After working most of your adult life in the same field, there comes a time when two powerful words enter your mind: career change. And for working women considering a midlife transition, there’s a bit of advice Mark Twain left society about 100 years ago: “The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation.”
Twain’s remarks are simple and succinct. If taking a chance on another career has become a priority, then it should be a dream job of sorts, or fairly close to it. There are dozens of reasons why people shift gears when it comes to their careers. Some become bored, unfulfilled and lack the motivation they once had in their current job. Others simply feel that there’s some other calling they would like to explore. Unreachable financial goals could be catalyst for change. Or even the most unpleasant scenario of being fired or laid off. Whatever the reason, this is a time when self-evaluation and proper planning can lead to a rewarding and satisfying new life.
In your 40s or 50s, changing course in your livelihood doesn’t work the same as it did earlier in life. Sure, the functional part might be the same, but the psychological component is different for most of us. At the midlife point, most women – and men – recognize that money, success and status are all relative. They typically are pushed to the back burner, while the importance of a meaningful and fulfilling vocation tend to take center stage. This is not to say that climbing the ladder, breaking the glass ceiling and playing the office political games won’t be part of the new job. Success just tends to be defined differently between a 25-year-old college graduate eager to make her mark in the business world and the 45-year-old woman who has gained years of experience and perspective, and now wants a job that’s more appealing.
One of the first steps to take is deciding if career change is really what’s necessary. Sometimes employees may assume they’re stuck at their jobs with no hope for the future, thinking that changing careers is the only way out. A proper self-analysis is required because making an effort at changing your current job may be all that you need.
But if you’ve determined that you’ve had it with your current career, start preparing yourself for the transition. And preparing is the key word.
Noted career expert Harvey Mackay is the author of two New York Times bestsellers, ‘Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive” and “Beware the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt.” One of Mackay’s common axioms is: “The will to succeed is preceded by the will to prepare.”
Mackay offers sage advice for someone diving into a career change. Improve your skills, keep up with the latest technology, never stop learning and freshen your resume. The latter being just as important as the rest.
A revamped resume is needed to avoid the mistake that many midlife career jumpers make of assuming the same resume will work in their new career. The experience you’ve had in your current job may not be as important in your new field. Instead, rework your resume to highlight the qualifications that will target the new career. Employers looking to hire someone who doesn’t have the work history in their particular field want an employee with skills that can easily translate. Whatever qualifications you have picked up through previous employment, part-time work, an education program or volunteer work that apply to the new career, set up a resume that expresses them first and foremost.
Before tackling the substantive part like the resume, take a more spiritual approach to the subject of job change by focusing on your abilities. Take stock in what you do well; and maybe not so well. Note your accomplishments over time, whether personal or business. Inventory what the most important values are, like creativity, time, financial gain, or a challenging environment. And always consider a dream job you would do if money were no object. It’s surprising how many people can turn what seems like impossibility into reality when they apply themselves.
Once the self-evaluation and resume are in order, start doing the research. Put together as much information as possible about the career – or careers – you’re interested in. And don’t limit it to ones you think you’re unqualified for. If you’re intrigued by that profession, consider it. Speak with friends and colleagues about opportunities. There’s also an endless supply of career information on the Internet, at the library and on college campuses. You can also turn to the professionals, like a certified job coach or professional job placement agency.
After considering several possibilities, narrow down your focus on a career that’s a good fit with your goals. Talk directly with professionals in the business and, if possible, try volunteering or part-time work before taking the official plunge.
When we purchase a product at the grocery store, eat out at a restaurant or shop for the best pair of shoes, having options gives us the opportunity to get exactly what we want. And that’s how you should approach a career change. Creating and having plenty of options will give you the ultimate empowerment when searching for a new career.
