Smart Start Your Second Career with these 7 Tips
I changed my career at 50. Learn from my own experience.
Why do you want a Second Career
People actually live two lives. The first one is the life they are living and then the second life when they realise that they have only one life to live.
The moment people realise this fact, they start thinking of doing something what they always wanted to do or choose a job that matches their passion. The reason may be one too many or none at all, but almost everyone at some point of time thinks of a second career.
As time passes, the jobs or careers appear less interesting, stimulating or rewarding to individuals. They feel bored being in the wrong company, industry or position. The perceived glitter and promised excitements at the beginning start to fade and by midlife, many feel the need for new and more lucrative occupation. At the same time, many do not want to burst their comfort bubble. They are habituated to the routine life and are contented with whatever their current job has to offer. The attachment to people, time bound promotions and vertical specialisation limits their thoughts to switch jobs.
Most people do not embark on a second career just for the money, but for the opportunity to rebuild their career and do something about which they are passionate. Because the second career may invariably last ten or twenty years, it’s important to figure out how you can combine your skills and interests into work that is rewarding.
Four Most Important Factors for Consideration before you Decide to Change Career
Now that the thought of beginning a second career is well established in your mind, how do you take the leap? Firstly, you should consider these four most important factors:-
1. Your Actual Need
What do you actually need out of the career change — more money, more time for family, follow some passion or live in a place of your choice!
Think about what it is that you’re trying get and what the end game is. What is the end point of this? In order for you to start coming up with ideas for starting new career, you have to be very clear on what it is you are trying to achieve. All your plan will take shape from this most basic answer.
You are required to establish what you really want from the change that you are planning. It should not be a knee jerk reaction to a bad day at office.
2. Your Age and Health
It is said age is just a number and for a person wanting to start a new beginning it is never too late to begin a new career. There are innumerable examples of older people who have achieved success at a later stage in their new career. What people should realise is that the issue is not regarding their age but about their health and energy level.
You should not be worried about your age if you are physically fit and have the endurance to keep up with the rigours of work life. You are also required to consider the affect of change in lifestyle on your health.
3. Your Immediate Family
What are attachments and liabilities? Are you responsible for elders or sick in the family? Are they staying with you or can their affairs be managed remotely?
Your position in the family hierarchy will also determine how flexible you are towards switching career. If you are the sole breadwinner in the family, the risks involved in leaving a secured job for a second career need to be weighed more carefully.
Is your spouse working and working in the same locality or in the same organisation? When one of you make a career change, it may destabilise the existing work-life balance. One most common interest amongst the couples is education of their children. Usually by the time a person has reached mid-career, the children are out on their own or close to it. A second career can sometime helps spouses reunite or threatens an old relationship.
4. Your Present Job
Quitting the current job means to lose your existing peers, mentors and more importantly some friends. You must ideally take the decision when your current environment appreciate your requirement rather than thinking that you are being disloyal to the organisation. Try to plan your exit in such a way that it is construed as a favour to the organisation which may result in making space for younger, talented employees who are looking forward for growth.
The status of an individual in the community is directly related to his status at work. Choosing another career may well result in changing one’s status in the community. You are require to weigh this factor carefully because your spouse and children are also going to be affected.
Seven Smart Tips for a Smooth Transition
Starting the second phase of your career is not something that you can just walk into next day. After considering the four most important aforementioned factors, you are now require to prepare in all aspects applying due diligence to each one of them very carefully. Try to revisit the time when you are preparing for your first job — accumulating professional certifications, preparing for interview, planning for relocation.
Here are the seven tips that you must consider in order to make your transition smooth and satisfying:-
1. Plan before you Quit
You may not be ready personally or mentally or even in the financial aspect for changing a career. It is like operating outside the safety bubble which you have always been inside. So it is always advisable that a prior preparation should be done before choosing something new.
You should begin planning for your second career while you are still working. This will give you enough time to prepare for your transition while you still have the security of a constant income. You can research and make important decisions regarding your future action. Being proactive about the process, rather than expecting things to just fall in place, can help ensure a productive and fulfilling second career. You will also have freedom to build your network and sort out your terminal benefits well before you take the leap.
Preparation of a good resume and endorsement by existing employer becomes easier when you are still at your job. You will be able to time your exit as and when you are ready for your next innings.
2. Play on your Strengths
At the initial stages itself, before finally deciding on a second career, you need to realise what you are good at, what are your greatest strengths at which you can achieve success, what unique skills do you possess. Once you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses you will be able to identify in what career your passion lies and where you can achieve the maximum success.
When you are dealing with the idea of launching a second career, you will have a certain level of fear. But you can gain self-confidence by reminding yourself of what you are good at and what you have overcome and achieved in the past.
When you know your capabilities, it’ll be easier to decide on additional skills you are going to need and how you are going to acquire them.
3. Honing your Skill
Your existing skill set may not match your interests and you may have to learn new skills through education and training. Professional programs, online courses and certifications may be required towards preparing yourself for the next career. A good number of entities are now available to cater to people with work and family obligations. They offer evening, weekend and online classes to provide students with the flexibility they need.
You may be able to complete the necessary coursework while still working in your current field.
In addition to updating your skill set, you may also need to learn certain soft skills related to your planned sector. Do not hesitate to speak to people from relevant field or visit to some organisation to acquire first hand information. Opportunities such as a volunteer or an intern to work part time in that field and gain the necessary knowledge and experience which may help in the future should be availed.
4. Networking
The concept of networking does not restrict only to connect with people having the same kind of careers and interest but also with people from all spheres of life. Whether you are thinking of starting a career or a new business, you will have to build a strong network or a wide clientele. With the help of networking the person who is at the initial stage of choosing a new career gets assistance from the experienced people and shares their thoughts. A good network not only spreads your goodwill but also brings in new clientele.
Launching a second career is not just about executing an idea; it’s also about using the people around you.
Starting a new business always takes two to five years to acquire a sustainable customers. If you are taking up a franchise or buying a running business, this period may be less. However, a wide spread network always helps in bringing in new customers.
5. Work out Finances
The decision to switch career is mostly influenced by your current financial standing and expected cash flow. Before choosing a new career there is a requirement to financially plan how the new earning is going to come. The calculation is required to be on paper and not in mind. Open a spread sheet and start putting cash flows — in and out both.
The incomes may decrease at some point of time and accordingly there will be a need to adjust lifestyle. So it always considered a wise move to choose and prepare an appropriate financial plan for the second new career.
If you are planning to move abroad, it may be a good idea to sell off any real estate you are holding in your home country. Think about how much you need to be earning in order to generate a worthwhile income from your second career.
You shouldn’t use or even approach your savings at the initial stage for funding as it would be a negative step for the future. Be very cautious in investing your savings and do not blow them up in excitement of a career shift.
6. Establish a Secondary Income
Your first job may have restrictions in pursuing any other commercial activities. If your next job does not have any such restrictions, you may seriously think off some side hustles. If you are passionate about some hobby or have talent in some creative field and want to pursue it professionally, you must consider monetising them.
You may consider launching an entrepreneurial side-hustle within the security of your current role, then expanding when it takes off. To achieve this you may like to apportion some time for such activities without compromising your primary job and effect changes to your personal as well as professional lifestyle.
Even if you have changed your career path, you should realise that the experience that you have gained all these years is considered as one of your most important strengths. Therefore you may consider freelance consultation or similar portfolio to secure your finances.
7. Self Motivation
When you are ready to start your next career, it’s essential to get your mindset in a positive place. Don’t get bogged down with past experiences. It takes a lot of energy and resilience to be proactive and begin a new career. Let go of any negativity that is holding you back.
The decision to switch career is yours and therefore do not expect motivation from other source. You need to motivate yourself as well as have to have a level of inspiration for yourself so as to attain satisfaction while pursuing the next career.
One need to be mentally prepared for any hard times arising in life for change of career and be prepared to face them. The second career may not be all fulfilling as expected or hoped for. Do not get demoralised and keep yourself motivated by developing a support system — a counsellor, good friends or your spouse / family member.
Remember that other people have experienced your challenges before. Seek like-minded professionals who can share best practices and offer real-world advice. And, remember that your career pivot likely won’t take place overnight. It’s all right to scale back before you take it to the next level.
The Final Countdown
It is easier to discuss change of career over a drink or during a office function than to actually walking the talk. Psychological orientation is an important part of choosing a second career and you must be mentally prepared to accept the changes in life that are expected when the new career begins.
A second career can provide opportunities whether you are worried about outliving your retirement savings, or you want to stay productive and do something meaningful later in life. After decades in the workforce, many people have the knowledge, energy, talent and time to devote to a new career that can provide both a good income and a purpose.
So eventually choosing a second career is a very bright and bold move by any individual. If you have realised that you are good and passionate at something, you may like to take the leap. Though at the initial stage you may come across certain obstacles, you should not lose hope and give-up. Instead, you must fight it out and be persistent in achieving success.
