Guide to Midlife Career Change

Most middle age working adults will ponder their existing career paths at one point or another. They spend the Monday morning commute into work asking why they chose this path and where and when will it end. The questions and doubt seem to exacerbate even further when the employer or company is going through a volatile economic climate. Tempers from supervisors and co-workers seem to flare up as everyone is worried about business survival and maintaining relationships with customers.

Then there are those that are extremely lucky to have landed the dream job. They go about their daily trek to work with a big smile on their face as if they are going to the golf course for the day. These people are truly fortunate to have found their complete happy place. They know they are where they need to be and do not ponder moving anywhere else. They even consider keeping their place even beyond the retirement age. These people are the few and fortunate.

So the rest of us grinders then look upon our own misgivings and ponder leaving our occupation in search of another. The decision is very tough as fears creep in about making adequate compensation, learning new skills, and leaving the security blanket of the existing employer. Maybe the greatest fear is all about change. How many times have people taken risks and failed? There have been plenty of those times when we have made perhaps poor choices in our love lives, business decisions, and even friendships. Then there are those risks we took, where we came out smelling like a rose. To move over to the greener side of the grass, we need to take some risk.

Career Change - Self Evaluation

One of the first steps to beginning a career change is to undergo a self evaluation. Take some quiet alone time with a pad of paper and pen and jot down all of your good qualities and accomplishments that have been achieved during throughout your work history, hobbies, and even volunteer time. Going back as far as you can leave no menial job or task untapped. You will be amazed at how many memories are recreated that place you in high esteem. You may find out that these experiences lead to your strengths as being a leader, organizer, or even multi tasker which are some adequate traits to your desired occupation.

Career Change - Baby Steps

Before diving in face first into the deep pool of career change, consider some effective ways to get accustomed to your desired new occupation on the horizon. Take some evening or weekend classes or seminars that provide education and skills to the desired trade. Talk to those in the business and create a network to get the word out that you are interested in learning the new trade or skill. Be careful who you network this information with as you would not like this information to get back to your existing employer or supervisor if you plan on staying put for a little while.

Career Change - Seek Mentor

If you are head strong in search of a new career, consider finding a mentor to give you a complete picture of your dream job. Look into trade association groups or contact organizations to seek out professionals in the desired field that will allow you to shadow them perhaps for a day or two and explain their good and bad experiences. Also talk to your teacher or professor if you are taking night or weekend classes. They themselves may be able to mentor you or at least direct you to someone in the field.