Five Things to Consider Before Making a Mid-life Career Change

Often when people who are weary in their careers, approach midlife and wonder if they could succeed in another profession. If you're unsatisfied with what you're doing in life and don't want to live the rest of your days doing the same thing, then go ahead and explore that new midlife career.

But before you totally shift gears, be sure you know where you're what you're doing and where you're going. In other words, be certain you want to make a change. Here are some cautions to keep in mind when contemplating a midlife career change.

Don't change careers only based on money-Although it's tempting to want to launch out in a new career that you appears more lucrative, don't do it unless you're certain this new job venture will also bring you happiness. Maybe this new career will make more money for you, but if you're miserable at what you do it won't be worth it in the long run. What's more, realize that a career that's popular now could be gone in a few years.

Don't change careers until you've examined all other options---You need to do your homework before changing your profession. For example, if you think you want to be a teacher rather than the dull secretarial job you've had for twenty years, spend some time volunteering in your child's school. Or, you could sign up to substitute teach. Chances are, what you thought was a great career wasn't so good once you actually worked in the field. Talk with as many people as possible who work in the profession you wish to pursue. The more input and data you receive, the more you'll know if the new career change is right for you.

Don't switch careers just because it was it was right choice for someone else---Just because your brother-in-law made a fortune selling real estate, doesn't guarantee you'll have the same success. Perhaps your brothers has a different personality than you do, making it easier for him to be aggressive. Too often dissatisfied workers believe that it's "gotta be better somewhere else." Tragically, when they jump over to someone else's pasture, they find worse weeds growing there than were in their own fields

Don't change careers without first getting the proper training----Let's face it. Any new job requires training and education before you can begin. Before changing careers, make sure you know what additional training, educaiton, and skills are required before you launch out in your new job.

Don't quit your old job immediately---Too many people leave their old jobs too soon, only to discover they needed the income to tide them over between career changes. This is especially true for freelance writers. If you really want to be a full time freelancer, you'd better first hold onto your old job, even if you're unhappy. In time, you can discover is freelancing is right for you by the success you have with your writing. Those that are truly writers will find time write when they're off from their day jobs. The same is true for freelance artists.

If you've taken these cautions, as well as others, then go ahead and explore you new career. Just make sure you're making the right decision and have considered everything before you change your profession.