Changing Careers for the Middle Age Baby Boomers

Finding Middle Age Career Advice
With the unemployment rate at over 7% this year for those person's 55 years of age or older, many midlife adults are looking to start second and third career changes. According to a recent study by the AARP, the average period of unemployment is 34 weeks for these older job seekers. That is nearly 13 weeks longer than two years ago, before the recent recession. The chances of a 55-year-old finding a want ad stating they would like a top level manager who, "must be at least 50 years old" is not likely to happen. More midlife adults are realizing that now is the time to start considering taking their skill sets and establishing new careers.

Middle Age Career Changes and Risks
Making that jump towards a second career later in life usually means greater financial risks. Many people will use their severance money; others use family savings, credit cards, or even their retirement savings to fund that second career. Using those financial reserves to start that career can be a great concern, especially when they are close to using it to retire on. However, it maybe necessary. Some midlife adults who are looking to start that second career have even taken to tapping into the value of their homes. Nevertheless, that option is not always viable in the current real estate slump of this recession.

Finding Your Middle Age Career Passions
In the best-case scenarios, that second career change should be turning your passion into a profit making business. If not, than hopefully if becomes a supplemental income to your retirement savings. Midlife adults need to find what they love to do and then investigate how they can make it a business. They need to talk with people who have similar interests and discuss with them the viability of making their passion profitable.

Getting Those Middle Age Career Ideas
Another way to create interest with others in what they are doing as a second career is to solicit ideas from their possible customers. They could start a blog about their products or services to get the word out. They might want to participate in conventions and conferences that are in their field of interest. Midlife adults seeking that second career could go back to school. They could get a certificate in their field or additional education to build credibility with their customers. They should be checking into their alma mater or a local college to make connections as well. Many schools are looking for professionals to mentor their students and in return, they may get free marketing, financial and management advice from fellow administrators.