So you finally realized—and accepted—that now is the right time for a career change but still a little doubtful if you still have the energy and time to do it. Of course, let’s not forget the financial aspect of it. However, it is not uncommon for seniors to hold on to that lifelong dream and actually fulfilling it.
Most seniors often welcome thoughts of career changes when nearing retirement while some do it well over their retirement, or as soon as boredom strikes. One of the most influencing factors in a career change is the desire of the senior to break free from their almost monotonous life. In other words, an active senior is not to be expected to stay still; they will find a way to make an adventure out of their lives and somehow make it worthwhile.
If you are a senior and would like to add another life stage to your already colorful one, then at the very least, make sure you are doing it right and pain-free. Below is a guide for seniors who are thinking of a career change but a little hesitant on what to do next:
• Gauge yourself and your capabilities. There’s no doubt about a senior’s learning capabilities especially if they really want to make it happen, however, we all know that an aging body has its own limitations which we cannot really push aside when starting a new career path. Knowing your health limits will help you determine your longterm goals.
• Assessing your financial capabilities. Starting out, whether you expect to be employed or trying your hand at business, is tough—financially speaking. Think back, say when you were 20-something and trying your best to land a job, didn’t you experience 2-3 months of almost no money in your pocket? It’s like that now, the only difference is that you have time to plan ahead and stretch that dollar to tide you over until next paycheck. Expect to be penniless for 6 months.
• Take advantage of government programs for seniors. It may not have occurred to you that your government is actually working to make your life easier. There are many benefits available to you as soon as you reach the age of 65, you just have to take that first time towards it.
• Know your goals. Having reasonable goals is the key to actually getting there. Are you planning to work fulltime for the next ten years or you just have to fulfill a wish and be done with it? Important factors are the amount of time needed to complete the goal, the structure you are aiming to build or how you plan to reach your goal and most especially, your gain, whether it is financially or otherwise.
• Take the first step. Of course, no matter how much you plan, if you don’t walk toward your dream then nothing will happen. They say the first step is always the hardest but after taking it, you’ll see that the next one will be so much easier!
