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Question:
Dear Guidance Counselor,
When I graduated from college I started a corporate job in finance. It was good money and I got promoted. But now I am 46 and I am feeling unhappy with my field. I think I made a mistake with my life. Help!
Jim
Answer:
Dear Jim,
I hear that you are unhappy with where you have ended up in your life, but please know it is certainly not too late to focus on your career development. Career planning can happen at any age, but you will need to commit some time, resources, and thought to this endeavor. I believe, however, that being happy in your work is worth the effort.
Career Development Myths
1) Because I am good at it, I should be happy doing it for my work. Many people find themselves advancing in their career, whether it is finance, law, therapy, or any other work, because they work hard and have an aptitude for it. However, skill at something does not equal pleasure in doing it.
If you have a special talent, it’s likely you will feel some joy in using it. But most of us have many things we are good at and some of these things will not make us happy in full-time work. Follow your passions as well as your aptitudes.
2) Making a career switch in mid-life means I am a failure. Yes, it’s tempting to be hard on ourselves when we have spent a good deal of our lives in work that no longer satisfies us. Consider the possibility that you may have grown and changed, stretched your skills in new areas, and understand new things about your interests. Even if your work has never been a good match, why not embrace the opportunity to change fields?
The current job environment is such that many people will change jobs and even careers multiple times in their lives. This can be looked as a natural step in career development, rather than as a sign you made a mistake.
3) If I retired from work, I can’t go back. People are working into their later years more than ever before, partly for financial reasons and partly for self-fulfillment. There is a growing movement towards what is called encore careers, a career taken in retirement years that is either a held passion or a way to contribute to society.
Encore careers aren’t for everyone, but if the idea of playing golf and bridge all day leaves you cold, you might benefit by exploring fun second careers.
So how should you go about making a change. First, unless you are dangerously burned out, I would suggest doing some research while you still have your current job. Go to the library, take a class, visit a career counselor, take some career assessments- anything that gets you moving and learning.
Should you decide to get more education there are many online schools which can provide you with a way to get another degree with flexibility and independence. Explore sites that list schools with online education. You can also investigate programs at you local campus college, of course. Finally, consider going to a career counselor to get some guidance on your direction. A list of career counselors can be found online at the National Career Development Association.
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