Tips for Changing Your Career at Any Age

For most folks, the idea of changing career paths is scary.  If you feel that way, know that you’re not alone.  For example, you’ve probably made progress in your current career.  You may fear that by changing your career, you’ll be throwing away all that hard work…  And yet, the prospect of staying in your current profession seems miserable.

Realize that most folks want to change their careers at one time or another.  Only a lucky few know from the time they are 10 years old what they want to be when they grow up, and then have gratifying 40-year careers in that field.

For the rest of us, our careers evolve and even change over the years.  That makes some sense.  Every decade, we grow as individuals.  And the career you chose in your 20s may not fit the person who you’ve become at ages 30, 40 or 50.

So, know that there is nothing wrong with changing your career as you get older.  The key is to do it strategically.  Below are some tips to change your career successfully, so that you can live the rich, interesting life that you deserve.

Envision Where You Want to Spend Your Days

A number of years ago, a friend of mine wrapped up her career as a preschool teacher.  At the time, she was only in her 50s and wasn’t ready to retire.  Instead, she wanted to take the opportunity to try something new.

When she asked me for career advice, I told her, “Don’t focus on the particular job that you want to have.  Instead, focus on where you want to spend your days.  Then figure out what kind of job you can do in that particular place.”

Realize that most jobs are not good or bad based on the task that you are doing.  Rather, the job is enjoyable (or not) based on where you are doing it, and with whom you are working.

For instance, being a secretary at a church will be a very different experience from being a secretary at a law firm.  Similarly working from home is completely different from working in an office.

So, if you want to successfully change your career, start by choosing your ideal work environment.  Then figure out what kind of job you can do there.  In that way, you can ensure that you spend your days in a place you love with folks who are your cup of tea.

Capitalize on Your Current Skillset

Changing careers, especially as we get older, is tricky.  Most employers don’t want to completely train new employees.  Instead, they want to hire folks who can “hit the ground running.”

So, when trying to change careers, you need to sell yourself to your prospective employer by selling your skills rather than your specific job experience.  You want to show the employer that even though this is a new career for you, you have the right skills for the job.

The good news is that our professional skills can be used in a variety of jobs.  For instance, customer service skills can be used in the restaurant and hotel industry.  They also can be used in retail and receptionist positions.

So, when looking for a job in a completely new field, don’t focus on the fact that you are inexperienced in that particular job. Instead, focus on the fact that your prior work experience has given you the right skills for the job.

Be Willing to Start at the Bottom

Starting in a new career requires some humility.  You have to accept that since you are starting anew, you may have to start at the bottom of the food chain at your new place of work.  Humbling oneself in such a manner can be challenging.

For instance, let’s say that you previously were at the top of your field.  You may have been in management.  If you want to start a new career, you may have to start at the bottom of your new field and work your way up…  Just as you did in your last career.

However, realize that there is value to starting at the bottom in a new career.  That is the way you truly learn your new field, inside and out. 

So, don’t let your ego get keep you from being able to be on the lowest rung of the ladder.  Take heart! In no time, you’ll work your way up.  And someday, you’ll be happy that you were willing to make some initial sacrifices to change your career to one that you find highly rewarding.

Start Your Next Career Change as A Side Hustle

If you know you want to change your career, but you’re nervous to give up your current job, then consider trying out your new career as a side hustle.

For example, let’s say that you work in the medical field.  However, your dream is to own a coffee shop.  You might work at a local coffee shop during the nights and weekends to get some experience in how a coffee shop is run, while you keep your day job.

As you work in your new career through a side hustle, you’ll gain valuable experience.  In addition, you’ll make connections in your new field, folks who can help you in the future.

Become an Entrepreneur

If you can’t get someone to hire you in your field of choice, don’t let that stop you from changing your career.  Instead, become your own employer.  Take that daunting leap to become an entrepreneur.

There are countless benefits to being your own boss.  And the good news is that the Internet has opened up the possibility for many people to start their own businesses.

For example, let’s say that you work in sales for a pharmaceutical company.  However, you are done with the corporate world.  You’d really like to spend your days outdoors, and you have a knack for garden design.  Consider putting your sales skills to use, set up a website, and start selling your skills as a landscape architect.

Don’t be afraid to take that leap to become an entrepreneur.  You may find that being your own boss ends up being your most exciting career opportunity yet!

Realize That There Is No Such Thing as “Lost Time”

Many people are reluctant to change their careers because they think, “Well, I’ve been in this career for two decades.  If I change my career now, those two decades will just have been wasted time.”  Nothing could be further from the truth.

The reality is that any time spent in a job or career is not wasted.  In every job, you learn new skills.  You also learn a little bit about people, including supervisors and colleagues.  And with every job, you get a better handle on how the work world works.  That is all valuable information that you can take with you to your next career.

For example, I’ve spent the better part of my career working in the legal field.  But over the course of the last five years, I’ve focused on developing my career as a writer. 

Now, I suppose I could look back over my life and think that all that time spent working in the legal field was a waste of time.  But it wasn’t.  It was a good way to make money.  During those years, I also developed invaluable skills, including professionalism and sound judgment. 

More importantly, I couldn’t have been a personal development writer in my early years.  Frankly, I didn’t have anything worthwhile to say.  There are certain jobs for which you need some gray hairs.  And coaching folks about how to make good life choices is something that requires age and wisdom.    

So, don’t worry about whether or not your time has been wasted in your first career.  It hasn’t been!  To the contrary.  Your first career has given you insights and skills that you will carry forward to your next amazing career.

Be Happy to Be A Late Bloomer

I have a great deal of admiration for folks who knew what they wanted to be in life from the time they were children.  For example, I once knew a man who was in a serious accident as a child.  As a result of the accident, he ended up having to be in the hospital for many months. 

While he was hospitalized, he was in awe of the doctors who cared for him.  He decided then and there that he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up.  And he did just that!  He ended up having a rewarding 50-year career in the medical field.

Not all of us are so blessed.  For most of us, our careers are a matter of trial and error.  It is a little bit like dating.  We try out different jobs (like suitors) until we find one that is the right fit.

So, if your first career wasn’t the perfect fit, and you now would like to change your career, don’t feel badly.  There is nothing wrong with being a late bloomer! 

Realize that thanks to modern medicine, we not only live longer than ever before, but we also have the ability to accomplish great things well into our later years.  (If you don’t believe me, consider President Joe Biden, who became POTUS at 78-years-old!)

So, when looking at your life, take this attitude: The best is yet to come.  Consider your first career as a “warm up” for your next, even better career.  Expect to do great things in the future, and enjoy being a late bloomer.

Changing your career can be a daunting prospect.  But realize that a second career could be the best thing that ever happened to you.  Don’t be scared of taking that leap.  Follow the tips above, and make your next career a great success. (To read about taking responsibility for your career, click here.)