Why You’re Never Too Old To Change Your Career
Have you ever thought you’re too old to make a big career move? Well, think again.
More than 34,000 workers aged over 50 have taken the plunge and have changed their careers. An article in The Daily Telegraph suggests that this demographic ‘rips up the rules of retirement and starts again’. Of course, it’s not just older people who are making changes to their lives. Anyone at any age can make career changes.
Why you could consider transforming your working life
For many people there comes a time when life in an office or the daily work routine becomes unbearable. You’re fed up with working for someone else, you wish you’d chosen an alternative career or you feel that you are unappreciated or your skills are underused. An increasing number of people are expanding their options mid career and looking at courses that might offer them new opportunities and challenges. If you want to retrain, then have a look at some of the courses on offer at Options Skills among other companies. If you’ve been stuck indoors and fancy your chances as an electrician or plumber, age should not be a barrier.
Age should never halt your progress
Not everyone in life follows a steady career path. Many MPs have had numerous professions before sitting in the House of Commons. Pop stars of all ages often re-invent themselves. For a famous example of this, just look at the life story of Richard Cole, an 1980s musician with the Communards who changed course in life and ordained as a priest in 2005. He can be heard broadcasting on Radio 4 every Saturday. The Express has an interesting account of Richard’s life, though his story is extraordinary rather than ordinary.
Losing your job can finance your new career
Many use redundancy or unemployment as an opportunity to reassess their lives. For example, if you studied social work at university, but recent government cuts have reduced your employment options, then you may be surprised at the skills that you’ve gained while at work. You’re probably a good administrator, communicator and negotiator as well as social worker so try to look at your skills in a positive light. Experience of any kind is useful, and this is one of the reasons why change at any time of your professional life can be a good thing. If you use your redundancy payment to finance training or an apprenticeship, then you can rest assured that your lifestyle and family won’t suffer financially as a result of your new career path.
Boredom breeds discontent
There are countless opportunities for those who want to make a job switch. Older workers may be nervous about new technology, but an article in The Guardian suggests that it’s still easy to find a course where you can brush up or learn new IT skills. Much of today’s job market uses new expressions to describe old business practices, so don’t be deterred. It’s important to try to remain confident and positive once you decide to change careers and remember that this might be the best move you’ve ever made. It’s got to be far better than being bored.
