At fifty, many of us feel we finally know what we are doing professionally, have a lot to offer others, and are wiser than ever before. On the other hand, we may also be sensing that this is our last chance to make our mark on the world; that our energy, while strong, is beginning to wane; and that others – amazingly – see us as ‘old’. If this is your situation, how do you think about your career?
Broadly, you are likely to be in one of three situations. We have some thoughts on each:
1) In a job, but feeling unfulfilled, and perhaps beginning to be bored.
2) In a job, but feel that changes are coming, and you may not be there much longer
3) Out of work.
In each situation, the key to is take control of your career by putting yourself through a process of thinking about your options, and then taking action.
Now we will explore the option of a career change:
Change is Coming
The truth is, it’s easier to find a job, when you are in a job, and it’s better to move of your own volition, than wait for the axe to fall. If you feel that you may be in this situation, try asking yourself:
What are the options? You need to think as broadly as you can. It is easy to close down our thoughts if we have been doing the same thing for a long time. Routine can deaden our abilities to find new and clear ways to look at ourselves.
Appreciating what we are capable of is always the best first step. It is not easy to do that on our own and we always suggest you do this with someone else. When you hear yourself talking about your life and your accomplishments, you might surprise yourself!
Given where you are in life now, what is going to make you most energised, satisfied, and happiest? What is the best use of your remaining work life? Is it to do a full time job: several part time ones; contract or interim work? Is it to set something up, or join an existing organisation? Work freelance, or be employed?
You have choices. Even if you can’t see them, they do exist and you deserve the time and thought to examine them. Making a career change at 50 may seem daunting and isn’t the easiest of tasks but it is possible if that is what you want. You need to take the time to think about the right thing for you. The alternative is that issues outside or your control can transpire to put you in a difficult position which may not be good for you and your health.
New leaders will always see the same organisation through new eyes and will be determined to make changes. They will want to show who is in charge. They may want to change the old guard. If you can see this coming and you feel that it will affect you, take control and do something now.
Author: Simon North
