There’s a reason so many inspirational quotes begin with the phrase, “It’s never too late to . . .”
It’s never too late to fix something. It’s never too late to do what you love. It’s never too late to chase your dreams.
There’s truth in each of these statements but especially when you consider them in the context of a career switch. Far too often, ages and life stages are regarded as barriers to new beginnings instead of opportunities to pursue growth in new industries or practice areas.
“Many of us fall into a career and get swept along,” writes Janine Thomas in her latest piece for Welcome to the Jungle. The article features the perspectives of several middle-aged professionals who have successfully executed the dreaded mid-life career switch. Among those featured are Sarah King, an investment bank director-turned-physician’s assistant, and Julie Cook, who left her role at a media company to pursue software development.
Their accounts demonstrate that the mid-life career switch is not actually a rare phenomenon. In fact, a survey conducted by Monster.com found that half of respondents aged 45 to 65 have switched careers at least twice.
Of course, just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s easy. A major career switch often comes with its own intellectual, financial, and psychological challenges. For King, the transition from bank director to physician’s assistant required an additional degree and the 70-hour work week that came with it. “I totally underestimated how much work it would be.”
As Dr. Dawn Graham writes in Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers – and Seize Success, “If you’re determined to make a switch, nothing will stand in your way.”
Are you ready to clear the obstacles standing in the way of your dream career? Visit https://www.greenkeyllc.com/jobs/ to find the perfect industry, location, and job type for your mid-life career switch.
