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4 Steps to Preparing for a Stress-Free Midlife Career Change

Let’s be honest, there is no such thing as a stress-free career change. But we can minimize what stress there is. Making a midlife career change means stepping out of your comfort zone and charting a new path. Excitement may be the emotion you experienced most when planning the change, but this is quickly replaced by anxiety, or even fear, as you let go of the handrail and reach for opportunity. So what practical steps can you take to prepare for the change, minimize your risks and reduce your stress?

Eliminate Your Personal Debt

Probably the biggest fear when making a career change is the threat to your financial stability. Leaving a steady job, often one that pays well, to start a new career can put real stress on your finances. Paying off your debt will put you in a much stronger financial position for making a job change. It may mean postponing your move for a year or two, but it greatly improve your success by eliminating the pressure of credit payments while starting a new career.

Build Up Your Saving Account

Another important step to being financially secure during the change is to have a reliable savings to carry you, if necessary. Most career changes will involve a period of transition, possibly leaving you without a source of income. If this is the case, you want to have money set aside to pay bills and expenses. How much should you have? It really depends on how long you expect to be without or at a reduced income.

Here’s my formula for establishing your saving account. First, calculate your monthly living expenses. Now estimate how long you may be without a job or working for less than what you need to cover your expenses. Now multiply the your monthly living expenses by the number of months you expect to need and add two months (for emergencies and a safety cushion). Finally, add any career change expenses you will need to pay, such as training or travel.

Gain the Support of Your Spouse

Unless you are single, you have to remember that this is a partnership and you need your partners support. Any career change will be easier and more successful when your spouse is with you all the way. Start talking early, when you first feel the need to make the change. Explain how you feel and why you are considering a change. Ask how they feel about what you have shared.

Talking about your desire for a career change may create stress for your partner. Assure your husband or wife that you are not going to quit today and leave the family in financial ruin. Of course, if you are paying off the debt and adding to your savings, it will make all of this much easier.

Do Thorough Research on Your Career Options

You greatly improve the odds for success by making an educated, thoughtful career choice. This means you’ve considered careers that make the most of your current skills and interests. You’ve identified what makes you passionate, what careers excite you. And, of course, you’ve examined the challenges and pitfalls of each career choice.

Is All This Necessary?

Well, no. I know or have read about individuals that have found new careers in midlife without any of these preparations. But the fact is that while many, if not most, of us will consider making a midlife career change, only a few will ever take that step. If something is holding you back from making the change, maybe one of these steps will put your mind at ease. You don’t have to dive into the deep end of the pool to get to the bottom. Some of us need to take it a bit slower.

What are your suggestions for getting ready for a midlife career change?

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Always Be Ready with Your Resume

Probably one of the most important things anyone can do for their career is keep their resume up to date. This is particularly true for anyone considering a midlife career change. So here we go. It’s time to take out that ole’ resume, brush off the dust and update it with all the wonderful things you’ve accomplished.

First, assuming you’ve go the old resume in hand, just set it aside for a moment. Before we start making actual changes, we need to learn a bit about how resumes have changed over the years. To learn more about what a quality resume should look like, check out the Resume Tutorial at Quintessential Careers. If you’ve updated your resume in the past twenty years, you’re most likely aware that marital status, hobbies and references should not be included. But are you also aware that many employer electronically scan resumes looking for the right candidate?

Now that you know how your resume should look and what to include, prepare a draft of your resume and share it with a mentor or friend who does hiring and get their opinion. I always think it’s a good idea to have even two or three people look over your resume before you send it to a potential employer. Listen to their feedback and make the changes you find appropriate.

Now print about three crisp copies of your resume and put them away for future use. Sure, you could just leave the file on the computer, but you never know when you will need that resume. And you don’t want to be out of quality paper when the time comes. I even keep one copy of my resume in my computer bag at all times. I have to use my resume for grant applications and other work, so it doesn’t seem all that unusual. But I also like having a copy handy for some unexpected opportunity that may arise.

How often should you update your resume? Well, let’s start with updating it every time you take on a new job or position. That’s right. As soon as you change jobs, change your resume. You also want to make changes any time there is a change in the information already on the resume. For example, if you move, you need to update the address and probably the phone number. But don’t forget to add important achievements to your resume soon after they occur. Keep your resume current and ready for any opportunity.

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Midlife Career Change Myth #5: I’ve Invested Too Much to Change Careers

This myth is probably one of the most common. And it’s roots are in the fact that by age 40 you HAVE invested a tremendous amount into your career. But does that mean that a career change is out of the question? Of course not…and let’s examine why.

Remember, what is invested is gone, the only thing that matters now is what you get out of your career. Thinking too much on the investment is like the gambler who can walk away from a losing table because she had too much invested. Looking at the investment is focusing on the past. It is far better to consider what you want from your career in the years ahead.

What you have invested is paid back in knowledge, skills and professional contacts; all of which can pay dividends in your new career. Your career investment from the past 20-30 years is not lost. You simply transfer the benefits of the time invested into something more fulfilling. Take the time to consider how you can use your current contacts to find a new career opportunity and how your talents can be put to use in that new career.

This myth is often heard when someone fears losing the stability of their current employment. Making a career change does mean giving up some stability and comfort. This comes with any change in employment. But a career change often includes moving into a field with which you are much less familiar. If you real concern is giving up your stable employment, then call it what it is. But don’t blame your hesitation on what you have invested. Once you’ve correctly labeled your worries, you can do something about them.

As I’ve said, we all have a lot invested into our careers by the time we reach midlife. And leaving that familiar career will bring new challenges and some discomfort. So carefully consider why you are making the change and how committed you are. But don’t fall victim to the myth that you can’t change careers because of what you have invested. Look forward, and choose your path. Don’t look backward.

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Midlife Career Change Myth #4: If I’m Unhappy, I’m in the Wrong Job

This is another myth that seems logical when only briefly considered.  Hey, if I’m unhappy, I must be in the wrong career.  But before we decide that the career is the cause of our despair, we need to consider what else may be the culprit.  Here are some other causes of career unhappiness.

The job has become routine and boring.  Boredom on the job is one of the major causes of dissatisfaction at work.  But boredom can often be caused by our own lack of adventure.  This was the case in my own career.  I had become bored because tasks had become repetitive,  and I had lost my creativity.  I thought the career had caused the lose of excitement, but rather it was the other way around.  My own lack of enthusiasm for my work had lead to my boredom.

So, what did I do about it?  Well, that could be an entire other post…and probably will be in the future.  But to summarize, I started talking with others around me who still had a passion for our work.  I also began looking for ways to be creative once again.  In only a month or so, that spark was once again ignited.

Your current employment is a problem, not the career you are in.  Often times you just need a change in employers, not a change in career.  Examine your current work situation and determine where the problem originates.  Is your unhappiness caused by characteristics common to the field you are in, or is the problem specific to your workplace?  Don’t dump a good career because of a bad employer.

You’re experiencing a general unhappiness with your life.  Midlife is a time when many individuals become disenchanted with how their lives have turn out thus far.  That’s where we get the phrase “midlife crisis.”  If your unsatisfied with other aspects of your life, besides your career, then the unhappiness at work is likely just a symptom of a larger problem.  Consider talking to someone, a counselor maybe, about what you are experiencing.  Don’t be quick to blame your career if you are feeling down about other parts of your life.

You’re not being successful at work.  When times are tough at work and outcomes are not the best, it often causes us to become frustrated or lose our passion.  We find encouragement in our successes.  So when we don’t get the promotion we wanted or a major client closes their account, our passion for work will often be the first casualty.  But life and careers are a series of ups and downs.  The solution to our unhappiness may be just one success away.

Of course, in the end it could be that you need a change of career to bring back that passion you once felt.  First examine the other possible causes of your frustration.  And once you’ve identified the problem, take steps to improve your situation.  If it’s a new career that you need, then begin planning for that change.  But remember, unhappiness doesn’t necessarily mean it time to dump your career.

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Midlife Career Change Myth #3:There is Just One “Right” Job for Me

If this is a myth that you’ve bought into, it’s time to rethink things. The fact is, there are many “right” careers for you. The challenge is finding one of those careers and making it a great career.

This myth can create significant problems for the career searcher who wants to find the perfect match. Opportunities are passed up because of some minor flaws while hoping to find that one job for you. Even when you think you’ve find that ideal career, problems come up that cause you to question if this is truly the one career for you. You could spend an entire, frustrating lifetime searching for just the right career to only end up disappointed time after time.

A better way to view career changes is to consider that several options are available for a great career. The key finding a really good fit and working to turn your career choice into the ideal career. Think of buying clothing off the rack and getting alterations to make them fit you perfectly. You find a close fit, but work to have them made into just the right outfit. Careers are much the same; a perfect match is nearly impossible to find.
Think of a career as more like a marriage; you only get out of it what you put in. When you find a good match, you work emphasis the positive points and find ways to cope with any negatives. For example, if the paperwork of the job is not to your liking, find a way to streamline this work so you can spend more time on the tasks you love.

Having a broader outlook in your career search has two major advantages. First, you are likely to explore more options and consider a wider variety of opportunities. Second, you begin to understand that happiness in your career is highly dependent on your own actions. Loving your work is not just the result of luck, or stumbling onto the perfect job. People who love what they do, put a lot into their work.

So, stop waiting for that perfect career and begin exploring. That next great job is just around the corner.

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Midlife Career Change Myth #2: Jobs are Found in Internet Ads

Only ten years ago, just 15% of unemployed job hunters were using the Internet in their search. Today, depending on the source, it is closer to 4 in every 5 job seekers. So, if everyone is doing it, then it must be the best method, right?

In 2005-06, the University of California, San Diego conducted surveys with recent graduates to explore, among other things, how they found employment after college. The results indicate that 26% of the graduates found employment through resources on the Internet. However, 38% found jobs as the result of networking, internships and prior experience. Other job sources were job fairs, campus postings, employment agencies and employer contact. But the interesting statistic here is the number of jobs found as a result of networking and other non-advertised methods.

More than a third of the graduates found jobs because of contacts they had, not through searching online advertising or newspaper classified (which, by the way, accounted for only 2% of the graduate jobs). This means that even for individuals starting their careers, networking is a key source of career leads. How much more vital must networking be for those of us who have been at this for more than 20 years?

Networking is a great way to find unadvertised jobs or to connect with employers through other channels. More importantly, if you are considering a career change to another field, networking is crucial to your success. Real career change should involve making connections, sharing information and promoting yourself through personal contacts. Your ability to network within the industry and follow up on leads is vital to finding the right job. For some simple tips on career networking, check out the article Job Search and Career Networking Tips at About.com.

Now, don’t finish reading this post and think that I said not to use the Internet in your midlife career change. On the contrary, you should spend time reading up on the career field, looking for potential employers, and networking with others. That’s right, use the Internet as a medium for career networking. Search for forums and groups in the field you are exploring. Talk with others who share your interest and begin following those important networking tips. Let people know you are looking to change careers and interested in helpful information and leads.

The Internet can be a great tool for midlife career changers, but don’t expect the perfect job to simply appear when you do a search on Monster.com. Invest your time into networking, it will really pay off.

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Midlife Career Change Myth #1: Find Worker Shortages

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.

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5 Reasons to Consider a Career in the Nonprofit Sector

Since I started working as a counselor at a youth residential facility, I have worked in the nonprofit arena. Now, 23 years later, I have some insight on the advantages of working for a nonprofit organization. But before I start, I want to explain what a nonprofit business really is. In the USA, a nonprofit business is any business incorporated under the 501 section of the tax code that provides certain tax advantages to companies that don’t distribute a profit to owners or shareholders. These businesses are actually public trust entities with oversight by a board of directors.

And nonprofits provide a broad range of services and benefits to the community. Your Humane Society and probably the local theater company and the are both nonprofits. Churches, labor unions and chambers of commerce are also nonprofits. Here are just some of the advantages of working for a nonprofit organization.

1) You will be making a difference. This is probably the first thing you also thought of. Nonprofit organizations provide benefits to the community and often help those in need. Working in a nonprofit means you become a part of improving your community.

2) You can be a big fish in a small pond. Many people have left jobs in large corporations to work in a smaller nonprofit business. Certain business skills such as finance, information technology, and marketing are highly valued in nonprofit organizations. Leaving a large IT department to help a local children’s charity can be a great source of pride and recognition.

3) Nonprofits are often more willing to hire older workers making a career change. This is particularly true if you have job skills like those mentioned in the previous paragraph. I have personally hired midlife career changers who were tired of the corporate world, but had the skills I was looking for.

4) Working for a nonprofit serving families can mean a family-friendly employer. These organizations understand the challenges that families face and often are more flexible and supportive of their own employees when it comes to balancing work and family.

5) Nonprofits are typically a much less competitive work environment. Although I have known some nonprofits with a somewhat competitive environment, this is not common.  If the corporate and sales ladders are becoming too frustrating with others always trying to push you out of the way, consider the options available in the nonprofit sector.

I’m not going to tell you that working in the nonprofit world doesn’t have it’s downsides, The common problems of lower wages and burnout have lead to many career changes in the other direction. But it’s my opinion that most midlife career changers are looking for a fulfilling career more than a big paycheck. So take some time to talk to nonprofit employers and do some research. You may just find that new career waiting for you at a local nonprofit.

By the way, a great book for those considering a career change to a nonprofit is Transitioning to the Nonprofit Sector by Laura Gassner Otting. This excellent guide to finding a nonprofit career begins with understanding nonprofits and the differences between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds. She helps you understand how to research career choices and find a job in the nonprofit sector. I highly recommend this book.

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5 Rules for When to Tell Your Employer You are Quitting?

If you are considering a career change that involves leaving your current employment, there will come a time when you must tell your employer. That conversation is no less important than any other step in changing your career. Choosing the right time to announce your resignation requires some planning and understanding.

Rule One: If you have a contract that defines how much notice is required, honor that contract. Violating your contract can put more than just your honor at risk. There can be legal and financial consequences of giving less notice than is required by your employment contract. All of the remaining rules assume that you are first abiding by any contractual agreements.

Rule Two: Don’t give notice of leaving your job until you have firm confirmation of what you will be doing next. If you are going to another job, wait until you’ve accepted a written offer. If you are starting your own business or retiring, don’t turn in your resignation until you have begun a clear plan and are ready to act.

Rule Three: Except in certain circumstances, don’t give more than one month’s notice. The problem with resigning too early is that both you and your employer can easily grow anxious about your departure. This anxiety will often interfere with your work and do damage to your relationship. If you believe your employer needs more advanced notice, carefully consider the possible consequences. I have personally made the mistake of giving notice to early only to have my supervisor respond by showing dissatisfaction in my work for the first time. And even thought I thought my employer would use the time to search for my replacement, they did not begin looking until my final week on the job.

Rule Four: Tell your employer before you tell co-workers and other business associates. You don’t want your employer to hear from someone else that you are leaving. Telling others first will put your reputation and relationship at risk. You don’t want to burn bridges with your current employer. Who knows, they may someday be your customer.

Rule Five: Except in extreme circumstances, never give less than two weeks notice. Even if problems at work make you want to leave on the spot, think first about what is best for you. Working just two more weeks shows your commitment to doing thing right. Give your notice, put in a few more days of excellent work, then move on to the next exciting stage in your career. By the way, the two weeks should not include using paid leave unless your employer recommends it and you agree.

When it’s time to move on, give careful thought to how you will make your resignation. Choose a time that is fair to your employer and allows for a friendly departure. Regardless of your plans for today, you never know how important that relationship may be in the future.

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Coryan Recommends: Posts for Midlife Career Changers

I found some excellent reading on the Internet this week for all you midlife career changers. So here’s my recommended reading list for today:

Creating Brand You – Have you considered how important it is to market yourself? Paul Brown examines the importance of seeing yourself as a brand to be marketed and valued in this New York Times article.

The Answer to the Toughest Interview Question – Penelope Trunk from Brazen Careerist helps you answer the trickiest question a potential employee will ask: “What salary are you looking for?”

Authenticity in Business and Other Lies – I love this blog. Catherine Lawson offers great advice for business, and this time she exposes some of the more common lies told in the business arena.

Overcome Your Fear of Career Change Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 – Maret McCoy has a wonderful website for women called Compass Life Designs. But this series of articles is relevant to anyone frustrated with their current employment.

Tips to Fine-Tune Your Resume for a Career Change (Podcast) – If you’re looking to start a new career, here’s a podcast interview with Kim Isaac’s, Monster.com’s Resume Expert, talking about creating a resume design just for the career changer. It’s worth a listen.

I will try to keep you informed of the best career change information on the Web at least every couple weeks. So be sure to check back for great original posts and the Coryan Recommends reading lists.

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