6 STEPS TO A MID-LIFE CAREER CHANGE

THESE STRATEGIES CAN HELP ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO THE CAREER OF YOUR DREAMS

Have a safety net

If you’ve got large financial commitments and no savings, walking away from a paid job with no guarantee when you will start earning money from your new venture is very risky, according to career expert Michelle Gibbings (michellegibbings.com).

“Alternatively, you build up the venture while staying in your current job. Taking this approach is a great way to test the parameters, build the infrastructure and contacts, and transition over a time frame that works,” she says.

Seek advice from those you trust

According to HR expert Karen Gately (ryangately.com. au) you should trust your own instincts but look also for mentors and advisers who have experience to share. “Tap into the lessons learned by these people and benefit from the wisdom they have acquired,” she says. “While anyone can have an opinion, take advice from people with experience to draw on.”

Know your customer

Really want to pursue your dream and making a living off it? Be confident you are selling a product or service that will be in demand.

“If they’re not buying, your dream won’t last,” warns Karen. “Understand your customer and how what you offer adds value to them. Be careful of adopting overly idealistic stances and focus on the commercial results that you need to drive.”

Have a plan

A career change isn’t very likely to happen by accident. It’s usually the result of deliberate planning and action, according to Michelle.

“Your career is just one part of your whole life, and it’s important to consider your career in the context of your life,” she says.

But be agile

While it’s essential to have a plan, its rarely possible nor desirable to map out every single step on the journey, says Karen. “The reality is opportunities and challenges will present, and you need to be ready to respond with agility,” she says. Ask yourself why this is important to you Why is it that you want to pursue this dream? “When you put your ‘why’ at the centre of your decision making you are considering your career choices as part of your whole life, including: family, friends and colleagues, health and happiness, community and societal needs, and personal and lifestyle goals,” says Michelle. “Having a clear reason for your pursuit makes it easier to maintain the work and dedication required when times get tough.”