Key Takeaways:
- Determine what you want to do: Identify your skills, hobbies, strengths, weaknesses, and research potential career paths to figure out what you want to do.
- List your skills: Create a long list of your best workplace skills, including transferable skills, and highlight them on your resume.
- Seek support: Don't go it alone, seek support from mentors, professional associations, social clubs, volunteer groups, coaches, or mastermind groups during your career transition at 50 or later. Consider getting more education to refresh your skills and resume.
ust because you're over 50 doesn't mean you should stop dreaming about a new career. In fact, it's the perfect time to start something new!
With the right resources, you can easily start a new career in your 50s or later. Here's how to get started changing your career at 50:
Determine what you want to do.
When it comes to changing your career at 50 or later, the first thing you need to do is figure out what you want to do.
If you're not sure how to get started, try asking yourself these questions: What do I like doing? What are my hobbies? What are my strengths? What are my weaknesses? Do I want to work with other people or alone? Do I want a lot of responsibility or a more laid-back job?
Once you identify some possible career paths for yourself, start researching them. Find out what skills and education are required for each job, and if there are any certifications or licenses that can help increase your chances of being hired for the position.
You may also want to find out about local training programs that can help prepare you for the kind of work you'd like to do next. If there isn't anything available in your area, consider taking classes online through an accredited university or community college. This will allow you to learn new skills while continuing with your current job until graduation!
List your skills.
When you decide to change careers, you want to make sure your resume highlights all of your best workplace skills.
The good news is that your transferable skills are key to getting hired in any new career field. That's why it's crucial to create a long list of your best workplace skills. This should include everything from computer skills and specialized knowledge in your current field to skills like communication and listening.
Seek support.
You're not alone. A recent study by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that 30% of workers ages 50 and older were changing careers -- a percentage that's expected to grow as the workforce ages.
As you embark on this new journey, don’t go it alone. Seek support from others who can offer advice and encouragement. Some good places to start include:
- Find a mentor who’s been there and done that in your field of interest.
- Join professional associations related to your new field (you may have to pay dues).
- Participate in social clubs or volunteer groups related to your new career path.
- Consider hiring a coach or mentor — someone who will help guide you through the ups and downs of starting over again at 50.
- Form or join a mastermind group that meets regularly to discuss challenges faced during career transitions
Consider more education.
A middle-aged person can still learn new skills, and a new degree can provide a new direction for your career.
It could also be a good way to refresh your skills and resume if you're going back into the workforce after a long hiatus from working.
We hope these tips will help you start a new career at 50 or later.
If you need support on starting a new career at 50, check out some of our classes where you can learn more!
You can watch the classes by clicking on each link:
Classes by:
Kevin Miller
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