Anywhere you look, it is apparent there is a wide and deep
selection of choices of a career. Whether it’s a hands on position in
construction or sitting behind the desk working on a computer, everyone
has some idea of what is an attractive career. However, while making a
career choice after age 50 is simply a matter of following a dream for
some, for others it means a lot of research and soul searching. It even
requires working in some jobs where you find it isn’t for you. This can
only help you focus on the right career.
More than just a matter
of matching skills and desire and interests, it also becomes a matter of
educational requirements, money and above all taking action. Without
even trying, choosing and growing into the right career manages to
become one of the most important decisions of an individual’s life. And
it becomes even more important in career planning after 50.
It
used to be that one followed in the footsteps of their father or
grandfather or took on the family business when it came to making a
career choice. These days, the shifting job market means career choices
can wax and wane. A career path can start anywhere and with a few years
veer off into something totally different.
Many times, an
individual will start out in one occupation in an industry and either
change, work their way up or step down into a more fitting occupation
somewhere else in the industry. The trickiest career choices are those
that change industries altogether. Many HR managers and recruiters are
reluctant to recommend hiring a candidate from another industry,
although this attitude seems to be changing.
However, having a career that fits your interests and
personality has been found to be important to an individual’s well
being. Not only does a career choice put a person’s strongest skills and
interests to use, it is also something that they will be doing on a
consistent basis to bring in income. A person’s career is something they
will closely identify with, maybe even forming somewhat of an
attachment.
This is why a career choice after 50 can be such a
personal decision. At the same time, career choices must be realistic
and well thought out. It is not uncommon for individuals to start down a
career path and realize they have made a terrible mistake. Feeling as
if it may be too late to turn around, many try to make the best of their
decision but never fully enjoy their career and job. It’s been said
love what you’re doing and it really isn’t a “job”.
Formerly it
used to be unusual for someone to change occupations or careers more
than once or twice in a lifetime, it is now even more unusual to keep
the same career during someone’s working life. There are a great many
resources for helping you in choosing the right profession. A number of
websites offering tools such as career tests and information,
educational resources and resume services can be found throughout the
web.
While it is important to research one vocation and career, in
this dynamic and changing economy and market place, keeping options
open for several related career choices, or even self-employment, is
more than intelligent.