CHANGING YOUR CAREER LATER IN LIFE? EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE

You are never too old.  That’s my adage.  Nowadays, it’s far easier to change your career and there are so many opportunities and options out there no matter your age.  

Changing your career could be the best thing you ever did.  Daunting maybe because you’re used to a set routine and terrifying because it’s an unknown future.

There could be many reasons why you want to change; boredom, lack of self-confidence, the job isn’t meeting your expectations any more, you are dissatisfied with life and money has ceased to be the main criteria for getting out of bed in the morning, you’ve nothing to look forward to, someone younger has been promoted over you, you’re completely demotivated. Simply said, you’re stuck in a rut and just not happy – and you deserve to be.  

Have you looked at friends and people around you who ventured out on their own and wondered how they did it?  It was because they weren’t afraid.  

There is never a good time to venture into the unknown world of a new career and you need to weigh up all the pros and cons. Can you write down the dreams and ambitions you always had whether it be running your own business, working in a totally unrelated arena where you would still be using your skills and experience but for yourself with no bosses to hound you, no working and earning money for someone else where you reap little reward. How exciting would that be? How satisfying?

The fact is that sometimes you have to make the decision no matter how hard it is. 

My 20 Step Plan:

1. Further education. Take an open university course on a subject in which you’ve always been interested. Do you need to improve your computer skills?  What about enhancing your current skills via online courses?
2. Look at other job opportunities in your chosen field but one where you would have additional responsibility and would give you more satisfaction. 
3. Analyse your current CV and update it.
4. Write down what would really interest you, get your adrenalin going and fire you up. What would your ideal role be?
5. Write down clearly what you want, and don’t forget also what you don’t want and won’t be prepared to do. 
6. Make a list of the things you like and dislike about your working environment. 
7. Do you have a hobby that could be turned into a business? 
8. Speak to other professionals to discuss how they started in the industry. Pick their brains about their career paths. 
9. Don’t limit yourself and approach your future as an adventure, where you are the explorer. 
10. Be prepared to take on the challenge and start something new. 
11. If you want to set up a new business, make sure you research as much as possible on every aspect – plan, set goals and objectives, budget.
12. Assess how your existing skills can be best utilised.  What are your qualifications and background? Do you have organisational skills, could you teach, are you good with ideas, are you good with people or better working on your own? Be willing to really look at yourself.
13. Identify your strengths, core values, and accomplishments. What have you learnt over the years? What is your expertise? 
14. Write down how your day would work?  Flexible hours, travelling, working from home, management of children and husband if applicable?  
15. Start your new business whilst continuing in your current situation until you have built up an adequate turnover and customer base. 
16. Join social media groups to discuss your concerns with other people in a similar situation. 
17. Start to think about expanding your network of contacts and associates.  Do you have a track record already?
18. What is most important to you? Being stress-free, making money, working in a fast-paced environment, working in academia, working with people or on your own, making a difference to the world, being free to make your own decisions? 
19. Write down your personality attributes. Are there some areas where you could improve – for example how you interact with others? 
20. Don’t be demoralised by family, friends, or colleagues when you tell them what you want to do. Have the confidence to stand up for yourself.  Be patient.  

themissionlink is here to steer you towards your new chosen career and work with you to ensure your dreams come to fruition with the right strategy in place.  Everybody needs guidance to point them in the right direction. Without that it may take longer and it will most likely be a lonely path.  

• I will build up your confidence.
• Help you to identify your chosen career.
• Help you turn your dreams and goals to reality.
• Work out what you are good at and what options are available to you, and map out a plan.
• Guide you in your decisions.
• Work with you every step of the way.