It?s never too late though because career change can be made at any time if you?re prepared for it. Even if you plan to retire at 65, you still have 25 years of work-life in your future. Even if it takes you a few years to prepare for another profession, you’ll have more than twenty years working life to spend in your new career if all goes as planned. And if you have to work until you’re over 65 years for whatever reason, you’ll be grateful to do something you love.
One thing is sure; a job change will affect your life, relationships and many other aspects of dealings. Not only is it demanding, but the transition will also take another time of your life in training and practice. It will probably come as a great relief when you figure out what you are going to do and have a plan on how to achieve it.
One good reason why it is often a difficult one
Family right? Your guess is as good as mine.
The 40-year-olds have many commitments that could hinder this transition as compared to when they were 30. Though tough as it may look, some career change tips should guide along the way. At the age of 40, you are more likely to have children for whom you are financially responsible. Over the past few years, you might have bought a house and have to pay a mortgage. There could already be a lot of commitment on your side. It is normal to find the annual expenditures of ages 25-35 far less than those in their 40s. At this age, the family size tends to be larger with more money spent on basic needs. Making a change of career at 40 will surely rob off on these expenses if adequate preparation is not made on funding the education.
Unlike a 30-year-old, a 40-year-old might have to dip into savings to finance the education required for the new career. Even with this coming as a barrier on the way, a career change at 40 is still achievable.
On your way to making the change, two key considerations are vital:
Make self-assessment and planning important
What new career are you considering? Your self-assessment may suggest a career is a good match for you based on your previous performances. You already know what you want, don?t you? This may be the time to assess yourself the more and be absolutely sure it is what you want.
Research deeply into your intended field
Getting abreast with the new field you are planning to get into can boost your chances of a good transition to the career. Information keeps you enlightened.
Read about job duties, the economic climate of your chosen field, and the median earnings in addition to getting the information on educational requirements. You can find a good amount of this and other related information on the website of the Labor Statistics Bureau.
Once all of the information has been compiled, review it to assess which jobs are most appropriate. Discuss job duties to decide what you like and what you don’t like. It helps you to have focus on where your strength lies.
How to Make the Change
Change is a difficult thing but it is one constant thing in life.
A midlife career change as a change of career at 40 can be tough but it is not unachievable. When you decide to make this move, find a way to do so that will not impact negatively on your life pattern.
The faster you can go with your training the better for you to quickly fit into the new career you?re about getting into. There are different ways and these tips should get you there quicker.
Be committed to it
Agreed, it?s not going to come that easy but you must throw yourself fully into it. The commitment in you to do it must drive you. You have to get off your comfort zone and get moving to attain the standard required for you to perform effectively in the new field. You have to take the bold step to leave behind that career that you have spent most of your life with but must now leave behind to make progress.
Make it a duty to attend industry events and programs, you must just keep going and completely immerse in the new career.
Start building a new network
A new network of people will do you a whole lot of good this time. The benefit is that you?ll find people who will be interested in helping you grow in the field. You don?t need to be physically present with anyone. A professional platform like LinkedIn is one helpful resource to get in touch.
Get a mentor
A mentor by your side is a plus for a faster transition to your new career. Find someone to mentor you in your new industry. When it comes to making friends as well as developing new skills, a mentor can be a valuable resource. Leverage on the technical skills, soft skills, experience or a variety of other abilities you have that will stand as a good foundation for your mentor to help you build upon when working on a change of career at 40.
Whatever it is, the choice of a career change is solely yours and the role lies in you to work at it. A good first step can be the making of the decision which will be followed by a series of actions. Take part in seminars, events and build confidence that it is possible. All is within you to attain that goal you desire, take action and move.
