Starting a late-life career? This is what you should know.

Everyone has a unique journey and timeline when it comes to figuring out a career path. While some people may have gained clarity about what they want to do from a young age and pursue it relentlessly, others may have it differently, threading multiple career paths and doing a lot of exploration and self-discovery. However, it is best to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to career development, and no time is too late to become a changemaker. So, if you coming through to start a career at a later age, here are a few things you should bear in mind:

At what age does it feel like a late-life career?

The idea of a late-life career is subjective because people attach ages of all sorts to it; for some people, a career change in their 40s may seem like a fresh start, while, for others, it is a later time. However, there is exactly no specific age tied to the "Late-life career" impression. Lana Elfstorm, a 56-year-old woman who just retired from an unsatisfying 30-year career, shared a story where she affirmed that it is never too late to start a new career. She further explained that she is now pursuing her passion as a game developer and entrepreneur. She also mentioned that starting a career at a later age comes with its benefits, including the abundance of experience and skills that you bring to your new career.  

Check again, do you have a solid reason to start the new phase?

Starting a new career later in life is a risk, so it is important to assess all the reasons you've got to do so. You need to be sure that the change is necessary, so take your time and try to think about what you truly value in a career - a good work-life balance, leadership, creativity, or flexibility. Also, shuffle your opinions; have you ever thought you don't belong where you are currently? Do you feel like you would do better in a new field? All of these will help you to make a perfect decision. Also, you need to be certain that your long-term goals fit into this new development; it is one of the simplest ways to approach the idea with a clear understanding. 

Grow a thick skin - Resilience will do!

Transitioning into a new career later in life comes with several challenges which include stereotypes and ageism in the workplace. In industries like tech where there can be a large number of Youths and Genzs, you may have to do a lot of work to prove your value and expertise through hard work, commitment, and your receptiveness to learning. Also, to catch up with the order of things, you may need to exert extra effort and interest in the skills and technologies that may originate. While dealing with opinions and biases may be a chore, just like the younger people in the field, attend conferences, network, and collaborate. Don't ever feel weird and out of place doing this because you are now walking a path that makes you feel fulfilled, you are where you want to be! 

Your existing skills are relevant!

Ever heard of transferable skills? They are skills that you have acquired from one job or career that can apply to a different job or career. They can include good leadership, great communication, problem-solving, and project management. Highlight the skills you already have and find out how they can be applied in the new career path that you have chosen. While you learn new skills, solidify your transferable skills as they can help you stand out in your new field. 

You need support

It is okay to have faith in yourself, however, you need people too. You need a strong support system to cheer you up every step of the way, offer you guidance and encouragement, and help you move through any difficulty. While you don't want to walk through this new phase alone, building profitable relationships will help you to grow and learn faster. The beauty of hitting a new road like this is to believe in yourself and have people believe in your abilities too. It makes it easy to keep trying even on days that you don't feel quite up to it. 

Revamp yourself

A late-life career would require you to do several updates which may include re-crafting your resume and portfolio because it has to be entirely different from what you had earlier. However, remember that your transferable skills may still have to remain in your resume. While you may think that having a face online is for young people, it may help you in your new career. Create a Linkedin profile, build a network, and you can also share your story to inspire people who do not have the courage to pursue their passion because they think it is too late. 

There is no reason to quit 

The decision to start a late-life career is big, and it is normal to experience doubts and uncertainties along the way. While the road gets hilly and rocky, dive back to why you made the decision, then remind yourself that you are the only person who never quits on you. Be energized, re-focus on your goals, activate your ginger, and continue going one step at a time. Follow your pace, enjoy your learning and transition process, and do not be distracted or intimated. Age is just a number and it is not capable of clipping the wings of your dreams. You call the shots, always!