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Originally Posted On: https://www.sarah-j.com/2020/07/01/how-to-make-a-smooth-midlife-career-change/

 

Those who change jobs are more likely to experience higher pay growth than those that stay at their current job.

You’ve reached middle age, and you now have 20 plus years experience sitting at the same desk, staring at the same way. You fell into this position in your younger years because it paid the bills, and you’re good at what you do. In the present moment, you’re ready for a career change.

Maybe you never liked your job. Maybe you once loved it but no longer do. Maybe you still love it but want a small change.

The bottom line is this: if you’re not happy, then make the change. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how many years you’ve been at your current job. A smooth career change at 40, 50, or any age is possible when you know the proper steps to take.

Are you ready to make the switch? It’s time to start getting paid to do what you love. Continue reading below to learn how to do just that!

Know Why You’re Making the Switch

Before you can make a drastic change in your career field, take a few minutes to stop and think about why you’re making the switch. Is it your job position’s tasks that you no longer enjoy completing? Or, is it other things in your environment that are leading you to make a change?

Understand what it is that you enjoy and don’t enjoy about your current career. Make a list that you can then refer back to when needed. Then, think about what you want to do.

Do you want to stay in the same career field but make a few small changes such as working from home or taking on a new position in the same field? Or, do you want to do something entirely different? Know the answers to all these questions before moving forward.

Consider Your Skills and Strengths

When it comes time to apply for a new position or a new job as a whole, you’ll need to know what your skills and strengths are. You might have experience with something that you didn’t even realize. For example, if you’ve worked at an office job for most of your life, then you have experience in customer service, answering phones, and working on the computer.

These are all expected skills for you to have, but take a moment to think about those times when you came together with other co-workers and put together a presentation. Think about all the times a new employee came to you for advice and help with a job task.

You now have experience working in a team and experience training or guiding others. How can these skills help you excel in the new career you’re applying for? Make sure you hone in on all your skills and strengths to create a strong career change resume.

Allow Uncomfortable Situations to Help You Grow

You’ve worked in the same position for years, and you’ve become comfortable. Maybe this comfort is the reason why you’ve waited until now to make the switch. You have experience in this position, you’re good at it, and you know what you’re doing.

Making a career switch can be daunting because it’s something new. You might not have all those years of experience with this new position, and you’ll be placed in a new environment and new surroundings. You’ll be taken out of your comfort zone.

This is the time when you need to allow uncomfortable situations to help you grow. It’s normal to feel nervous. Now is the time to learn and expand your mind.

Give yourself time to adjust to your new career and then allow yourself to learn and flourish.

Prepare for Your New Career and Do Your Research

Making the switch might be uncomfortable at times, but it will be much smoother for you if you prepare for it and do your research. All the different career fields are ever-changing. As the years pass by, updates are made, new inventions are brought in, and you never know what the new year will bring.

It’s essential that you know what you’re getting yourself into. Do your own research to see what your dream career field looks like in the present day. What skills, experience, and education are needed to get into that career?

What does your resume need to look like and do you need a cover letter? These are all things to have a good grasp on before applying for the job.

Be Open to Growth at All Times

You know what you love doing. You know what makes you happy. That’s the career you’re chasing.

No matter how many obstacles you might have to overcome to achieve your goals, it’s worth it in the end if it means you’re doing what you enjoy doing. You’ll need to be open to growth at all times to not only reach your goals but surpass them.

Open your mind to advice from others such as friends, family, children, mentors, career coaches, and more. Your team standing behind you has a lot to do with a smooth transition in career fields.

A Career Coach Will Help You Navigate Your Career Change

Don’t focus on your age when wanting to change careers. Focus on your passions, visions, and goals. These are the things that’ll guide you to success, no matter your age. When the path to career-change success becomes a bit foggy, a career coach will help you navigate through it.

It’s time to reinvent yourself and chase after your career goals rather than letting your current job sweep you along the way as you go with the flow.

Book your free consultation today and see how you can reach your full potential!