Regardless of age and experience, switching careers is never too late or early.
Whether you are a new graduate setting out on your professional path or an experienced worker seeking fresh opportunities, changing jobs at various life stages presents unique benefits and obstacles. Despite the intimidating nature of a career shift, embarking on this journey can bring many positive results and rewards along the way.
Why do people even consider changing a career path?
Each career shifter has their own motivation behind such a radical decision. Depending on your life stage, the reasons may vary significantly. Priorities we set at different stages of life change as we age. When a discrepancy between our priorities and career occurs, we must reevaluate our career path.
Taking the initial step to change your career path can seem intimidating, as our professional identity is often linked to our self-view. Therefore, this choice may make you feel that you are in danger of losing your sense of who you are. Understanding what causes you this fear and how to overcome it is essential.
From reasons behind career path change at different ages to career finder instruments, such as the career tests for adults, we will explore everything you need to know about changing careers at different stages of life.
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What Motivates People To Change Their Careers?
Our motivations drive our decisions — career path change is no exception.
We are either motivated by intrinsic or extrinsic values. Intrinsic values are connected to our inner gratification, like the craving for a job that would give us a certain sense of accomplishment or simply a job that contributes to overall well-being and happiness. On the other hand, extrinsic values refer to tangible rewards, such as higher salaries or more flexible working hours.
Studies confirm that people often change their careers simply because they want to earn more. Moreover, changing careers is often the result of a lack of job satisfaction. Unsatisfied with their current role, many individuals seek opportunities that will bring them joy and fulfillment in the workplace. Interestingly, people with fulfilling and meaningful jobs are likelier to accept lower salaries.
As we move through different stages of life, our motivation to transition into a new career may also change. Our priorities shift over time, and the reasons why we look for a change in a profession can fluctuate.
Related: Why is the New Year a Great Time for a Job Change?
Changing Career in Your 30s
During the thirties, many individuals experience professional flourishing. They likely have established a noteworthy portfolio and accumulated multiple years of work-related proficiency by this time. However, as they progress through their career journey, they may realize that while they possess specific work-related experience, it is not enough to provide them with joy or sufficient satisfaction from their job.
Consequently, they start wondering how to change a career. Furthermore, studies show people in their 30s may want a better work-life balance, as they may experience high levels of stress or even burnout, primarily if they work in a high-pressure environment, such as healthcare, social work, or finance.
At this stage of life, people can take a step back and reflect on their career choices from both personal and financial perspectives. If money isn't an issue, why not seek more meaningful opportunities that provide greater self-fulfillment? However, those who desire higher salaries or increased financial stability can pursue alternate paths by switching careers to capitalize on these benefits.
Career change at 30 can be a rather challenging and exciting experience. Professionals in their thirties possess the perfect blend of wisdom and youthful energy that makes them capable of finding a job they genuinely love while having the financial capability to make transformational career decisions that will help ensure success down the road. As long as they have put as much time and effort into developing their soft skills as their professional hard skills, there is plenty of time to transition to a new career.
Recommended: Making a Career Change at 30—7 Strategies to Find Fulfillment and Success
Changing Career in Your 40s
When people reach their forties, they are often more confident about the kind of job that would bring them happiness and pleasure. Fears associated with career change at 40 also intensify, which is unsurprising because employers may discriminate against older career shifters. However, people in their 40s also possess many positive qualities, such as a higher degree of responsibility, stability, developed social skills, and patience.
There can be numerous explanations for why someone in their forties may explore shifting their career. It might be related to current job stagnation or dissatisfaction with their chosen profession. Furthermore, they often have children who require a stable financial situation and thus seek out alternative employment options that offer more security.
Changing careers at 40 for those well-equipped with the required experience and qualifications can be pretty easy. On the other hand, if someone isn't as qualified or lacks specific credentials, they may need to invest significant time in additional training and education.
Recommended: Changing Careers in Your 40s—How to Leverage Experience and Find Fulfillment
Changing Career in Your 50s
As we reach our 50s, life can look drastically different from how it did in earlier years. Over the decades, most of us have experienced professional shifts that alter not only where we stand within our careers but also how these changes influence other areas of life.
At this point, people may transition to a new career due to financial worries or lifestyle modifications, such as moving somewhere else or wanting more time with family. Many individuals in their fifties choose alternative employment with flexible hours and lower pressure levels because of aging and impending retirement.
Family support is crucial for people in their 50s during a career change. Thus, before a career change at 50, it is vital to have a candid conversation with family members about the future, as any career change decisions will undoubtedly influence them. By preparing beforehand and considering every potential outcome, you can ensure they are ready for whatever lies ahead.
Changing careers at 50 can be intimidating, especially considering the limited years left to build a viable career path before retirement. That's why it is crucial for those in this age group to make sure that they select something that offers the highest degree of work satisfaction. It's also wise for people in their fifties to conduct thorough research into job markets before making crucial decisions.
Recommended: 50 and Thriving: How to Confidently Make a Career Change at 50
Practical Tips to Change Careers at Different Stages of Life
If you follow evidence-based strategies and tips, you can guarantee a smooth transition into a new profession. It doesn't matter what stage of life you are in, you can find a career that helps you balance your professional and personal life.
So here are a few practical tips that will help you answer the question, "How to change my career?".
Use Career Finder Tools
Career finder tools may help you identify potential career paths that you could pursue based on your characteristics and preferences. Career finder websites provide information on careers, salaries, and skills required for your future dream job. You can also take a career test for adults developed by BrainManager to find out the top 10 jobs matching your personality type.
Reflect on Your Ambitions
Before changing a career, it's critical to consider how this will affect your future. Set realistic objectives you can accomplish within a reasonable timeline, given your talents, expertise, and experience. Assessing these factors beforehand helps ensure that you are well-positioned to reach success in no time!
Dig Deep
Before making any commitments, exploring the profession that piques your interest is essential. Research what other professionals in this field have achieved and read up on all the relevant materials to help you comprehend what is needed for success.
Connect with Professionals
Remember that you can communicate with experts in the field, as they can provide invaluable information about what it takes to succeed. You may even find a mentor who can direct and guide you on your journey!
Improve Your Knowledge
Even if you feel confident in your abilities, learning is always beneficial. Attending seminars, webinars, and other events connected to the chosen profession can provide valuable skills and information required for success. Plus, it helps to expand professional connections as well.
Ensure Financial Security
When making a career switch, assessing the financial investment required for the transition and what you can anticipate receiving in return is essential. Save enough money and consult with a financial advisor to minimize risks associated with a career change.
You Have What It Takes to Change Careers!
Transitioning to a new career may seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be.
Investing in your research and ensuring you are adequately prepared for the switch ahead of time can ensure your decision will set you up for success.
With determination, resilience, and assistance from those around you, this change will bring positive results!
