There are many reasons that people don’t change careers in their forties and fifties including:

1. They have achieved income, status and expertise in their field and it is hard to give it up. They would have to start over and take a salary cut.
2. They have no idea what they would want to do if they changed careers.
3. They are afraid to make a change and lose everything.
4. Their family and friends may not be supportive. My family and friends (except my spouse who just wanted me to stop complaining) thought I was nuts because I quit without knowing what was next.
5. Age discrimination is real.
6. The job market is still soft.
7. They don’t have the time or the money to go back to school to get new skills.

Those who have devoted nearly all their energy to their careers, and wake up one day to find themselves without one, have the toughest time regrouping and planning their future.

Wow, so why try this at all? The rewards are fantastic. In midlife our values change and we become more interested in pursuing things that bring us satisfaction and reflect our sense of purpose. We worry a lot less about what others think of our “success” and decide to define ourselves by who we are, not what we do. I love the phrase “I am a human being, not a human doing”.

There are many checklists for career changers, all of which suggest a solid self-assessment first. Look at your personality, values, interests, skills, dreams, hobbies and things that you feel passionate about. Think of the work or volunteer experiences that have made you feel energized, enthusiastic and competent. Create a summary of your assessment results including your income needs and other practical matters. I call this a criteria list which forms the basis of your career research. You can do this yourself, or a career coach can help you.

Next you research different careers by meeting with those working in them; this also begins the networking phase. Once your research validates a path, then the job search or marketing phase begins. This part is crucial for midlife career changers. You are going to have to sell yourself to employers, or lenders and customers if you plan on being an entrepreneur. You can leverage your existing background in the new career because you have accumulated valuable knowledge, experience and skills.

If this sounds difficult, it is. Yet many people have done so successfully, with the same concerns and fears you have.

Connie Russell is an Executive and Career Coach and Clinical Social Worker. You may reach her at 816-444-3768.

Article Source: http://www.flourishmagazine.com