Navigating Mid life Career Changes: Finding Your New Path

Ajit Ponkshe, 46, a successful lawyer, was finding it difficult to keep up with the expectations and with his past performance. On introspection, he knew that he lied somewhere else.

Every time he grabbed a pen to draft a legal document, he would end up sketching caricatures and sketching characters that no one could imagine. This continued for some time, and when he felt, this was it!; he decided to quit and take up his career of choice – getting into the field of Animation.

Mamta Shinde, 40, was always good at analysis and numbers but was stuck to her marketing job. Stocks and shares always attracted her and her personal profits from trading gave her the confidence to take it as a career.

This decision came as a shock for everyone in her family. She had to not only fight out the concept that she was entering the male-dominated arena, but she was also giving up a secure job that gave her a stable income.

These two examples are a few of the many individuals who are going through mid-life career crises. This is what we can term a Mid-life career crisis leading to career changes.

These are individuals who are successful and good at their jobs but still need to do something that fulfills their hearts and makes them feel content at the end of the day.

As we are moving into a time, where individuality is considered of prime importance, and we are not only acknowledging our real selves but also ready to go ahead and carve a self-identity, this phenomenon is rapidly emerging.

One thing that is essential to understand, is that the career change should not be confused with changing of job or the organization. It has more to do with changing the course of your job pursuit which is your true inner calling and enjoying yourself.

In retrospect, why does this phenomenon occur? The way we select our careers is often due to influence or force; rarely do we find individuals making the right career choice for the right reasons. Most of them take up a job or career due to factors like parental pressure, peer pressure, job security, lack of information, social status, and also due to lack of proper educational backgrounds or even financial burdens.

Making a mid-life career change is a lot harder than making a career change when you are young. You’ve got a lot more to lose because you have already worked your way a good bit up the ladder of success in the career you are in today. There are a few questions, one should ask before deciding to make a career switch. They are:

• Do I have the RIGHT reason for leaving my current career?
• What is the exact reason for changing the job – financial, job profile, status, lack of recognition, lack of vertical movement?
• Do I have enough financial backing, in case things do not turn out as expected?
• Is there a backup plan ready?
• Do I have the skills to be employable? Do I have the right aptitude, and educational background to start?
• Am I ready to start afresh? Do I have the strength – physically, mentally, intellectually, and emotionally to face the challenges?
• Do I have enough contacts?

• Do you want to work with someone, under someone, or alone?

Once you have got the answers to the above, here are a few tips for one to make an informed career change:

Assess yourself:

You need to find out more about yourself, as a person, and as a professional. Find your personality and then try to take up the most that suits you. This is helpful because many times we are forced into jobs that are in contrast to our personality, which actually ends up frustrating us and results in poor performance.

Support System:

Emotional support from family members is also an essential ingredient when changing careers along with a financial support system. Plan your finances well. Find whether you can go without the regular income that you have been used to. Are your responsibilities – family, socials, and personal needs taken good care of? Plan well, as an unplanned financial move may lead to more distress in life.

Get additional career ideas

Research the classified Ads – Even consider local businesses that you feel you would enjoy working at or even owning.  Then make a note of them, and add them to your list of potential careers to further research. New career opportunities are opening up every day, and many new small businesses are emerging! Consider how you may use your skills and expertise to take advantage of this growing need in society.  Working from your home and starting out small can be fun, too.

Requirement of Additional Skills:

No matter what field you decide to explore, you will need to decide what skills you have that will help you in a new position and which you will need to acquire. If you are at mid-career you will need to create a new resume, pitching yourself to employers hiring for your new career path, and you may need to prepare yourself to work in a position with less responsibility than your last. Changing careers can be a great deal of work.

Put your plan together

Once you have made out your wish list and identified your options, shortlist the one that fits you the most. Take time to put your plan together, do you need more education, additional financial resources, a new resume, support from your family members, or an intermediate job? Write a plan of action and then follow it step by step.

Time Required

Patience and perseverance will be required to key to make it big. Don’t expect things to change overnight. You need to work consistently and patiently to ensure success in what you are thinking of taking up. Also, you cannot afford to forget that you will be competing with more younger, aggressive, better-skilled, educated, and go-getter crowd.

Changing your career at 40 is very possible. Remember changing your career can also include starting your own business. Focus on the skills you enjoy using the most, and build a career based solidly on your likes.

Changing a career is a process that can be fun, self-awakening, and can give you a new zeal for living. Get started today and ask the people who care the most about you to give you the support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions related to MId Life career changes:

Q1: What is a Mid Life career change?

A1: A MId Life career change is a significant shift in a person’s career path that typically occurs in their 40s or 50s.

Q2: What are some common reasons for MId Life career changes?

A2: Reasons can include a desire for more fulfillment, new challenges, better work-life balance, personal growth, or responding to life events like job loss or family changes.

Q3: How can I determine if a MId Life career change is right for me?

A3: Self-assessment, career counseling, and exploration of your values, interests, and skills can help you decide if a change is appropriate.

Q4: Is it too late to change careers in MId Life?

A4: It’s never too late to pursue a new career if it aligns with your goals and aspirations. Many people successfully make MId Life career transitions.

Q5: How do I identify transferable skills that can help in a career change?

A5: Identifying skills gained from your previous career that are relevant to your new field is key. These can include problem-solving, communication, leadership, and more.

Q6: What steps should I take to plan and execute a MId Life career change?

A6: Steps may involve research, skill development, networking, and setting short- and long-term goals.

Q7: What resources are available to support MId Life career changers?

A7: Resources include career coaches, online courses, networking groups, and professional associations related to your new field.

Q8: How can I address financial concerns during a MId Life career change?

A8: Budgeting, saving, and considering part-time or freelance work can help manage financial transitions during a career change.

Q9: Can I use my previous work experience in a new career, even if it’s unrelated?

A9: Yes, you can leverage your transferable skills and experiences in new and unexpected ways in a different career.

Q10: How do I deal with the emotional and psychological challenges of a MId Life career change?

A10: Seek support from friends, family, and a counselor or therapist if needed. Maintain a positive outlook and stay committed to your goals.

Q11: Is further education or training necessary for a MId Life career change?

A11: It depends on your desired career. Some transitions may require additional education or certifications, while others may not.

Q12: What are the benefits of making a MId Life career change?

A12: Benefits can include increased job satisfaction, personal growth, and the chance to pursue your passions and interests.

Q13: How can I make the most of my existing network when changing careers in MId Life?

A13: Networking is essential. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, and peers to seek advice, job leads, and referrals.

Q14: What industries or careers are popular choices for MId Life career changers?

A14: Fields like healthcare, education, counseling, and entrepreneurship are common choices, but they vary based on individual interests and goals.

Q15: Can I find success and fulfillment in a new career after making a MId Life change?

A15: Absolutely. Success and fulfillment can be achieved with determination, adaptation, and a commitment to your chosen path.