October 9th, 2019 | Updated on January 11th, 2023
Changing your career when you’re 40 is not a joke because you’ve spent decades doing the same thing. That means leaving the friends you’ve always known. Technology allows you to still stay in contact, but you’ll not interact with them as much as you used to. Technology and the internet also allow students to access writing help from Paper Writing Pros.
There’s also the fear that things might not work out once you cross over. It’s no secret that there’s a good number of people who changed their career and it didn’t work out. But this should not be your excuse to keep doing a job that does not give you joy.
You’ll need a bulletproof exit plan, so you don’t end up living in the street in the name of chasing your dreams. At 40, you probably have a family that you need to take care of. That’s why you need to think things through before making a move.
How To Make The Career Change At 40
1. Dive Into The Career Database
If you’re fed up with your current job but have no idea what to do next, your first stop should be the career database. This way, you get insights into the industries that have the best paying jobs at the moment. After all, you don’t want to leave your current job for a less paying one.
2. Take An Aptitude Test
Even though aptitude tests are normally taken by students to help them choose the course to take in college, it can also work for your situation. In fact, your experience in the workplace will help you make a more informed decision. Tests are a good way of gauging your capabilities as a professional.
3. Begin With Little Steps
Even though going to a job that does not give you satisfaction and joy can be exhausted, don’t take a dive when you don’t know where you’ll land. Begin with little steps so that you have a better chance at salvaging the situation if anything goes south.
4. Know Why You’re Leaving
Understanding your motive for changing careers helps you make the right decision. If you’re leaving because the pay is little, your aim should be to find a better paying job. If the work environment at your current workplace does not allow you to thrive, don’t accept a higher paying job with a toxic work environment.
5. Prioritize
That is a huge change that does not affect you alone but the people you’re responsible for, as well. Even though you’re doing this for you, don’t be so caught up in the shift that you forget what your priorities are.
6. Use Your Past Victories And Failures To Make The Right Choice
You’ve been in the career world for quite some time now. Use that competitive edge to make the right choice. Make sure you don’t repeat your past mistakes with the hope that you’ll make the situation work.
7. Hire An Affordable Career Coach
Getting the perspective of a professional helps you come up with the right exit plan. You need a career coach to help you through this crucial transition.
8. Volunteer Where You Can
Once you know what your next move is, volunteer where you can to familiarize yourself with your next career.
9. Go Back To The Drawing Board
Since you’re applying for jobs in a new field, you need to go back to the drawing board. Research about the industry and ensure you prepare extensively for all interviews.
10. Embrace The Challenges
This transition is not going to be easy. Look at all the bumps in the way as challenges that prepare you for this next phase.
11. Practice Patience
When you need change to happen, days seem to last longer than usual. You need to practice patience and focus on your goals.
12. Have Realistic Goals
Having unrealistic goals will have you frustrated over objectives you don’t have the capacity to accomplish.
13. Have A Back-Up Plan
Things don’t always turn out as you hoped they would. You need a safety net to ensure you don’t crash in case things go south.
14. Don’t Focus Too Much On The Money
Even though you should be paid well for what you do, make sure your next career is something you’re passionate about.
15. Leverage Your Network
This is your chance to make use of the connections you’ve made throughout your career.
Conclusion
Changing careers can be challenging, but with the right guidelines, you’ll get it right. Make sure the career you settle for is something you’re passionate about.
