Groups > U-Turn Ahead: Career Change After 40

Group admin:: Coryan
Created:: January 28, 2008
: 103 Members

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careers, jobs, work at home, career change, midlife career change, employment, work, employers, bosses, change jobs, change careers

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When's the best time for a career change?

Posted: Feb 3, 08 10:22pm

For some, a midlife career change is a choice. For others, it is a necessity. Today, many individuals face a significant career change resulting from a layoff, termination, a physical accident or other external circumstances. In his article about how to prepare for a career change, Mike Bellah refers to the study by a Harvard economist that show that today’s “middle-aged men are twice as likely to lose their jobs in a permanent layoff as they were 13 years ago.” Sometimes life determines for you when the career change is necessary.

Well then, with the exception of external circumstances, when would you want to consider a career change? A common answer is when you want (or need) to make more money. I mean, that’s why you have the job in the first place, right? Okay, that’s one way to look at it. But money is only one of the benefits of working. What about enjoying what you do, making a difference and having new and exciting experiences?

Needing to make more money is not the only reason to consider a career change. Other reasons can include: your career no longer excites you, your work is too stressful, or your work is in conflict with other aspects of your life. When you find yourself dreading work, it’s time to consider a change. I don’t mean the occasional, “I don’t want to go to work today.” I mean the everyday wish that you were doing something different.

Is there an ideal time to make a career change? According to the advice at AllBusiness.com, “the best time to consider a career change is when you are safely ensconced in your existing one. A steady paycheck can relieve a lot of pressure.” This allows you to examine your talents, explore career options and even test the waters of various careers without the fear of how bills will be paid.

So, if you find yourself unhappy at work, but still employed with a steady paycheck, you might want to do as I am doing and consider a career change. Take control now when it is your choice. Do something today to start that change. Just one step. The possibilities are vast and the next great career might be just around the corner.

Tags:

career change, midlife, midlife careers, career, job, work, employment, change, stress, work stress, steady paycheck

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1 Comment // 2 Members

maelena

Posted: Oct 27, 08 4:06am

Career change varies to every person. Others, just stick to their company until retirement, others have frequent changes in career ( 3 to five times )looking for the best work with good pay plus additional benefits and loves doing the work, but what in times of career change, you cant find the right job for you because of external factor.?

My husband had four (4) times changed his career.He first work in a wholesale & retail company as warehouse keeper , then became a sales agent of brewery company, then became a Manager of a Banana factory which closed, then became an interpreter for Chinese construction company for 2 years contract, then Manager again of a retail-wholesale company, and finally voluntarily retired at

age 52 . The reasons for his change in career where predominantly for a more pay, but the companies he was employed closed down. The latest company he joined and that made him retire early was because of the unhealthy working relationship with the owner. His job was not promising. The owner promised to share a

% of the company's income being the Manager who runs the business, but has not kept the promise. His work was 7 1/2 days a week, it is only Sunday afternoon is his rest day. It was really unfair.

In my case, I joined only one company until I retired last 2007 for 30 years of loyal service. I had frustration with the company in terms of promotions but did not contemplate then to change career. I need the job for my family. No regrets .. I have my own house and lot, a car through the loan facilities of the company which have lower interest than banks. The health benefit is great, it covers the whole family. Retirement Incentive was good enough to start a new life endeavor ahead.

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