How to Successfully Change Careers Later in Life

IN TODAY'S tumultuous working environment, change is not an option: it is compulsory.

In fact, it is probably one of the few certainties we have in life.

The ability to negotiate change is essential for any leader, as is the need for constant reassessment of your career.

For some, this may mean coming to terms with the realisation they have reached an impasse in their career, and may even need a career change.

While this may sound daunting to some, the idea of changing careers - even later in life - should not be discounted.

It may be that you have lost your job, or are simply tired of the industry you are working in.

Or it could be your need for change has reached such a ‘tipping point’ that the idea of changing careers is not only appealing, but absolutely necessary.

In such cases, and particularly with older career changers, clearly identifying your new career path is critical.

According to career coach Wendy Breitman, writing in Next Avenue magazine, the following three tips are very useful when changing careers:

• Pinpoint those experiences in your professional life where you were the most motivated to do the best work you could do.
• Identify the one gift or talent that comes to you most naturally.
• Name three activities at work or in your personal life, where you feel most aligned: and highlight exactly what made you feel that way.

Another good tip is to bolster your weaknesses by focusing on your strengths when applying for new jobs.

For example, if there is a gap in your resume after say, a redundancy, fill it by doing some volunteering in an area that matches your skillsets.

This will also help boost your confidence if it is flagging, as staying motivated and positive is absolutely crucial when changing careers: or applying for any type of new job for that matter.

And always remember that in order to be successful in your career change, retreating or ‘running away’ from the situation is not an option.

Networking with acquaintances, both old and new - and just ‘getting out there’ and sharing your story - are absolutely crucial to your success.

Not only is this great for confidence and morale, but sharing your story will also invite advice and helpful tips from others that will really help you on that tricky road to your new career.

Another good tip is to pinpoint those people you admire – as well as reconnecting with old colleagues and people you haven’t seen or spoken to for a while.

In a recent Forbes article, recruitment expert Rachel Aladdin highlights some further tips for anyone contemplating a career change later in life:

• Be positive and don’t be scared by the unknown - whether the change is voluntary or involuntary.
• Picture the career or job you would happily see yourself doing, and go for it! Of course, always be selective, and take into consideration your interests and strengths.
• Make a list of the pros and cons of your current and prospective careers and consider all of the options, from company perks to office location and environment.
•  Check out the other career options in your current line of work, as there may be something suitable there.
• Get a second opinion and consult with someone you really know and trust before ‘taking the plunge’. This could be a friend, family member, colleague or mentor.
• Talk to someone already working in the career you are considering and get their take on it. What is their day like and what really motivates them?
• Map out your career change and the best time to make your move. Also, is there any way to slowly transition from your current career to your new one?
• Lastly, focus on your strengths and the transferrable skills you can use to help get ahead - while you’re in the process of building new ones.