Rethinking your career path can be overwhelming, especially in the current economic climate. Nonetheless, almost half of all employees in the United Kingdom are determined to take the leap and pursue a career change. And of those that do, 80% wish they had done it sooner.
This is because a successful career change can result in a 77% increase in happiness, a 69% increase in fulfilment and a 65% reduction in stress levels. With so much to gain, a career change is likely the right option. If you’re considering a midlife career change but aren’t sure where to begin, we’ve outlined the process you can take to find a career that suits your values, passions and lifestyle.
Self-Reflection
Before you start exploring different career options, it’s important to invest time in self-reflection. Consider when you feel most confident, what you are passionate about and what skills you already possess. We also recommend identifying what you value in a career, such as work-life balance, job security, progression or the opportunity to make a difference. In doing so, you can identify job roles where you can excel and feel fulfilled.
Research
Once you better understand your values and skills, it’s time to start researching different career options. Many resources are available, including online career assessments, job shadowing and interviews with professionals in fields of interest. Networking can also be an effective way to learn about different career paths. Connect with professionals in your desired field through LinkedIn, or attend industry events to meet people and learn more about their work.
Skill Development
When entering a new line of work, you will likely need a different set of professional skills. In fact, 69% of people pursuing a career change will need to develop new skills to make the move successfully. Therefore, we recommend taking a class, attending a workshop or even volunteering in your desired field to gain practical experience that can be directly referenced during job interviews.
Career Coaching
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start when entering a new field of work, career coaching is likely the solution. Partnering with a career coach can help you identify your interests and strengths, explore different career paths and create an action plan to help you successfully change careers, all while offering support and opportunities for personal development.
Take Action
By this point, it’s likely you will have an idea of your new career pathway. It’s now time to consider how you will get there. Designing a realistic action plan is a great way to clearly define your goal and outline the milestones you need to hit along your journey. We recommend keeping a physical record of these steps and a timeline of completion, so you can hold yourself accountable throughout the process. What’s also important is to accomplish at least one thing every day, whether attending a networking event, developing new skills or collaborating with your career coach.
It’s important to remember that making a midlife career change can be a positive and transformative experience, leading to increased happiness, fulfilment and a more balanced lifestyle.
While it may seem daunting to leave behind the familiarity of a job and start afresh, the benefits of finding a career you love far outweigh any initial challenges. With determination, willingness and the support of a career coach, you can find a career that brings you joy and satisfaction.
Don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing your dreams – take the first step towards a fulfilling career change today.
