It’s right up there with the most challenging ventures you could ever undertake:
You’ve been in your career for a good chunk of time, maybe you even liked it once, but now it feels like a grind.
You’ve tried to reignite that initial spark, you’ve given your all to make it work but it just doesn’t seem to be clicking anymore.
Sometimes it’s not even that catastrophic.
You just have this nagging sensation that it’s time for a change even though everything around you – your comfort zone, your routine, your fear of the unknown – is telling you otherwise.
Here are eight signs that you’re ready to change lanes. Despite what you may think, it’s never too late to follow a new path.
1) Embracing uncertainty is part of the journey
Transitioning into a new career, especially later in life, has its fair share of unknowns.
It’s like jumping into a pool without knowing how deep it is.
But those who successfully make the shift don’t shy away from uncertainty, they embrace it.
If you’re feeling a churn in your stomach at the thought of leaving your long-standing career, it’s not necessarily a bad sign.
In fact, it could be an indication that you’re ready to take the plunge into something new and exciting.
Career changes are often fraught with ambiguity but being comfortable with that uncertainty is what sets the successful career-shifters apart.
It’s not just about gritting your teeth and bearing it – it’s about seeing the potential in the unknown and using it as fuel for your journey.
2) They aren’t afraid to start from scratch
Going hand in hand with embracing uncertainty is the willingness to start from the bottom.
Sounds scary, doesn’t it? Believe me, I’ve been there.
I remember when I left my cushy corporate job of 15 years to pursue a career in writing.
I was trading my executive office for a humble writing desk at home, and my hefty paycheck for uncertain freelance gigs.
But those who succeed in making career changes later in life understand that sometimes you have to take a few steps back to leap forward.
It’s not about holding onto your past glories or titles, it’s about embracing the new learning curve and being okay with being the newbie again.
In my case, I had to learn new skills, familiarize myself with industry jargon and even accept lower pay initially. But guess what?
It was worth it. The satisfaction of pursuing what I loved outweighed everything else.
And that’s the thing about being willing to start from scratch – it demonstrates your commitment to your new path and that’s often the first step towards success in your new career.
3) They understand the value of reinvention
Albert Einstein once said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”
Think about that for a second. Change isn’t just about adaptation, it’s about intelligence.
It’s about understanding when something isn’t working and having the courage to do something different.
People who make successful transitions embody this principle.
They aren’t stuck in their ways, they don’t cling to old patterns just because they’re familiar. Instead, they understand the value of reinvention.
I’m not talking about a superficial makeover, but a deep, meaningful transformation.
It’s about reassessing your skills, your passions, and your goals and aligning them with your new career path.
4) They’re proactive about networking
Here’s something you might not know: most job opportunities aren’t advertised.
This CNBC article states that 70% of all jobs are found through networking. That’s right, seven out of ten!
Successful career-changers understand and capitalize on this. They don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities to come to them, they go out and create them.
Whether it’s reaching out to old colleagues, attending industry events, or simply grabbing coffee with someone who works in their desired field – they’re not afraid to put themselves out there and make connections.
And these aren’t just any connections. They’re purposeful, meaningful relationships that can open doors and provide invaluable insights into their new career path.
5) They have a well-defined vision
What sets them apart from the rest is not just their ability to adapt or network, it’s also their clarity of vision.
They’re not jumping ship just for the sake of it. They’re not looking for an escape route from their current job.
They have a clear, well-defined vision of what they want their next career to look like.
Whether it’s making a difference in a specific industry, pursuing their passion, or achieving a certain level of professional growth, they have a target in mind.
And this vision isn’t just abstract or wishful thinking. It’s concrete, measurable and actionable. It’s something they can set their sights on and work towards achieving.
This clarity of vision is what guides them through the uncertainties, the learning curves and even the setbacks. It’s their north star guiding them towards their new career path.
And trust me, when you have that kind of clarity, it makes all the difference. It gives your journey purpose and direction.
6) They are persistent in their pursuit
Persistence is a trait that often goes hand in hand with a well-defined vision. It’s the relentless drive that keeps you going even when the going gets tough.
Successful career changers, especially those who do so later in life, understand this all too well.
They know that the path to their new career is not always going to be a smooth one.
There will be obstacles, there will be setbacks. There might even be times when they question their decision. But they don’t let these challenges deter them.
Instead, they see them as part and parcel of the journey.
They understand that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow, and every obstacle is a test of their resolve.
And it’s this unwavering persistence that ultimately sees them through. It’s what keeps them moving forward, inch by inch, towards their new career.
7) They prioritize self-care
Career transitions, particularly significant ones, can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
The stress of learning new skills, navigating a new industry, and dealing with the uncertainty can be overwhelming.
But those who successfully navigate these changes understand the importance of taking care of themselves amidst all this.
They know that they can’t pour from an empty cup.
It’s not about being selfish or indulgent. It’s about ensuring that they’re in their best shape – mentally, physically and emotionally – to tackle the challenges that come their way.
Whether it’s taking time out to relax, pursuing a hobby, getting regular exercise, or simply ensuring they get enough sleep – they make self-care a priority.
Because at the end of the day, making a successful career change isn’t just about professional growth, it’s also about personal wellbeing.
8) They embrace the idea of lifelong learning
Those who succeed in transitioning careers often embody the principle of lifelong learning. They don’t rest on their laurels or get complacent with what they already know.
Instead, they’re constantly seeking out new knowledge, skills, and experiences to help them in their new career path.
They’re not intimidated by the prospect of going back to school, attending workshops, or getting certifications. They see these as opportunities to grow and evolve.
This mindset goes beyond just acquiring technical skills for their new job. It’s about staying relevant in a rapidly changing world, about continually expanding their horizons.
It’s the realization that learning doesn’t stop when you leave school or hit a certain age. It’s a continuous journey that lasts a lifetime.
Final thoughts
As we’ve explored, successfully making a career change later in life is not only possible, but it can also be a rewarding and enriching experience.
If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these points, then maybe it’s time you consider taking that leap.
It’s not about disregarding the fears or uncertainties. It’s about understanding that they’re part of the journey and finding the courage to move forward despite them.
Bear in mind, it’s not a race. It’s your journey and every step counts.
And remember this quote from George Eliot, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
Embrace your transition with an open mind and heart. And who knows? This could be the start of your best career yet.
