There are several reasons for starting a new career after 50. Whether you’re tired of doing the same thing you’ve done since you started working, or you’re retiring and are ready to find something new and different, you can start a new career right now. If you’ve worked in the same position for many years, then there might be some anxiety about making this change.
You might be wondering, “what career is right for me” or, “what job should I have.” If you know you want to begin a new chapter in your life, but you aren’t sure how to start a new job, then you should continue reading below.
In this guide, you’ll discover a few tips on how to start down a new career path in your 50s! Here’s what you need to know.
1. Revamp Your Resume
You’re tired of doing what you’ve been doing for the past 30 years. You’re ready to retire and want to find a job to make up for lost money. Maybe you’re having financial troubles and need to find something quickly.
When struggling to pay your mortgage due to economic hardship, there are a few options for you. You can read more on chapter 13 bankruptcies before deciding if starting a new career, for this reason, is right for you. Otherwise, you’ll want to start your new job soon, and that’s why you need to revamp your resume!
Do you remember the last time you made updates to your resume? Take the time to make all the updates, and make sure you revamp it to attract the type of employer you’re looking to work for. If you need help doing this, there are companies that’ll work with you to redo your resume and make it nearly perfect before applying for a new job.
2. Be Realistic When Applying
When you’re ready to start applying to jobs, you need to be realistic about what you can and can’t do. Remember, you’re not a young kid anymore, and you might have some limitations. If you have any health concerns, then it’s best to schedule an appointment with your doctor to go over these possible limitations before applying for a job.
Your doctor can also write you a note to give your new employer that states these limitations. For example, if you’ve had knee surgery in the past and are unable to stand for more than a certain amount of hours, this needs to be brought to the employer’s attention. If you have a limitation like this, then you shouldn’t apply for a position that requires you to be on your feet for an 8-hour shift.
3. Remain Flexible
Depending on your past job or jobs, there may be a lot of changes in certain career fields that you weren’t expecting. When’s the last time you worked in a grocery store? If you worked at one for your first job and are now applying to work at one again, then you can expect the technology and systems to be much different.
Because of this, you must remain flexible. Never stop learning, and be open to learning these new things. They might seem challenging at first, but once you get the hang of it, they’ll most likely be more helpful than you thought.
4. Build a Support System
Starting a new career in your 50s comes with some difficulties. You may feel as though employers will discriminate against you because of your age. You may feel nervous about coming into a new job at an older age.
Whatever is weighing on you, you need a strong support system to bring you back up. Speak to friends and family about your new ventures. Do you know someone else who started a new career recently who’s the same age as you?
Ask them for advice. There are also career coaches you can sit down with who’ll give you advice and guidance as well.
5. Consider Going Part-Time First
When starting a new career, it’s a good idea to start out slow. Consider going part-time first to get your feet wet. A part-time job is a great opportunity to figure out if it’s something you want to do.
It’s okay to try a couple of different things before learning what it is you like doing best. Start off with the job you believe you’d like the most and go from there. There could be something you think you’d enjoy and then discover it’s not what you thought it’d be.
6. Take It Back to School
It’s not too late to start a new career in your 50s. It’s also not too late to go back to school in your 50s. Is there something you wanted to learn more about when you were younger but were never able to do so?
Is there a skill or trade you have that you were never able to build on? Now is the time to consider going back to school and earning that degree or certificate! While attending school, you’ll also meet new people, build networks, and discover plenty of career opportunities.
7. Do Your Own Research
The last word of advice is to do your own research. This is true for both your career and schooling. No matter which path you decide to take, it’s always a good idea to do some research about it first.
Look into the different careers you have in mind. Learn as much about them before deciding which ones you want to try out. If you want to go back to school, then research different universities or trade schools in your area.
Take your time learning as much as possible, so you can then make an informed decision.
Starting a New Career in Your 50s Is Achievable
Although starting a new career in your 50s might seem daunting, it’s achievable when you know all the right steps to take. Follow the tips listed here in this guide to find your new career and get enter this new chapter in your life.
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