Do you think about a midlife career change?
If so, you’re not alone. The average American worker will change jobs 12 times during their career, and many decide to change fields completely. There are many different reasons you might want to change career paths when you’re 40 or older. As we age, we often realize that we want different things or that our current career doesn’t make us feel fulfilled. The good news is that it is never too late to make a career change. Here are five things you need to do and consider before you make a career change at 40:
1. Assess Your Career Needs
The first step to a successful career change is determining what you want in a new job. For example, do you want to work directly with people, or would you rather work alone in an office? Create a list of must-haves in your new job. Consider what makes you unhappy in your current role and what jobs or new career fields could help fill these gaps. You should also list your current skills and how these skills apply to your new career choice. This will be helpful when you create a new resume and apply for jobs.
2. Determine If You Need Further Education
When you want to change career fields, you should factor in that you may need additional education or training. Some career changes won’t require a completely new degree. For example, getting a life coach certification can work for almost anyone, no matter what degree or field you currently work in. However, if you want to switch to a healthcare role, you may have to complete many years of education and training before starting work.
3. Meet With People Who Work in the Field
Networking is key to making sure you can find a job in your new field. Try attending networking events for professionals in your area who work in your target job. Meeting with people is helpful to ensure you’re making the right career change. It’ll also help when it’s time to apply for new jobs. Breaking into certain career fields can be challenging, so a well-established network can help you land job interviews.
4. Create a Budget
Many people have to take out loans to finance their education. However, there are some things you need to consider before you take out loans at 40 to finance your new education. Taking out thousands of dollars in loans during the middle of your career could impact how much you have saved for retirement. Retiring with a lot of debt can make life difficult, so it’s important to budget carefully and ensure you’re not taking out more money than you can pay back.
Learn More About Making a Career Change at 40
Making a career change at 40 is possible, and you’ll be glad you took a risk when you feel happier and fulfilled at work. Check out the rest of our website for more career advice and resources that will help you transition smoothly into a new job.
