Of Course, You Can Begin A New Career at Forty!
Just because you’ve been working in the same company for more than two decades doesn’t mean you can no longer find greener pastures. Of course, greener may not always mean a bigger salary. It can also mean going after your dream career, getting out of an employment rut, or finding a venture that won’t stress you out as much as the position you have now.
Whatever the reasons are, you can still get a chance to change career paths even at the age of forty or more. Here are a few proven pointers to get you started.
Research and Study
Since you are entering a new territory, it is best that you do your best to familiarize yourself with your new career choice. If you’ve already had this new position or venture in mind for the longest time, then you most likely have done past research about it.
Expand your knowledge by taking courses online or certification classes. For example, you are intent to enter the paralegal industry, search for paralegal certificate courses in NY to augment your chances of getting into reputable legal firms.
The same can be said whether you choose to put up your own business or intend to enter a new company. After all, learning is a continuous process, no matter what your age is.
Create a Plan
Yes, failing to plan means planning to fail. You are about to venture into a new adventure, and it’s not practical not to have a clear-cut goal for it. True, you may have to adjust to certain changes or sudden emergencies along the way, but that is no excuse for you to wing it.
Consider the costs you will incur in your career change, the number of weeks or even months that you have to put in extra energy, time and money to complete your objectives and the possible problems you’ll be facing in this transition. That way, you are prepared for the worst while aiming for the best outcome.
Build a Network
Never belittle the importance and support of experienced individuals and encouraging friends. Though you can gain instructional knowledge in classes, there are still pointers, skills and tactics that can only be garnered by hanging around proficient professionals.
Also, the presence of supportive family and friends can give you emotional support and mental fortitude that you cannot find in any instructional video or academic guidebook. Connect with an organization that can help you find mentors for your career change.
Involve the people you trust in your plans and ask for their input. Even your heart and mind need a boost after all.
If you are truly decided with your career change, then, by all means, go for it. True, there can be some risk involved, but if you are determined and hardworking, you have a greater chance of succeeding. Add to that the right instruction, guidance and motivation from the right sources, and you will go places.
So, what if you’re already in your forties? Just remember that life begins at forty, and all you need to do is to keep moving forward to go after your dreams.