U-Turn Ahead

I’m starting a new series at U-Turn called Midlife Career Change Myths.  For the next several days, we will be examining some of the more common myths about making a midlife career change.

Midlife Career Change Myth #1: If there’s currently a shortage of workers in a particular field, it guaranteed to be an excellent career choice.

At first glance, this appears to be excellent advice.  If there’s a shortage of workers, that must mean there is a high demand that will guarantee a future job and plenty of leveraging power for a better salary and benefits.  How could this thinking be wrong?  We’re always told to avoid careers with too much competition, so why not pick one with a lack of competition?

First, let’s remember that the job market changes constantly.  What we are experiencing today can quickly change tomorrow.  Remember the massive high tech hirings of the 90s?  Many of those workers lost their jobs when the Dot.com dreams of the 90s went bust.  And remember, if you think you’ve found the optimal job market, there are probably thousands just like you that are thinking the same thing.  The competition could be much more significant in 3-6 years.

Also, we have to keep in mind that the actual reports of worker shortages typically lag behind the time of the problem.  You need to do your research well to be sure the shortage is not quickly becoming yesterday’s news.

Finally, it is important to understand why the shortage exists in the first place.  Is the job undesirable?  Does it pay poorly?  Is training for the skills required, difficult to find?  Be sure you fully understand the career you are exploring before you make assumptions about the future potential.  What looks like a golden opportunity, may turn out to be just an illusion.

[PhotoCredit:CarbonNYC]