Midlife career changes are more common than you think. Maybe you’ve been “stuck” in a certain industry so long that you never followed your passion. Or, maybe you’re just ready for a change. It’s never too late to switch your path or try something new. Whatever the case, changing your career midlife doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Is it different from starting a career in your 20s? Absolutely. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
With a few helpful tips and tricks, you can make the most of a midlife career change, including making the transition as smooth as possible. Let’s cover a few of those tips. Using these will not only help you get noticed for the job you want, but will make the entire process less stressful from start to finish.
1. Don’t Rush
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when looking for a new job is not taking your time. You might think you need to move quickly because you’re “not getting any younger,” but that’s typically just a lack of confidence trying to control your drive.
Think about what you really want from a job. Why do you want to change careers? What are you looking for? What are you most passionate about? When you take the time to answer important questions about your career, it will be easier to land on the “right” one.
2. Update Your Resume
Whether you’ve been working for years, you’ve been a stay-at-home mom, or you haven’t had to show off your resume before, now is the time to update it. It should include your strengths and skills, education, and (most importantly) an objective.
In addition to updating your resume, familiarize yourself with some best practices for the workplace nowadays. How can you stand out in the application process? How can you use social media to find jobs? What should you wear for an interview?
Don’t be afraid to do your research when it comes to both resume-building and preparing yourself to respond to job postings. You don’t want anything to appear outdated.
3. Focus On Your Strengths
When making career changes in your 40s or 50s, you might be a bit more self-conscious about your skills and abilities. You might assume that no one will want to hire an “older” person when they could have someone straight out of college.
But, you have the experience where college graduates don’t. Lean heavily into your skills and how many years you’ve used them. Talk to a potential employer about any certifications or awards you’ve received because of your skills.
Sometimes, years of experience can be even better than a college degree. Whether you’re a problem-solver, a leader, or a critical thinker, make sure you’re never afraid to pat yourself on the back about your strengths.
4. Don’t Do it Alone
Starting over in a new career is going to be a challenge, no matter what. It’s very doable, but there will undoubtedly be moments of stress or self-doubt along the way.
Make sure you’re not going through this journey alone. Get your family involved and let them know your needs and wants. Their support can make such a big difference in your motivation and self-confidence.
Consider joining support groups, too, either online or in person. There are many other women who have gone through career changes in midlife. Don’t be afraid to listen to their advice, ask questions, or just take comfort in the fact that other women are doing the same thing and finally discovering their dream jobs.
Let your passion guide you as you look for a new career. Keep these tips in mind to make the experience easier on yourself, and don’t be afraid to showcase your skills and experience as you search for the job you’ve always wanted. If you are changing your career to become a counselor, don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about the benefits of career counseling.
