Whether you’ve already retired and you’re seeking a way to stretch your retirement income, or you’re ready for a mid-life change of career, plenty of people begin pursuing their passions after age 50. Whether your second career is physically challenging or just a departure from your previous profession, it takes courage and confidence to make that leap.
Nifty50+ spoke with career coach and confidence expert Karol Ward, LCSW, about gaining the confidence to change careers and determining exactly what you want to do. Ward is no stranger to career changes. She was about 10 years into her career as a licensed psychotherapist and social worker when she started speaking to groups in various companies.
Read: Inspiring stories from GenX and Boomers
Discover: One kidney, two friends … and a life saved
“I started to speak about psychological topics, including stress and somatic psychotherapy, which is the modality I’m trained in,” she said. “I started to speak … to attract clients and I liked it.”
Her career took a turn when she continued public speaking, bolstered by training and practice through Toastmasters, an international organization that helps with public speaking and leadership, and then was invited to help a law firm with an in-house video project where she would role-play witnesses in educational videos. That evolved into providing feedback for attorneys at large corporate law firms.
“I found that my psychological training, which was always running in the background, was really helpful for people who needed more than just how to communicate,” Ward said (pictured at left). “They were struggling with the same issues I saw in my therapy practice, which was self-esteem or not feeling confident enough. I would address those issues with them.”
Ward then launched her coaching business to teach communication and confidence. She pointed out that it never would have happened if she didn’t say “yes” to filming corporate law videos. Sometimes, a career change is sparked by other people seeing something in you that you didn’t realize was a strength. It takes courage to apply new skills to uncover a hidden talent.
“People may ask, ‘Can you do this?’ And you’ve never done it before, but they’re seeing that you have a natural talent you never even really thought about,” Ward said.
Of course, you want to make sure your new vocation really lights you up. Your first career might be about paying bills, buying a house, and supporting children as they grow. If you didn’t find personal fulfillment in your first career – or even if you did – you have a second chance to embrace new talents and do something you love. That’s where finding a second career should start, according to Ward.
Determine Your “Non-negotiables”
Ward said there are two aspects to planning for a career change: What’s going on inside, and the outside plan required to make it happen.
“The inside part is asking yourself what you value at this point in your life? What’s your bottom line? What are you not willing to compromise on?”
For instance, you may be unwilling to relocate because you want to stay close to children in college or aging parents. On the other hand, you might seek a new career that allows for extensive travel. These non-negotiables will be different for everyone, but you should be clear on what they are as you forge your next path.
Gather Information
The “outside plan” Ward referred to often involves research about what a new career might entail. “Think about what you might need to take the next step forward,” Ward said.
In some cases, that means finding out specifics about a career, such as the training needed and what you can expect in terms of finding a position in the field or achieving success in a new business. Having that knowledge will help you build confidence, since you’ll have a better idea of what you’re getting into.
Build a Support System
Making a significant change like launching a new career requires not just personal introspection and practical research, but discussion with a trusted network. “There is this process of getting used to the idea,” Ward said. Identify the people who can help you, whether that’s a coach, therapist, mentor, support group, or a trusted friend or partner. “Sometimes people are stuck not because they’re afraid, but they need someone to go: ‘You can do it.’”
While a mentor in your chosen industry can show you how to do it, a support group can help give you the courage to take that next step. “Think about what you need to move you from where you are now to where you want to be,” Ward said.
Be Willing to Start at the Bottom
Entering a new field might mean taking a pay cut. Be sure you’re financially ready to make that move. Even more importantly, be sure you’re ready to accept the delayed gratification that comes with a new role. “Keep connected to the joy or excitement about the new career,” she said. “It might not be financially [rewarding] for a while, but if it’s very fulfilling, that’s going to sustain you.”
Remember Your Strengths
Many people in their 50s and beyond have already taken decades to develop confidence and self-worth. If you’re still feeling imposter syndrome, it helps to think back to all you’ve accomplished so far in life. “There’s a lot of life experience that sustains people when they’re making this transition,” Ward said.
You probably already know how to meet people, take on tasks, think strategically, make decisions, and weather changes. These are all soft skills that are valued in any career or industry.
Take Action to Change
The final step, Ward said, is taking action to make a change. This might mean enrolling in school, writing a business plan, or finding a job that will be a starting point for your new career.
“I look at it as a process,” Ward said. “Give yourself time to plan for your success and to build your confidence.”
This article is part of the “Tales From a Second Career” series to provide helpful tips for changing careers and also providing examples of those that have made the move.
More from Nifty50+
- What are ‘brushing scams’ & how to protect yourself
- The X Factor: Gen X becomes the most influential global consumers, according to study
- Americans agree on politics more than you think — just not with these people
- How Your Hair Reflects Heart Health and Aging