By Sarah Wright
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Is It Too Late?
Generally, it's easy to say that it's never too late to start a new job. But let's be real, here: sometimes, that's just not true. If you're in your late 50s with no background in biological sciences or healthcare, and you want to become a doctor, that might be a little less than possible at this point. But there are still things you can do to get on a path that's more interesting than the one you're currently on.
Whether you have your heart set on a specific new career, or you have a vague idea of something that you'd like more than what you're currently doing, you're going to need to do some research and think about what steps to take to put the transition in motion. Networking with established professionals in the field you've become interested in is a great way to get information and professional contacts that can prove valuable when it's time to start applying for jobs.
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What to Do if You Want a New Job
It can seem overwhelming to start from scratch, particularly if you have a career and family to balance. But you've done it before, and you can do it again. Here are some things to consider before taking the plunge into a new career path.
What job titles am I interested in?
Before jumping into a degree program or some other training for a new career, it's a good idea to have a targeted end point in mind. You might be interested in working in the healthcare industry, but there are a lot of different job functions under that umbrella. What exactly do you want to do? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a good resource to get information about specific job titles.
Have I already taken some necessary steps?
If you're already a college graduate, it might not be necessary to get an entirely new degree to enter your dream profession. Some of your credits might transfer, or some of your foundational education might be valid to the job you want. Consider what's in your professional and educational history, and consult some established professionals in the field as to what additional steps you might need to take.
Is it realistic?
This is kind of a bummer of a question, but it's necessary to make sure you're being responsible in your job transition. Are your goals realistic for where you are? Being realistic about this goes both ways - don't sell yourself short. Do your research and find out what you need to do. If it's just too much, try to shift your focus to something more attainable.
If you're a retiree who's looking to start a new career, you're not alone.
