Goals change...people change and seek new passions and goals all the time. Making a career change after 40 years old can be especially appealing...yet also pretty paralyzing.
Your inner voice may have already tried to convince you that you're too old, not tech savvy enough...or that it's just too risky to start over from the bottom.
Whether you're looking for a new challenge, a better work-life balance, or the opportunity to pursue a passion, a career change can be a rewarding decision. But let's not dismiss that it's also natural to feel anxious about making such a big change, especially when you're over the age of 40.
I'm going to share my 4 tips for switching careers after 40. Don't get this twisted though...I'm dealing with or have dealt with all of the feels during my career change journey. So I'm right there with you...or have been through it too.
Before you start exploring different career paths, take a beat or 20 to think about what you're hoping to gain from this change. Are you feeling unfulfilled in your current gig? Do you wanna try something new? Are you looking for better pay or benefits? Nailing your true motivations can help you make a more informed decision about the best path for you.
Five Tips to Switching Careers After 40
1.Assess your skills and strengths: Look back on your work history and consider what skills and strengths you've developed over the years. Which of these skills are transferable to other industries or roles? Make a list of these skills and use them to guide your search for a new career.
2. Network and seek out people who have been there, or doing it: Networking is crucial when it comes to finding opportunities and getting your foot in the door. Full transparency I'm not awesome at this. I love meeting and connecting with people. But in order to network, I always feel like I have to have something to offer before I ask for something. Seek others out or ask friends, past co workers or hit up your social media peeps for suggestions. You may also want to seek out a coach who can offer guidance and support as you make the transition to a new career.This one I've personally done...and it's good to have a trained ear to guide and direct you along the way.
3. Consider going back to school: If you're looking to switch to a new field that requires specialized training or education, you may need to go back to school. This can be a big commitment, but it can also be a great investment in your future. Research different schools and programs to find the one that's right for you.
4.Research potential careers: Now that you have a better idea of what you're looking for, start researching different careers that align with your skills and interests. Consider speaking with people who work in these fields to get a better understanding of what the job entails and whether it might be a good fit for you.
Ultimately I'm finding that the journey is not a straight path, and in all seriousness there's been more tears than I'm willing to admit. When I decided I was going to do a career change, I approached it like I do a business. Map it all out, run numbers, chat with other people, and dabble in any way you can to see what will ultimately be the absolute best choice for you.
If you need someone to bounce ideas off of, I'm always around! Find me on Instagram and or my YouTube channel.
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