After many years in the in the same job, it’s only natural that you want a change of pace. Switching careers can be intimidating at any age. It’s a new environment and you need to learn new skills, especially as technology seems to continue to change year over year. However, this doesn’t have to be some jarring experience. It can be exciting branching out and trying something different for a living. Here’s how you can switch careers in your fifties and live out the remainder of your working career before you set off into the retirement sunset.
Secure Yourself Financially
Switching careers is a changing life changing experience, so your first action should be making sure you have a security blanket. This is especially true if you’ve already quit your current career as you pursue a new one. A great way to quickly procure a couple thousand dollars is to get a life settlement. A life settlement is when you sell the rights to your policy to a third-party buyer in exchange for a percentage of its value. This percentage can depend on the policy and the buyer. You’ll need to find a trustworthy establishment to help with the settlement. There are online guides that’ll teach you how to evaluate the best life settlement companies.
Assess Yourself
Before you can come to a decision, you need to do some self-assessment. Think about what interests you most. In most cases, people find their dream career solely through their personal interests and hobbies. Doing this can help you narrow down your search by a large margin. If you’re interested in the pet sector, maybe you’ll find yourself interested in dog grooming or opening your pet boarding company. You’ll find that every field has its own diverse selection of sectors.
Go Back to College
Since we’re talking about a career switch, you want to have a good understanding of the field you choose. And there’s no better way to get that education than by going back to college to gain an additional degree (or finish). Depending on the career you choose, you’ll most likely need to pursue a BA. Some fields, like HVAC technicians, require an associate’s degree or a completed apprenticeship. If you plan on taking things a step further and want to pursue an advanced job, then obtaining a master’s or Ph.D is a must. But bear in mind that this will cost you a bit more in student loans and the coursework is more rigorous than a bachelor’s program. However, the effort will be more than worth all the hard work.
Seek Out Support
Because this is such a drastic life change, it’s not uncommon to feel anxious and even doubtful at times. But whether you’re in your 20s or mid-50s, you’re going to need support. Talk to your family and friends, and see what they have to say. Go over everything you plan on doing and don’t squander any details. This can provide you with valuable insight along with the reassurance from those who believe in you.
