There are incredible benefits to starting a new career later in life!

Age brings wisdom, and years in the workforce provide a stronger sense of what you’re looking for. Experience refines your priorities and empowers you with superlative self-awareness. These perks set you apart as a candidate! Possessing a healthier sense of self-awareness and having more confidence in your priorities helps you find a more fulfilling and purposeful career.

Why change careers?

As in any life season, mid-life career changes occur for numerous reasons. Perhaps you find yourself in one of these situations:

• Dying industry.
• Lackluster attitude at work.  
• Shifting priorities.
• A need for better work-life balance.
• A need for increased salary. 
• A desire for increased career longevity. 

What are the challenges of changing careers later in life?

Ageism in the workplace is only one battle. Navigating the quagmire of new skills while rebuilding your professional network is not for the faint of heart. Additionally, starting over might mean starting over completely. After years of having influence and climbing up the ladder, you might find yourself back at the bottom again in an entry-level position. After years of stability, the thought of a job search feels incredibly daunting.

Tips for changing careers later in life

If changing careers is your next move, here are some tips to help you!

Self Assessment

If you believe a career change is your next step, take some time to do some self-assessment. Review your goals. Consider your skills, passions, and vision. Ask yourself questions like these:

• What kind of work do I enjoy doing?
• What kind of work aligns with my core values?
• Am I willing to take a potential pay cut?
• Am I willing to invest the time and energy into new training and re-education?
• Is changing careers now worth it?

Take Advantage of Reverse Mentoring

Take the opportunity to build some multi-generational relationships. When entering a new role, reach out to a younger employee who can “reverse mentor” you during the onboarding process and early days. You might find they will learn from you, too!

Go the Extra (Extra) Mile!

Author, speaker, and trainer Grant Cardone encourages people to reach for goals ten times greater than they think possible. But doing so requires ten times the effort! Starting a new career is no time for skimping on your goals. Make the extra contacts, get the extra certifications, and put in the extra applications. Go that extra mile, and give it all you’ve got!

Stay Resilient

It is a time to face your fears and remain resilient. Don’t be driven by self-doubt. Embrace your age and season in life, and view it as the asset it is. Focus on your goals, and surround yourself with the encouragement of friends and family!

One popular field attracting later-life career changers is accounting and finance. The incentives are high compensation and job demand. Firms are looking for people with life experience under their belt. At the Robert Joseph Group, we can help you find your place in accounting and finance. As a premier staffing agency providing top-tier solutions, we’re the answer to your job search. Contact us today!