The professional world and labor force have drastically changed in recent years. Not only are companies going through digital transformations, but there has also been a fundamental shift in people’s mentality and the way they view their jobs.
More people are willing to walk away from companies that aren’t meeting their personal and financial needs. But as I’m approaching 40, the prospect of starting over in a new field is daunting, to say the least. Although I’ve done it before, I keep asking myself, “Is it possible to change careers later in life?”
Diverting from the Predetermined Career Path
When I was growing up, nearly everyone planned to go to college. There was a set course and a standard recipe to achieve professional success…go to school, get a 4-year degree, settle into a financially stable career, and then work hard to build your seniority and retirement savings.
However, everything changed when I was about to graduate. The mortgage crisis disrupted many plans and suddenly nothing seemed certain. Even though I finished my degree to have something to fall back on, I realized I wanted something different. Rather than settling into a career and a predetermined life, I chose to pursue an alternative career path.
After graduation, I found opportunities to study and work overseas. This opened my eyes to alternative lifestyles that provided both financial gain and personal fulfillment. Unfortunately, teaching English abroad didn’t leave much room for career advancement. Therefore, I moved to different countries and changed jobs every year or two.
Some people would never dream of making such frequent career changes. But, I was still in my 20s and unafraid to take risks and change my entire lifestyle for new opportunities. It brought many challenges, but my skills were in high demand and I had many job prospects.
However, I’m now reaching an age where these choices are much riskier. Although I have more skills and experience now, there are fewer opportunities to continue in the same field since I returned to the US. I am also competing with younger, equally qualified candidates who are willing to accept lower salaries. Now, job hopping every few years is just irresponsible. And as I am getting closer to 40, I’m feeling the pressure to make more permanent career decisions.
Is It Possible to Change Careers Later in Life?
The truth is that it depends on who you ask. Those who are open to change and driven to succeed can change their careers later in life.
Despite many assumptions, linear career paths aren’t very common. And, many people change paths several times throughout their professional lives. According to a recent study, only 27% of college graduates work in a field related to their major. More than half of those who have quit their job in recent years changed fields altogether. And of those who did it after the age of 45, 82% made the career change successful. Furthermore, they were happy and grateful they made the change.
Is It Worth It?
Although no one can predict the future with absolute certainty, these figures and personal testimonies made me realize a few important things.
- While it may be a huge gamble to start over, the rewards far outweigh the risks.
- If you are unhappy in your current position, it’s okay to make a change at any age. There are no set rules or career paths you have to follow.
- To make the change successfully, you have to be intentional with your choices.
- You also need to understand what is motivating your change so you can find something that fulfills your needs.
- Don’t be afraid to seize opportunities when they come.
Just changing your outlook can create new opportunities. When I decided to not only change careers later in life but also embrace it, new doors opened that I never knew existed. You will never find what you are looking for if you aren’t willing to take risks. You never know what might be waiting for you, if you’re brave enough to take them.
Read More
- 3 Tips for Making a Career Change
- Do You Have Any of These Career Regrets?
- How Can You Build a Career and Life of Travel?
Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.