Is it Time for a Career Change?
Are you contemplating a major career change? Many of us do, particularly as we hit our forties. So, is it just a passing mid-life crisis or is it time to take a leap like you’ve never taken before? Many successful leapers would argue in favor of the latter.
Almost without exception, it seems to be brought on by one of two things:
- Mounting regret that one hasn’t pursued the dream career of their youth.
- An increasing realization that life really is too short.
The Dream Career Path
What was it you intended to be when you grew up? Perhaps it was a lawyer, a famous writer or artist, or an actor? Maybe you intended to become a missionary worker overseas, or work for the United Nations. Where does the time go? Now you’re forty-something and as you sit tolerating your now boring job, the spark is gone and you’re beginning to say to yourself “I wish I had…”
The question is, should you, or has time passed you by already? The answer will depend more on your personal and financial circumstances than on what it is you wanted to be – and, on how much you want it.
For an older person, getting into University or College to educate yourself in a new field isn’t that hard anymore. If the dream career was artistic or creative, it’s very much up to how much talent you have and how hard you’re prepared to work to make things happen. In fact, many things are a lot easier when you’re over forty because you know how the world works.
Can you afford to do it is usually the big question. If you really want to do it, you’ll probably find a way. If you can afford to take time off to attempt it, why wouldn’t you? Dropping to part time and pursuing your youthful ambitions in your spare time is another option. Getting a job that is peripheral to what you want to do is worth consideration too. As they say, where there’s a will there’s a way. If you don’t make some attempt then when you retire you’ll be telling your grandchildren “I wish I had…”
Life is Too Short
Yes it is. Why are you working your guts out and surviving week to week, forever struggling just to keep on top of the bills? What sort of “quality of life” is that?
Well, we all make choices. If you’ve chosen to have a lovely home in a nice suburb, drive the car of your choice, wear designer label clothing and eat out regularly, then you might have to review your priorities. If there’s something you really want to do in life, would downsizing your home or moving to the country make it financially possible? Think about it and you might discover a new path in life.
Of course, if you are financially secure and can easily afford to step off on a new path, what on earth are you waiting for?