Changing Careers in Your 50’s
How to get started
Changing careers at 50 can feel daunting and overwhelming, especially if you’ve spent most of your professional life in the same workplace or field. If you’re in your 50’s and thinking about something new, here are some of the considerations that may be on your mind.
Greater financial responsibilities
At age 50, you may have greater financial responsibilities than you did at 30, such as a mortgage, tuition for your children, or caring for aging parents. This can make it more challenging to take risks or make a sudden transition.
More established professional identity
By age 50, you likely know who you are at work and have built up a network of colleagues, clients, or customers over the years. This can make it more difficult to start over in a new field or company.
Different life priorities
At this point in your life, you likely define work-life balance differently than you did when you were younger. You may be looking for a career that brings about less stress, offers more flexibility, or allows more time for fulfillment outside of work.
Given these considerations, a strengths-based approach can be particularly helpful for people in their 50’s looking to make a career change. Here are a few reasons why seeing yourself through the lens of strengths can help you make more progress in your career search:
Builds on what you already do well
By age 50, you likely have a wealth of experience and skills to draw upon, and it’s unlikely that you’re interested in going back to school. A strengths-based approach helps you identify and build upon these existing strengths, rather than focusing solely on your weaknesses or areas for improvement. This shift in focus can help you change the way you talk about yourself on the job market.
Increases confidence and motivation
When you focus on your strengths, you can feel more confident and motivated in your career transition. You have a better sense of what you bring to the table and how you can apply your skills and experience to a new field.
Identifies transferable skills
A strengths-based approach can help you identify transferable skills - those skills that can be applied in multiple contexts. This can help you make a smoother transition to a new field, as you can highlight your transferable skills in your resume, cover letter, interviews, and when you’re talking with people.
Helps you find the right fit
When you focus on your strengths, you can be more intentional about finding a career that is the right fit for you. You can look for opportunities that align with your strengths and values, and avoid positions or companies that don't match up with what you're seeking. A strengths-based approach can also help you gain language to talk about the things that you definitely don’t want and can give you permission to move past those types of opportunities without regret.
A strengths-based approach to career change is rooted in knowing yourself. As you’re preparing for being on the job market, here are five things employers will expect you to be able to describe about what you bring to the workplace and what you’re seeking:
1. Professional experience and accomplishments
Talk about the skills you've acquired over the years and how you have grown in your career. You can also discuss any professional recognition you have received, such as awards, promotions, or leadership roles.
2. Industry knowledge
Demonstrate your knowledge of your field, including trends, changes, and best practices. Discuss how you've kept up with the changes in your field and how you've applied this knowledge in your work.
3. Transferable skills
Identify transferable skills you’ve acquired throughout your career that can be applied in multiple job fields, such as leadership, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability.
4. Personal values and work style
Describe your personal values and work style. This includes how you prefer to work, what motivates you, and what you value in your work environment. Be able to talk about your preferred work schedule, communication style, and management style.
5. Future career goals
Explain your future career goals and how the job you are applying for fits into your long-term plans. This shows that you are not just looking for a job, but rather a career that aligns with what is important to you. This alignment will help ensure you aren’t looking for another new job next year!
By being able to talk honestly about your strengths and communicate what matters to you, you can make sure that you find yourself in a role that truly aligns with what you’re seeking. When you focus on your strengths, you can make a smoother and more fulfilling transition to a new career. If you need help, seek the guidance of a strengths-based career coach to guide you through the process.
