Man and woman shaking hands – Image Courtesy of Pexels
Changing your career path is a daunting prospect at any time, not least later in life. So be sure to look before you leap and consider some of the following options that could help you out.
Get the Qualifications You Need for Switching
Almost all careers require some form of formal education and/or training. And learning new skills later in life is much harder than when you’re young. However, with the determination to change your life for the better, nothing can stop you. That being said, gaining the relevant qualifications can be a challenge before you even start a new job. Fortunately, you can attend college and courses at any age. And you can even add to existing qualifications and credits with interdisciplinary studies that aim to tailor your learning towards specific fields and sectors.
Research the Roles You Think Will Make You Happy
Perhaps you just want to break away from an unrewarding role that you know isn’t doing anything to improve your life. Like 90% of people, you probably dislike your job. Yet many of us stay for security or because of the fear of change. So you are to be congratulated for being brave enough to take steps to make yourself happier and better off. But making such drastic changes requires carefully considering what you want to do. Therefore, you need to spend time researching jobs that suit your skills and personality and meet your financial requirements.
When it comes to researching for the roles you think you might fit into, be sure to read through the person specification and job description to see if you would be a good fit. You don’t want to waste anybody’s time, including your own if you don’t have what the company is looking for. If you have experience in a certain field then it may be worthwhile looking for something related to that. You could also get some inspiration from people who have been there and done that. For instance, if you are wanting to get into education then Danny Swersky is the man you need to read about.
Think if Changing Your Career Path Is What You Want
Further to making a decision and researching new roles that you feel are better for you, you must consider if it’s really what you want. In the worst case, you could move from one unfulfilling role to another. But some of the things that could make it easier to decide, include the following:
- Carefully consider the role you want that will fulfill your work, home and money needs.
- Think about what activities will make you enjoy your day until retirement.
- Identify any transferable skills that will help your new career options.
Finding a job you love is a challenge for almost everyone, so consider the roles that challenge, offer advancement, and put your skills to use. In addition, of course, it’s helpful to consider careers with day-to-day activities you know will make you happy to get out of bed each morning.
Make Sure Your CV/Resumé is Suitable
Gaining new qualifications for your new job is only half the challenge. Following studying and training, you need to begin the process of actively looking for a job. And this starts with making sure your CV or resumé is up-to-date and suitable for the role you want. Be sure to include transferable skills, relevant experience, and your new qualifications. Additionally, try not to use a blanket CV for each application, and get into the habit of tailoring your CV to the jobs for which you apply. Recruiters are good at spotting generic resumés and might reject them.
Actively Look for a Job and Practice Interview Skills
On average, it takes between three and six months to find a new job when switching. And this time can vary greatly depending on the state of the sector and its recruitment criteria. For example, cybersecurity is notoriously picky because it looks for specific courses and qualifications, irrelevant of experience. However, don’t be discouraged, since your new life could depend on the next letter. In the meantime, it’s helpful to practice interview skills based on the role you want. Think of possible questions and answers, and rehearse with a family member.
Summary
It’s a long process when changing your career path as you get older. But you can help yourself by getting new qualifications, considering where you want to go, and persistent job-hunting.
