Getting Through Midlife Career Change

By Deborah Prideaux

For many people, the thought of changing careers midlife is a very daunting prospect. Maybe it isn't your choice. The days may be numbered for your chosen Industry or maybe there is downsizing on the horizon.

Maybe it’s just that you’ve reached midlife, realize that your half way there, and don’t want to waste the second half of your life continuing to do what you’ve already been doing.

So how do you go about getting through a midlife career change?

It’s a big decision, but one worth careful consideration.

You will have changed since you first entered the job market. Your priorities have most likely changed and “job satisfaction” is probably high on your list of what you want out of a job.

The Wall Street Journal recently included such things as good intellectual stimulation and a high level of control and freedom in what we do as important aspects of a satisfying job.

Is this what YOU want out of a job?

When you first started looking for a job, you had to sell yourself despite not having any experience. This time round you are going to have to sell yourself because of your experience. There is no doubt that sometimes people in midlife find it harder to get new employment. But this is where you have to be sure of yourself.

You need to be very sure of what you are looking for and then be very sure about what you have to offer.

You need to have on the tip of your tongue, success stories and examples of your abilities. Do keep it relevant but don’t underestimate your life skills and maturity as a valuable asset.

Do you need to consider gaining extra skills to enable you to transfer to a different job.

Consider transferring your basic skills, knowledge and abilities to a different industry. Do some research on the internet to get some ideas.(if you can’t use the internet very well, maybe that is one extra course you could do to upskill).

Maybe you aren’t really sure who you are, or what makes you tick or what you would be best suited to. A career coach is a great option to help you through that. Its truly amazing to work that out!

If after you have come up with some ideas, you still aren’t sure what you want to do, perhaps you could consider taking some temporary jobs and try them out before you commit. Try before you buy!

If you have had thoughts of starting a business, you could work on that on the weekends and in the evenings while still having a regular income from the day job.

If you have money behind you, you could quit straight away to focus on whatever it is you want to do, but PLEASE don’t underestimate how long it will take and what your basic living expenses will be.

Getting through midlife career change can be a challenge, but if you handle it intelligently, you will reap the benefits.

Deborah Prideaux is a career coach who works with peoples strengths and passions to discover what their ideal career is. Visit http://www.CareerImpactCoaching.com