Career Changes after 40
Sabrina O'Malone (after 40)
Aging out of my CareerI could feel it in my bones - I was getting too old to do the job I had loved for over a decade. Back pain was my constant companion. (I was even on a first-name basis with my chiropractor.) It was becoming harder and harder for me to carry around supplies and do the associated travel. Just trying to stay alert during late sales meetings was even a challenge. It was time to move on.
Stay-at-Home Mom becomes a Working Mom
At the peak of the Great Recession, at the age of 42, one of my friends (a newly divorced stay-at-home mom) desperately needed a job. She had a college degree, but very little work experience. For months, she sent out resumes with no success. She finally took a retail sales job with low pay, no benefits, requiring hours on her feet working nights and weekends. Not too family-friendly, but it was a job.
High-paying Career versus a Family Friendly Job
One of my relatives left a high-pressure career in the financial sector to become an elementary school teacher. She earned her Masters in Education with honors and even had connections within the school districts, but teachers were being laid off due to budget cuts - not hired when she started applying for a job. Hundreds of resume’s and phone calls later, she’s very grateful just to be an on-call substitute teacher. No benefits, no guaranteed schedule, but it’s within her field, and it’s a paycheck.
Have you taken a Career Test?
May I suggest that before you quit your day job or start sending out resume’s, consider taking a career test? Taking an assessment of your strengths, weaknesses and the potential job market makes sense before you embark upon a major life change. Here’s a free online career test I took myself: http://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/Careerbuilder/
BONUS
Because times are hard, I called the company and they agreed to give the first 10 moms to enter promo code "workingmom" here the complete test, their results, the hot jobs 2010 information along with the declining jobs information free!
Ah, finally a place to vent. At 43, after 25 years in Emergency Services-20 of them as a firefighter, I feel I am aging out of my career. The adrenaline does not go as far as it did. The daily reports of firefighter deaths now scare me more. I think the fire "devil" waited long enough to win-to quench my desire to fight the fire. I would love to change careers, but with most of my eggs in one basket of expertise and with the 24 hour shift work, my whole lifestyle is determined by working one day and having two days off with an occasional part time firefighter job. I feel guilty, almost selfish for wanting to leave the job of helping people, saving lives and property. The longer I stay in this profession, the less on top of my game I feel. I don't know who my authentic person is. Why is it that your profession is your label? People see me and they think she is a firefighter.. But now in this stage in my life I want to known as Sue--Just Sue -- acompassionate, loving person. Why does it matter what title you hold, if it doesn't feel like you, then what? Feeling lost, anxious, and worried have fill my days. I am thankful that I had a wonderful journey through my career, especially being a cool role model for my kids, and other people. I tell myself that I want to re-invent myself, but how and with what money? Will I have the courage to release the label that has been with me for a long time. Strip the label and what will be revealed? Will I like myself? Will others have any interest in me? Will I be able to support my family? College? Will my health improve with better sleeping habits and less stress? My spouse doesn't get it, he's been in the field for over 30 years and still going strong. He is older than me and does not understand where I'mcoming from. He feels I should be as gun ho as the first day on the job. Yeah right, I'm tired, burnt out and dying to live a life like everyone else.
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Sue,
I think I understand what you mean. It wasn't easy for me to leave my previous career either. At first, my husband couldn't really understand my desire and decision to basically "start over" when I was for all intents and purposes doing just fine with job.
Looking back, I'm glad I made the move when I did. Have you had an opportunity to take a look at the "Fastest Growing Careers" information on the CareerFitter.com results? This is the kind of information I wish I'd seen when I was in college. I had no idea that many of these jobs existed, much less what they entailed or how much they paid.
No doubt there will be something listed that catches your attention. Lastly, please continue tocommit the matter to prayer. Ask the Lord to open doors of opportunity for you, and to prepare your husband's heart and mind for potential changes. And of course, I'll be praying for you as well.
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What a joy to find such clear thinking. Thanks for positng!
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