Things change and so do we. Staying in the same career year after year might not be suitable for you. If you are considering a change of profession or perhaps redundancy has been thrust upon you, it is important to think carefully about the next steps. Continue reading for our guide to changing your career later in life.
Volunteer
Even if you are currently 100% certain of the industry into which you would like to go, if you have not stepped foot inside that workplace before, you may well find yourself regretting that move. For example, going from a 9-5 job to being a chef with irregular hours could be a change you are not ready for. Volunteering is a great way to get your foot through the door and also a commitment-free way of discovering the ins and outs of the area of work.
Do your research
As above, it is important to find out what the industry is really like before committing. Speaking to people who are currently doing the role you are considering or who have in the past is a great way of discovering the pros and cons to making the leap from one career to another. Don’t forget to find out whether you are likely to need to update your qualifications or retrain. It is also worth checking local job sites to ensure that there are sufficient roles being advertised. If there are too many people going for the same career within your area, it might be worth considering something else or a move to an area where there is a greater need.
Undertake more training or education
Undertaking training in a relevant area or doing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree could prove to be the best way of proving that you are a good fit for the industry. Local training colleges often offer short courses in a variety of career-focused areas. Alternatively, you may wish to commit to a longer-term option. For example, the University of Law Moorgate offers a wide range of undergraduate courses from law to business management, digital marketing to accountancy. If you already hold a degree, a postgraduate course may be worth considering instead. Although the study is at a higher level, it is likely to only be one year in duration.
Consider the impact
Changing your career can impact many areas of your life. Firstly, think about your family. If you are going to need to move elsewhere to either study or find a job, this is a significant change and you need to ensure everyone is willing to support you in this. For single people, the decision may be easier, although elderly relatives must be taken into account.
Secondly, what will the financial impact on your life be? Going from one career to another, you may find yourself on a junior salary and therefore be earning a lot less. Are you going to be able to continue to pay your rent or mortgage? It is also important to think about how much money you will have to continue with your current commitments. For example, children’s after-school activities, gym memberships, existing holiday bookings. Finally, you ought to consider the potential impact on your health. For those with anxiety, the fear of something new may be too much. In addition, while there are many things to consider when making such a big change, the ultimate question ought to be “Will it make me happy?”.
