The best age to change careers

While many people often think about a career change, finding the courage to switch your job at any age is tricky. But there are times which are better for changing your career, and others that aren’t as well suited. Speaking to FEMAIL, Linkedin and careers expert, Sue Ellson, revealed the best age to switch jobs, how you can navigate the move and the things you should never do. ‘The best way to change careers is not overnight, but gradually,’ Sue told Daily Mail Australia. Here, FEMAIL takes a look at her top tips.

THE BEST AGE TO MOVE

While Sue said that there is not necessarily a best age to change jobs, rather a time, there are some that are more common than others: ‘I have seen many people change their careers after they’ve had children - in the 30 to 40 age bracket,’ she told FEMAIL. ‘Another popular period is once a parent’s children is older - in the 45 to 55 age range. ’ The Linkedin expert said that people without kids might be most likely to travel and consider changing careers when they are away. ‘Before changing jobs, you need to do your research,’ she added. ‘Talk to people in the industry or the roles you are interested in and scope out the opportunities and pitfalls.’ ‘most careers are only ever likely to reach 80 per cent of perfect, even the ideal career, so it’s important to be realistic about how a career change will change your life.’

HOW TO NAVIGATE A CAREER MOVE

When it comes to actually changing jobs, your research should start generally and end up more specific. ‘Start with general information on the industry or profession and gain reliable data and information, and follow this up with individual conversations with different people who have different perspectives,’ Sue said. Next, she said you could consider working with a career development practitioner - who can help you ‘find options and give you clues on how to transition in a way that works for you’. The Linkedin expert also said you should take personal responsibility for the outcome, as your life isn’t down to friends and family. ‘If you make a mistake, remember the lesson, not the disappointment, pick yourself up and try again,’ she added.

WHAT YOU SHOULD NEVER DO WHEN CHANGING JOBS

Sue also revealed what you should never do when changing jobs. ‘Never do anything hastily - like resigning tomorrow and starting without a job,’ she said. ‘Your dwindling bank balance will not help you make logical decisions and you may be tempted by the wrong offer.’ Similarly, she said you shouldn’t accept opportunities that are not in writing: ‘You need to know what exactly is on offer first,’ she said.