Okay, so let’s be honest, the idea of a career change after 50 can be terrifying. I mean, you’ve spent decades building a career, honing your skills, and generally figuring things out (or so you thought). Then, BAM! Life throws you a curveball. Or maybe, like me, you realize you’re just plain bored.
The Unexpected Detour: My Own Midlife Career Crisis
My background was in marketing. Twenty-plus years, climbing the corporate ladder, all that jazz. I was good at it, made decent money, and… well, it was comfortable. But comfortable eventually morphed into soul-crushing. Honestly, I felt like a cog in a machine. The funny thing is, I didn’t even realize how unhappy I was until I wasn’t.
It all started when the company I worked for got acquired. Suddenly, everything changed. New management, new priorities, and a whole lot of uncertainty. I knew then and there that I couldn’t keep going. I wasn’t thrilled with the thought of starting over somewhere else either. It felt like time to jump ship – the big question was, where to? I didn’t have a clue what to do next. Retirement? HA! I’m not *that* old.
That’s when the panic set in. Was I too old to start over? Did I even *have* any transferable skills? (Spoiler alert: yes, you do). It felt like being adrift at sea without a paddle. I think many people underestimate just how much your job shapes your identity. What are you supposed to say when someone asks what you do, now that you don’t do it anymore?
Facing the Fear: Is it Really Too Late?
One of the biggest hurdles to overcome is the fear of judgment. What will people think? Will they see you as some kind of failure? Will potential employers take you seriously? These are all valid concerns, and I wrestled with them for months. But the thing is, you can’t let fear paralyze you.
Think of it this way: you’re bringing years of experience to the table. Life experience! That’s something younger candidates just don’t have. You’ve likely developed skills like problem-solving, communication, and leadership that are invaluable in any field. Don’t underestimate the power of your past. I sure did, at first. I almost threw it all away, thinking I was useless.
And, let’s be real, ageism is a real thing. It’s unfair, it’s wrong, but it exists. However, there are companies that value experience and maturity. Seek them out. Focus your energy on finding organizations that appreciate what you have to offer.
Identifying Your Passions: What Do You Actually *Want* to Do?
This is where things get interesting. And also, potentially overwhelming. After all, you’ve been doing one thing for so long, it can be hard to imagine yourself doing anything else. But the beauty of a career change after 50 is that you’re doing it for yourself.
What are you passionate about? What makes you tick? What have you always dreamed of doing? Now is the time to explore those interests. Maybe you’ve always wanted to be a writer, a chef, or a web designer. Maybe you’re passionate about helping others or starting your own business. The possibilities are endless.
For me, I realised I was always the happiest when I was teaching someone something new. So, I began to explore options that tapped into that. After a lot of research, I landed on a freelance gig teaching beginner coding to seniors. It was the perfect blend of new challenges and utilizing my existing skills. I even messed around with online course platforms like Udemy and Skillshare. Never thought I’d be a techie at my age!
Skill Up: Investing in Yourself
Once you’ve identified your passions, it’s time to assess your skills. What skills do you already have that can be transferred to your new career? What skills do you need to acquire? Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself. Take online courses, attend workshops, or enroll in a degree program.
There are tons of resources available, many of them free or low-cost. Sites like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses on just about every topic imaginable. And don’t forget about your local community college or university.
Honestly, the thought of going back to school terrified me. I pictured myself surrounded by a bunch of twenty-year-olds who knew way more than I did. But you know what? It wasn’t that bad. In fact, it was kind of fun! It felt good to be learning again, and I actually enjoyed being the “old lady” in the class. The young folks had a lot to learn from me, too!
Networking: Building Your Support System
Changing careers can be a lonely journey. That’s why it’s so important to build a support system. Connect with people who are already working in your desired field. Attend industry events, join online communities, and reach out to people on LinkedIn.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most people are happy to share their experiences and offer advice. You never know where your next opportunity might come from. Networking can also lead to unexpected collaborations or mentorships. It’s all about putting yourself out there and building relationships.
I remember being so hesitant to reach out to people I didn’t know. I felt like I was bothering them, or that they wouldn’t take me seriously. But I was surprised by how many people were willing to help. One connection even led to a freelance project that helped me build my portfolio.
Embracing the Journey: It’s Not Always a Straight Line
Let’s be real, a career change isn’t always a smooth and easy process. There will be ups and downs, setbacks and disappointments. It’s important to embrace the journey and to be patient with yourself. Don’t expect to land your dream job overnight. It takes time, effort, and perseverance.
There were days when I wanted to give up. Days when I felt like I was banging my head against a wall. But I kept reminding myself why I started this journey in the first place. I wanted to feel fulfilled, to be challenged, and to make a difference. And that’s what kept me going.
And don’t be afraid to pivot. Your initial plan might not work out exactly as you envisioned. That’s okay! Be open to new opportunities and be willing to adjust your course along the way. The most important thing is to keep learning, growing, and moving forward. I initially thought I wanted to write code myself but realised I enjoyed teaching it more. So I adapted, and it worked out for the better!
The Pay Cut Reality (And How to Deal)
Okay, let’s talk about money. It’s often the elephant in the room when discussing career changes, especially later in life. In many cases, transitioning to a new field might mean taking a pay cut, at least initially. This can be a tough pill to swallow, especially if you’re used to a certain standard of living.
You need to honestly assess your financial situation. Can you afford to take a lower salary for a while? What are your essential expenses? Are there areas where you can cut back? Consider creating a budget and exploring different ways to supplement your income, like freelance work or part-time jobs.
My own pay cut was pretty significant, honestly. But the increased happiness and job satisfaction were worth it, in my opinion. It really made me re-evaluate what I valued most. I realised that a big paycheck wasn’t everything. I was willing to sacrifice some financial security for the sake of my mental health and overall well-being.
Finding Joy in the Process
Honestly, the best piece of advice I can give is to try and enjoy the process. Career change doesn’t have to be a dreadful experience. It can be a chance to learn, grow, and discover new things about yourself. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the small victories, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.
I’m not going to lie, it’s not easy. But it is possible. It’s possible to find a career that you love, no matter your age. It’s possible to reinvent yourself and to create a life that is fulfilling and meaningful. You just need to believe in yourself, be willing to put in the work, and never give up on your dreams. And I’m living proof of that. So, what are you waiting for? It’s your turn.
