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Too many people think that, after a certain age, it’s no longer feasible or wise to change careers. This leaves them stuck in dead-end careers that are no longer fulfilling or profitable enough to be sustainable.
There’s nothing wrong with switching careers regardless of how old you are. Whether you’re switching careers at 30, switching careers at 50, or anywhere beyond, there’s always an opportunity for a change of pace.
If you’re not sure how to get started, don’t worry. You’re not alone. We’re here to talk about it.
Keep reading to learn all about switching careers regardless of how old you are.
- First: Get Rid of Limiting Beliefs
The first challenge that most people face when they start looking for new careers as adults are overcoming limiting beliefs. But what are limiting beliefs?
Limiting beliefs are beliefs that you assume to be true and unchangeable, even if they’re not. These beliefs can hold you back and stop you from growing.
Sometimes these beliefs are true, in one way or another. For example, you might decide that you couldn’t possibly get into a career in engineering because you’re bad at math.
You might be bad at math, but you can improve. By having that limiting belief, you may never even attempt to improve.
If you’re over the age of fifty, it’s common to have limiting beliefs that are similar to “I’m too old to change careers.” Where are these beliefs coming from, and why would they be true?
Do everything in your power to push those beliefs out of your mind so you can start making progress. It’s challenging but worth it.
- Introspect
So what do you want to do with your life?
It’s likely that this isn’t something that you’ve thought about since you were on your initial job search. You’re giving yourself an opportunity to change your life, so what are you going to do?
This can be vague or specific. Do you have a passion that you’re trying to follow? Are you just interested in making more money or working fewer hours?
It’s helpful to make a list of these things so you can start narrowing down potential career paths that will suit you and your needs.
Allow yourself to dream big, but also make sure that you’re being realistic.
- Do Some Research
Once you have an idea of what you want, start looking at the job market to see what’s available and in demand. Are you looking at jobs in your local area, or are you trying to move? Are you open to remote work?
Once you know what you’re looking for, checking sites like Indeed will yield you plenty of options. Even if you’re not ready to start applying to positions yet, this gives you a great starting point.
If you’re not looking for a specific career just yet, look into careers that fit well with your interests, skills, and background. For example, if you have a degree in history, and you want to use it, what fields will be appropriate?
Once you’ve seen a few potential career paths that appeal to you, you can move on to the next step.
- Prep: What Do You Need to Do or Learn?
Unless you’re very lucky, there will likely be things that you need to do or learn before you’re a strong candidate for your career of choice. You can’t wish yourself into your dream job, after all.
Do you need any additional schooling? Remember, there’s nothing wrong with going back to college as an older adult. There are plenty of nontraditional students at universities worldwide, and professors will respect your dedication to your future.
Do you need lower-level experience? Do you have to build your network? What about certifications or skills?
Don’t start applying to jobs without having these things already. You want to prove yourself as a qualified candidate from the get-go.
- Revise Your Resume
When was the last time you took a look at your resume? If you’re like most people who have been working in the same field for a while, the answer is “it’s been a while.”
That’s okay! Revising a resume is easy.
First, look at the specific requests that the jobs you’re applying to have in their listings. You’ll notice specific keywords and phrases, and you should mimic those in your resume.
Make sure that you list all relevant work or school experience, even if you think that it doesn’t matter. You never know what will appeal to a specific hiring manager.
If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Use a business like Sydney Resumes, or a local resume revision service, to get your resume in tip-top condition.
- Learn How to Accept “Failure”
This is the second hardest part of switching careers as an adult (with the hardest being overcoming limiting beliefs). You’re going to have to learn how to accept and overcome failure.
Most people don’t get responses when they submit resumes. It’s increasingly common for hiring managers and employers to only respond to people who are making it to the interview stage. This is discouraging, but it doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with you or your resume.
Learn to accept these failures and let them move past you. Know that they shouldn’t discourage you from chasing a new career and that they happen to everyone.
- Never Stop Learning
When we settle into our careers, there comes a time when we know everything that there is to know about what we do. When you’re switching careers, you’re a beginner again. It can feel like regression, but in reality, you’re giving yourself an opportunity to learn.
By showing potential employers that you want to learn new things and that you’re adaptable, you’re making yourself just as appealing as a younger employee.
Switching Careers? No Problem
Switching careers as an older adult can be scary, but don’t let that stop you. You deserve to have a job that can support you and make you feel happy. Your age doesn’t have to get in the way of your future fulfilling career.
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