Career by Design

by Jill Crossland

There are many individual factors that can precipitate a career change after forty. The circumstances that bring you to this point however are clearly divided into one of two areas and will influence how you design your career choices.

1. Beyond your control; retired, laid off, hours cut back or financial pressure.
   → This puts you in a state of mind clouded by fear, uncertainty and self-doubt
2. It is the right time; to leave the job that has you restless & bored, to take life in a new direction or to retrieve something that was set aside many years ago.
   → While you may feel a bit of trepidation, overall this can be an exciting and rejuvenating time.
   
   

Note: If your career change is being bought on by a sudden life transition such as divorce or death of a partner, make sure that you have given yourself time to deal with what has happened. Don't make this change in the midst of emotional turmoil or mourning.

Whatever has lead you to this point remember it is about you, your vision, your motivators, your dreams, goals and values. Schedule the time on your calendar to work on the getting your career underway. Start with the three steps we have developed for you, listen to your own answers and then use them to design a career choice that is right for you.

STEP ONE: Identifying Your Vision

Laying the foundation

1. Excluding financial gain what do I want from my work?
2. What did I give up or trade off in my twenties? Do I want to pick it up now?
3. What else do I want in my life besides work; travel, time for self, volunteer work, hobbies, exercise?
4. Is my mind open to training, new challenges, interacting with a younger workforce?

What is your specific path?

1. Complete career change
2. Same career in a new field or with a new company
3. Different role in existing career, company or field.
4. Start your own business
5. Redefine your existing job: Telecommute, job share, reduce hours, become part-time, delegate more or work under contract as a consultant.

Dynamics of your new career

1. Full or part-time
2. Prefer to work solo, small office or corporation
3. Location: Commute or home based
4. Work environment: casual or structured

STEP TWO: Examining You

What is different today, than when you started work twenty odd years ago?
You have experience, not only professionally but personally.
You know yourself; your strengths and weaknesses.
You have fulfilled your obligations.

Are you ready for a change?

1. Check you health, diet & exercise program
2. Appearance: Clothes, make-up & hair
   > Have some fun. Book some mini makeovers if you need to. Go shopping with a supportive friend.
3. Update your skills; take courses, read & research
   > Never say 'I'm too old too...!

Personal Inventory
As you work through your inventory it is crucial that you do so with an entirely open mind. The answers are not going to jump out, it may be hidden in one word or it may not be what you expect.

1. Write about your ideal life
2. List life experiences
3. Work experiences
4. Volunteer work
5. Hobbies
6. Strengths
7. Skills

When you have finished look for common denominators.
Take note of what you really enjoyed and really didn't!
Compare what has changed over the years.
What has gone from your life that you miss?
Notice how much you have accomplished.

STEP THREE: Getting started

You cannot do it alone

1. Time Management & Lifestyle: Life Coach or Professional Organizer
2. Money: Financial Planner
3. Family: Inform those who will be affected by your plans about what you are doing but don't seek permission, be firm.
4. Check you health: Doctor, dentist, gynecologist etc….

Now you are ready

1. Define what you are working towards & give the title of your choosing….dream, goal, mission, direction, path…..because it is going to become your mantra every morning until it becomes a reality.
2. Don't listen to anyone who tells you that you can't do it!

Give it life

1. Network & talk to others in the field of your choice.
2. Have business cards printed with your name and contact information, it looks more professional than jotting it down on a piece of paper.
3. If you don't have a home office; set up an area for all the information, research, paper work, and contacts that you will gather.
4. Be organized and keep everything away from the mainstream of your home life.

Until now you have fit into all your roles; worker, mother, wife; now you are ready to design something just for you. Something that is made up of what your experiences have been both in life and work, where you are now and what you want to be.

Because, if not now when? 'When I'm older' is today!

Helpful Books
The Age Advantage: Making the Most of Your Mid-Life Career Transition by Jean Erickson Walker
Dreams Have No Expiry Date by Laurie Gottlieb & Deanna Rosenswig
Don't Retire, Rewire by Jeri Sedlar & Rick Miners

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