This article shares the most helpful (and needed) resources you need when navigating a midlife career change.
You have a feeling of certainty that you have to change your career because your priorities and core values in your life have shifted.
Your fears of a midlife career change have settle because you've asked yourself the essential questions of why you're making a career change. And have prepared yourself for all of the ups and downs of what's ahead.
OK, so your headspace is in the right state of mind, but what are the first tangible steps when making a career change at midlife? What resources are available? And how can you make this life-changing moment not so disruptive?
I list the most helpful resources I used right after I felt secure with my choice of changing careers at 40. A list includes; the type of assessment tests to take, people you should surround yourself with, and the tools to stay organized.
So, let's set you up for success with these helpful resources as you begin your journey of changing careers.
1. Discover Your Strengths and Weaknesses
By this mid-career stage, you've had the time to develop hard and soft skills as a professional, but when was the last time you checked in with what comes naturally to you and motivates you to show up at your best?
It's probably been a while, or maybe you never took the time to find out what personal strengths and character traits make you, you.
You have been so busy working and inundated with the day-to-day responsibilities of your job that you lost track of what comes inherently easy for you or what lights you up inside when given the opportunity.
Four Online Assessments To Help Discover Your Top Character Strengths
When I decided to make a career change, I took four different tests (I couldn't help myself!). It was incredibly helpful and reassuring to know the strengths I can leverage in my new career.
Four Online Assessments To Help Discover Your Top Character Strengths
Knowing what allows you to perform at your best will help you narrow down the profession that aligns with who you are at this stage in your life.
2. Hire a Clarity Coach
Notice I didn't say hire a career coach? When you're ready to update your resume or prep for an interview, you will need a career coach.
Whereas a clarity coach will help guide you to a place of certainty by getting clear on your purpose and passion for your career.
Whoa! That is a tall order to fill.
How does a clarity coach help you get to that point?
- Asking in-ward looking questions
- Provide a safe space for an open dialog
- Listen and observe with your replies and answers
- Assign exercises and activities
I wish I worked with a clarity coach for my second career pivot. It could have saved me time and income loss if I had dug a little deeper into why I was changing careers.
I was changing for the wrong reasons. Running away from my failures with a former employer and only focused on making the most money as fast as possible. I ended going back to the original role I pivoted away.
Invest in a clarity coach, get to the core of why and how you will make this change a success.
3. Learn About Your New Career
Before you plan out your exit strategy for your current job or invest thousands of dollars on certifications or courses- take the time to schedule informational interviews.
What are informational interviews?
A conversation with a professional in the field, industry, or business you want to learn more information about. Insightful information from someone who is doing what you do day in and out. The type of valuable insights you won't be able to find on Google.
Information About:
- The highs and lows of the role
- Daily expectations and responsibilities
- Timelines of promotions or professional growth
- Education, upskill, or certifications
The most beneficial results from an informational interview is being prepared with a list of well-thought-out questions and being respectful and grateful for the person's time.
You never know- you might work with them one day.
4. Keep Track of Your Midlife Career Change
Changing careers could take over a year (or longer) to transition fully.
Treat this situation like a senior in high school (or last year of secondary school) discovering which college/university to attend—then going through the application process and interviewing with different schools (funny, your career change might actually send you back to school!). I use the college process as an example because there are different stages in the process, lots to keep track and timelines to maintain.
The best way to keep this long-term project all in one place and organized?
By using a project management tool, like ClickUp or Trello.
These cloud-based online tools have an assortment of templates, calendars, timelines, and financial budgeting features all in one place.
The more organized you are, the more confident you will become as you navigate each stage of your career change journey.5. Create a Career Change Entourage
Making a career change at midlife can be overwhelming and a little alienating.
Your family and close friends may not agree or understand why you are leaving your perfectly fine job to pursue something entirely different and new.
You know their heart is in the right place, but your best form of support and guaranteed success for this career change is by surrounding yourself with the right people who will serve a specific role for you at this moment.
The Supportive Roles You Will Need:
- Your Inspiration- the person whose career you aspire to achieve.
- Accountability Buddy- this person will call you out when you fail to get things done when you said you would.
- Your #1 Fan- everyone needs a positive cheerleader in their life. Someone who will always encourage you to do your best and celebrate your wins!
So there you have it! The resources that helped me launch and navigate my career change at midlife. A list of personality assessments, people to have by your side, and how to keep it all organized in one place.
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