Are you ready for it? To make a CAREER CHANGE at 40 or any age is a big step in life. What To Think About. How To Get It Started. You need a plan. Don’t be afraid, IT IS POSSIBLE.
Many people are making career changes these days, some have to but a lot do it because they want. If you have to, there might not be much time to prepare but at least in what direction you should think about twice.
I believe millions of people could live a better life if they would take the challenge and change their career. I understand it is a scary perspective. But, isn’t doing the same thing all life long a scary picture too?
The profession we grow into is often not chosen by our selves. Circumstances, parents or childhood dreams can influence the career we start off with.
With time we grow older and develop. We learn to know ourselves better and often feel uncomfortable in the skin we’re stuck. It’s time for a career change.
Do you feel unsatisfied with what you do? Find a better idea.
There are many symptoms that discover a need for change. All in all, it is probably a general feeling of discomfort. Going through our one and only life should be something positive that’s at least what I think.
A great part of our lives we spend doing our daily duties, work, raising children, caring for others. Did you ever feel that doing what you do is not satisfying your own needs?
Did you learn that life is fate, destiny, there is a point of truth to this for sure but we are human beings and as that we are responsible for how we deal with our destiny.
An apple grows on a tree, gets ripe and falls to the ground to be either consumed or turned into compost. Not us humans, we are born and from this moment on we have an urge to grow and succeed.
If we let our way be dictated by other people we are not on our own path and will never accomplish our real destiny. We have to take things into our own hands and sometimes force things to change.
Symptoms of a needed change:
- Loss of power, not having the drive to enjoy life.
- Accumulated anger, feeling angry fast and over things that were unimportant before.
- Trying to forget, taking every opportunity for distraction from the daily routine.
- Unable to concentrate, having thoughts going from here to there without thinking something to the end.
- Losing confidence, unable to believe in the good sides of life.
- Problems sleeping, restless nights sweating and needing sleeping aids.
- Unmotivated mornings, having to get up every day without seeing the real value.
- And many more…
I think you would say the same, if someone has though times like this, it is definitely not healthy and a change in life is absolutely urgent.
I think because a great part of our wake time is “work time” we should quickly have a look at our careers in a situation like this.
Of course, the problem can be of private nature but in most cases, it is our job or the circumstances we have to earn a living in. (Often private problems are caused by unsatisfied professional situations)
I’m convinced just the realization an accepting of this fact will be a helpful first step. It can open the sky and let in new light.
For a career change you need a lot of energy so getting in better shape is essential. It is impossible to come out of a depression on one day in one step.
Facing the problem and accepting that a change is inevitable is the first step. Looking for new ideas, search your inner wishes and dreams is a second.
Slowly you start changing. The mindset starts opening for new possibilities and fantasy is showing opportunities you were not able to see any more before.
You still are in a weak state and should not rush now or overreact. Take your time, listen to people that know and love you, maybe professionals if you can afford this and start analyzing in what direction your future career should point.
Discover your passions.
Everyone has passions, some know about them some have locked them somewhere inside and have to newly discover them. Force yourself finding your passions and check if they are still up to date.
Like our development in life, our passions can change with time. It is not necessarily true that fishing is your passion today because you loved fishing as a child.
Try out the things you think you’re passionate about, remember you will have a career change and this should be in a positive direction and not end in another one-way street.
By now you definitely feel much better and with the vision of a better life, you will also be able to carry on your old career until you’re ready for the final step.
Make a plan, sorry, always there has to be a plan.
I know and I am not a specialist in making plans but things are easier to achieve if you can follow a plan. A list of tasks that can be checked off when accomplished.
When you’re about to change your career you need to provide security to your loved ones and have some feeling of comfort of security yourself.
You’ll need money, money can be made, saved or found in many ways. But you have to take care of it.
You need time, depending on where your new career is directed you need more or less time to get at least the essential skills to earn a living again.
You need a teacher, coach or training, school to learn your new skillset. Check out what possibilities are available and choose the best matching one.
You need the support of your loved ones. Take them into your plans. Think of possible scenarios and discuss how and who will jump in in which situation.
You need a clear head, as little as possible heavy luggage. Talk with your current employer, employees, donors, banks etc. Explain your plan and the effect it will have on the relationship with them.
You might even involve government officials, sometimes they help with tax issues or restructuring plans.
Be prepared to start all over again.
Don’t be too proud, start from scratch. If you want to be successful in your new career you need to learn the business from the bottom up.
It’s also great in a way to be the student or trainee once again. Not so many responsibilities, possibilities to try new techniques etc. Learn how to master your new field step by step without a rush.
Jump over your shadow and try out new waters. Open up for new techniques and totally different things you might have never thought you can manage.
Don’t be afraid of the new, you know you informed everyone and assured their support. If they want to put stones in your way anyway you won’t let it happen.
You are still in a weak position, changes do that to us. But with the urge and will to change your life and the vision of a better life, you will be able to move mountains.
Now it all depends on your perseverance. Little improvements will soon show up and the longer you go your new way the stronger you get.
I’m glad I have done such changes several times in my life already. I’m pretty convinced I’m able to learn almost everything I might get passionate about.
Of course, it is not the goal to start new every two or so years but if you find yourself on the wrong track again or circumstances push you to new horizons it is always nice to know everything is possible.
We are not old as long as we are willing to learn something new.
If you are afraid of starting a new career because of possible failure, watch this little video
Enough for today, let’s move on!!!
Thanks a lot for your attention, I hope you found some piece of truth for your self here as well.
My latest change of career has been quite recently although it is now over a year ago. I love my new occupation as a blogger and online businessman. Still, I have a lot to learn which makes it even more interesting.
I wish you all the best, courage and power if you decide to do the step and hope to have you back on my site.
see you, Stefan 🙂 asuperaffiliate.com
PS, I almost forgot to mention that I would be extremely happy to hear what you think of this article. If you have a question or think I’m wrong please feel free to let me know. I will reply ASAP. By
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I always hear that changing a career after age 40 can be very difficult.
Of course, the main thing is fear because of the age. I have friends in this age group who want to change their career right now.
This post will certainly come in handy for them. I see their accumulated anger and unmotivated mornings as you have said in this post.
I am sure they will appreciate reading this, so I will share it.
Hi Carol, and thanks for commenting.
Changing a career after 40 can but must not be hard. It will look harder for sure if it is the first time you do this step.
The fear of having to start all over and learn a totally new job at this age can be a reason not to do it. But at 40 we are in the best age and there is actually no reason for fear.
I hope your friends will take the challenge and start changing their life for the better
I wish you all the best, see you, Stefan 🙂
Hi Stefan, such great post you have here.
Truly speaking one can choose to change career at 40 or any age.
The most important thing is being ready to overcome our fears and stepping out of our comfort zone.
I recently changed careers not too long ago, it took me ages to make up my mind and take the bold step but today, I am glad that I did, as this new path, even though very challenging, turned out to be everything I want and even better.
Once again thanks for this great post.
Hi Queen, and thanks for the comment.
I see you have the right attitude, to call oneself Queen is already a step in the right direction:)
It’s great to hear from your experience, having changed your own career.
To overcome fear is a challenge many people face but I think without overcoming it we can’t grow.
I’m glad that so many people already have and hope many more will change their career for the better. Not everyone has to but everybody not happy with the way things are at present.
I wish you all the best, see you, Stefan 🙂
You have great content as always.
I love this article. In fact, I enjoy and learn new things every time I visit your blog.
Making a career changing is a daunting thing for many. People don’t like the feeling of uncertainty and be out of their comfort zone.
Most people would rather do the same thing every day like going to a job because it is far more comfortable and secure.
With so much help and resources available at your fingertip these days, it should not be hard to start learning and making a change in your career.
In fact, I worked as a nurse in the past. I didn’t like my job and I couldn’t imagine myself pushing a med cart for the rest of my life.
And I made a decision to leave. It was scared to do it alone. But I have met really nice people online that are super supportive which are very helpful for me in my new journey as an online entrepreneur.
And every day I wake up doing what I love. Thank you for sharing.
Hi, Hong and thanks for the comment.
Nice to hear you like my blog. I’m sure you will never regret having changed your career.
Everyone has different passions and to work in a field that makes fun is almost not like working at all.
Of course, I am tired every evening doing what I do but I’m never unsatisfied.
I’ve seen you made a video now too, are you going to be a video star now? It is great to see how much power and inspiration people can develop when doing what they believe in and when doing it for themselves.
To be scared is totally normal sometimes before and after changing a career. I too think sometimes, is this the right thing, is it really possible to earn enough money to survive or even more.
Well, if fear doesn’t rule what we do, we can still read out some alert signals and adjust our path or accelerate our effort towards success.
It is great to wake up in the morning and feel ready to take another step, do some new tasks in the self-chosen career.
I wish you a great time, see you, Stefan 🙂
Hi Stefan
A great article.
Changing career paths is a difficult choice for many, especially if it means doing it alone and starting your own business.
You definitely need a long-term plan and a different mindset.
And I believe failing a few times has to be part of that long-term plan, the difficult times is when it will reveal if you have what it takes to succeed in your new path.
Starting a new career is tough but it is worth it if you have a plan and stick with it.
All the best
Hi Minhaj, and thanks for commenting.
I know, for many getting out of their comfort zone is very hard. Doing it alone is probably even harder.
My online community really is a big help in this perspective. Motivating and helping overcome problems while building an online business is a big part of the service Wealthy Affiliate offers.
The failing part is a part most of us have to go through. Some get up again and keep trying, some loose confidence and go back to where they came from.
True character shows how we deal with failure. I was challenged here in Thailand as an expat since many years but I won’t give up. I think I gained a lot of respect because of my will and endurance.
With every new start in a new career, with every new tying to succeed we grow, I think.
I wish you too all the best, see you, Stefan 🙂
Hey Stefan, another great post from you.
I think the most crucial change in order to change your career is to change your mindset first. If you’re still stuck to the employer-employee mindset, it’s hard for you to make a lasting change even if you try to.
But your post here gave some really great advice on the type of paradigm shift needed and what to expect. So you’ve definitely done a great job.
I’m sure your readers will benefit a lot.
Keep up the good work 🙂
Hi Jerry, nice to hear from you again.
You are probably right with what you say, the right mindset, of course, is essential and the first thing we have to get on track.
I probably didn’t mention this because for me this is part of my nature 🙂
I’m glad you like what I write and hope to see you back soon.
Have a great day, see you, Stefan 🙂
Hey Stef,
I’ve changed my career a few times because I didn’t do it for a passion. I did it for the money and that paid the price.
That’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands once more. This time I chose something that will not only generate great income, but also something that I enjoy doing.
Career changes can be a good thing. If you don’t try, you wouldn’t know if it would work out or not.
Cheers,
Eric
Hi, Eric and thanks for another comment.
Congrats to you too, taking things into your own hands proves that you are grounded and stand on the floor with both feet.
I’m happy to hear that you found an occupation that matches your passion as well as a way to earn an income.
You’re totally right, if we want to know if a new career can work, we have to try, give our best and see with our own eyes.
I wish you a great week, see you soon, Stefan 🙂
Hello Steff.
Having also changed my career very recently, I can tell you that it is the most incredible thing I have ever done for myself.
I am loving this new path every moment. Learning new things and pushing myself way past my comfort zone.
And it is as you said a very step by step process.
Great article. Wishing you great success also.
In peace and gratitude, Ariel
Hi Ariel, and thanks for commenting.
Congratulations on your decision changing your career. I believe it is a not easy decision before doing but an incredible experience once done.
Getting out ones comfort zone is challenging but most often very rewarding.
I feel much more alive now that I have done the step than before when I was doing my 9 to 5 job satisfying everyone but myself.
I wish you all the best as well, see you, Stefan 🙂