CAREER
sue Clarke is a career coach with a business background (inthehotseat.co.uk).
ReshaPe youR destiny there’s a whole combination that can dent career confidence in midlife. you might have hit the “midlife plateau”, for instance – the longer you climb the ladder, the fewer jobs are around at that level, so we tend to stay still longer, not learning, not growing.
exaMine and identify the CaReeR Changes you Want is it that you’re not developing, or can’t get organised, or you feel overlooked? Choose one aRea, then devise a Plan to addRess it if you try changing everything at once, it’s overwhelming. a career coach is helpful here. if you want to make a big change, even switch careers, look at all possibilities. Can you downsize to free up financial responsibilities? Can you return to higher education?
don’t Wait to be notiCed Feeling invisible at work is common in midlife. Don’t wait to be invited to meetings or conferences, don’t wait to be asked to contribute. if you feel sidelined, overlooked for training or opportunities, put your name forward.
Put youRself foRWaRd as a MentoR in your workplace, through career networks, graduate schemes or voluntary organisations, offer to mentor up-and-coming youngsters.
tuRn youR “eneMies” into allies! Making a positive contribution boosts confidence, and mentoring will prove to you the value of wisdom and experience.