“Your life changes the moment you make a new, congruent, and committed decision.” – Tony Robbins
No matter our age, we reach a point in our career where we question how we’ve got to where we are, and whether or not we want to continue on this path.
That’s a fact of life.
You may not like where you are, but you know where you’re heading and that is enough to continue driving you forward. However, you may find yourself dreaming of a brighter future, a different job and a different field altogether.
Whatever the reason for your choice; financial, less stress, new passions, changing careers past 35 can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. Below are a few things to remember when making your decision.
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You are not too old to change careers
The first thought that’s going to be racing through your head is, “I can’t do this, I’m far too old to change careers now!”
I’m sure you’ve heard about all those millionaires and ultra-successful icons who jumped into a new career way older than 35. Take Henry Ford, for example – he was a youthful 45 when he decided to pack in his day job and start building the automobile empire that we know and love today.
It’s a scary challenge changing career at any age – but you’re never too old. Think of the breadth of knowledge and experience you’ve already gained and the transferable skills you can take across to any new job.
You’re experienced, not too old.
The door behind you is not closed
Another thought that might feel all-consuming is that by changing your career, you might be burning bridges and will have no safety net. Unless you actively gave your bosses and colleagues a series of rude gestures as you left the building, I wouldn’t worry too much.
If you have put in enough effort to build and maintain a professional network, you can rely on them to help with your transition back as much as you can with your transition forward.
You won’t figure it out by analysing every detail
Due to the range of factors that could affect your decisions, i.e. finances, family life etc., you may find yourself sitting down and over analysing every little detail, to the point where you end up repeating yourself constantly. This isn’t productive and if anything, may limit any progress you hope to achieve.
With any large life decision, where the unknown lurks waiting, fortune favours the brave. Get enough decided and in place for a step forward to be possible, and make the jump.
Look for people, not jobs
You’ve heard the age-old saying, ‘it’s not who you know, not what you know’, and it couldn’t be more appropriate here. By using your professional network, friends or family, you’ll find yourself exposed to many more opportunities than you would by relying on job search websites.
Focus on people who know your skills, your successes and your plans for the future and lean on them to open doors and introduce you to people who could make the difference.
Plan your finances
Make sure you’re in a position, financially, to change careers. There may be a transitional period, especially if you’re looking to start your own business, where cash flow might be limited. By ensuring you’re financially secure for a few months gives you flexibility and peace of mind.
Brand yourself appropriately
When you begin to position yourself in front of the right people, you’ll need to ensure that you present yourself in such a way that impresses. The way you present yourself to people in the new industry may be different to how you would present yourself in your current field – so do your research. Understand what personality traits are sought after and try and project these qualities. You don’t have to pretend to be someone your not, but use your experiences and express yourself in such a way that they can relate.
To conclude, don’t forget that it is your career, your life and your decisions, completely. Many friends and colleagues may advise you against changing career at such an age, but they’re not you. Carrying out a bold career change is daunting at any age, no matter who you are, so roll up your sleeves, set your sights and make the first step. All the best things in life lie on the other side of fear.
