A guide on How to Reinvent and Achieve Career Fulfilment as a Midlifer

A guide on How to Reinvent and Achieve Career Fulfilment as a Midlifer

Shocking statistics show that the majority of workers hate their jobs. Top 5 reasons why employees are unhappy with their jobs are;

• Poor or inadequate training
• Unfair remuneration
• Untrustworthy leadership
• Lack of appreciation
• Heavy workloads 

A bad job can cumulatively hurt your health in the long run. Research shows that people who hold on to unhealthy jobs for years, end up with serious health issues by the time they hit 40 years of age.

Therefore, if you're a midlifer and not happy with your current job, it's paramount that you take action. This might include looking at what you can do to improve the situation. Can you speak out, improve your communication or set better boundaries? If you feel you have tried to do all you can to improve the situation then it might be time to look for better alternatives. Don't be worried that it might be too late just because you've hit 40. It's never too late to get yourself a job that you love. 

The American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) conducted a study to assess the viability of career change at midlife. The findings of this study will shock anyone that has been thinking that career change is for the young. 

Here are the statistics;

• 82% of the participants who attempted career change by age 45 years were successful in their career change
• 18% of those who waited longer to change their careers weren't successful

Although some of the workers saw an income reduction after the career change, they were happy with their new jobs. Eventually, they were later able to work their way up for salary increments. 

I'll share with you a guide on how you can successfully switch your career in your late 30s and 40s. 

Steps to reinventing your career at midlife

Note down your concerns Why are you unhappy with your current job? Sometimes there are too many reasons why we hate our jobs, and we end up forgetting the individual reasons why our jobs suck. Are there things we can do outside of work to reframe the situation? E.g. focus on our family and friends, relaxation and health. If this doesn't help then focus on the particular reasons you are unhappy with your job.

Noting down the particular reason will be essential in helping you look for a better job. For instance, does the current job clearly stipulate your role in the company? Does the company professionally address employee issues? Do you work extremely long hours? 

Consider whether you would rather start your own company or get another job 

Does being your boss sound more appealing than taking instructions from bosses or do you feel like starting a company is too much of a venture? Be sensible about it and do the reseaarch. It might sound exciting to start your own business but if the money isn't flowing in and you are using your savings you may just decide that your current job isn't so bad after all!!

Spend some time exploring the two possibilities, to see which one suits you best. If you're one of those of people with a ton of business ideas perhaps it's time you started your own business.

Evaluate your skills

The right skills are an important aspect of every career. Consider polish up your current skills to make yourself more marketable in the job market. Some ways to acquire new skills are; 

• Going back to school
• Attending related conferences
• Hiring a career coach

Expand your network using social media

Are you wondering where to start with your job search? Job boards do make it easier for job seekers, but combining that with a social media presence can do wonders.  

Social media can help you connect with other professionals as well as companies looking to hire. Even hiring managers and HR professionals agree that creating networks on social media can be influential in helping job seekers land their dream roles. 

As much as the sites can work to your advantage when looking for a job, be sure to use them responsibly. Everything from your profile photo to the content that you post should be professional. 

Examples of social media sites that you can join are;

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google plus

Be sure to join professional groups and pages within the networks. The groups usually have job postings or related content that could be helpful to job seekers. Also, bear in mind that this is where recruiters hang out.

Don't forget inperson meet ups work as well. Professional and entrapreniul meet ups help extend your networks, make you aware of opportunities and give you the opportunity to explore what excites you. 

 Believe in yourself

No, you're not too old to apply for a job. If anything, you have an advantage over younger applicants because you've got years of experience. 

Move away from wanting a better job, to doing something about it. Don't just sit in your corner, scared, as you watch opportunities pass you by. You can do it!

Lastly, forget what everyone else has to say; coworkers, friends or spouses. Sometimes we get side-tracked in our quest to find happiness because we listen to outside forces.

Your co-workers might not understand why you need to switch careers because your dreams may not necessarily align with theirs. Your friends and family also don't fully understand what you go through daily at work.  

Bottom line: Please remember that you're doing this for you.

Conclusion

You deserve a job that offers job satisfaction, for your overall wellbeing. It's never too late to change your career if the current one isn't working out. There are steps that you can take, to make a successful career change such as noting your concerns, improving your skills, taking advantage of social media, and believing in yourself.

Acknowledgement: Eve Carrie Writer

https://www.lincnutrition.com.au/linc-blogvlog/a-guide-on-how-to-reinvent-and-achieve-career-fulfilment-as-a-midlifer

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