Who knew what they wanted to do with their lives in their teens? Many pick college courses at random, later finding themselves in their mid-30s, unsure how they arrived in their career. Job-hopping mid-life is more common than you may realize, with nearly half of all Americans changing careers later in life.
The main reason people change careers is general unhappiness with their current jobs or industries. The second and third reasons are higher pay and greater flexibility. Data from Apollo Technical shows that “around 70% of all working-age people are actively looking for a job change,” while “over 39% of people who are considering career changes are motivated by higher salaries.”
Further, the average American spends approximately 90,000 hours at work. If you spend a third of your life doing something you dislike, then you may be dreaming of a change. Perhaps you’ve had a lifetime ambition to work with animals or have been wanting to start a business based on something you love. But also, you already have more commitments at this stage in your life: families to support, mortgages to pay, bills to finance. So do you go about changing careers without abandoning your responsibilities?
Do your research.
Before you dive in headfirst, do your research. You need to understand:
- Is your chosen career viable? Will your new job pay you enough to keep your head above water financially?
- What steps do you need to take to move into your chosen industry?
- How long will it take to train in your new career, and how will you cover the pay deficit in the meantime?
- If you are starting your own business, how many years until it turns a profit? Can you afford to stay afloat during this time?
- Are there any high-paying jobs that don’t require further education within your industry?
Reduce your expenses.
Consider how you can cut your current expenditure. Chances are, you will be starting further down the ladder with a smaller salary, so you need to consider how you can make changes that reflect your change in wealth. Look at your outgoings and work out what you can reduce. Do you need Netflix? Can you run outdoors instead of going to the gym? Do you need to eat out three times a week? Understanding your budget and reducing your expenses may give you the flexibility you need to career-hop.
Boost your marketability.
You already have an abundance of skills that are transferable to your new job. According to Flex Jobs, employers are looking for candidates that can demonstrate:
- Problem Solving
- Analytical Reasoning
- Critical Thinking
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Writing
Boost your marketability further by taking up freelance work, doing some online courses, or volunteering. Better yet, work with life coach Rajaa to be adequately guided as you carve your path to success. Also, make sure you have a red-hot CV and killer cover letter so future employers can see your worth.
Consider returning to education.
If your new career is in a specific field, you may need to return to school. Full-time education may be impossible for a person with financial and family obligations, so consider an online degree program. This makes it possible to earn a degree as you work full time. Make sure that you find an online school that is accredited, has a great roster of programs, and offers competitive tuition.
Network, network, network.
Networking raises your profile and introduces you to people within your desired field. Through successful networking, you can enhance your reputation and become more attractive to potential employers.
Use any existing contacts: Work those connections and mention your interest in moving into your chosen industry. You can also attend industry-specific events — conferences, workshops, virtual networking events on online groups, and more are great avenues to build connections.
Working in a job that you enjoy is essential for your mental health and well-being. Changing career mid-life can be a prudent move that will set you up for a happier, possibly more affluent future. If you have family and financial commitments, you can still make the move by using the skills and contacts you gained over time and taking it slowly when retraining. From self-empowerment to financial coaching, see how Rajaa Belle can help. Book a session today.