Should I Change Careers at 40?

Changing careers can be daunting at any age. If you are in your 40s and thinking about a career change, you may be experiencing a variety of emotions. Uncertainty, hesitation, excitement… all of these are normal. Switching your career may be a personal, financial, or professional decision; if you feel that there is another career that will be more fulfilling than the one you are currently in, why not take the chance?

There are plenty of examples of people who have made career shifts post 40 years old and seen great success. Whether your goal is to be more financially successful or to simply live a happier life, there are a variety of factors you may want to consider before changing careers after 40.

40 is a Milestone Birthday

Turning 40 is a milestone that can feel vastly different from other birthdays. While you may feel inspired to make a major change and hand in your resignation letter, take some time to think about why you want this shift. In addition to speaking with friends and family members, it may be worthwhile to consult a professional counselor as well. Doing some introspective work will help you make the most informed and well thought out decision.

Considerations for a Career Change After 40

While passion makes life worth living, it is also important to consider practicality before you can successfully pursue a new career.

• Personal: Domestic responsibilities vary greatly depending on one’s lifestyle. While some people in their 40s enjoy spontaneity and freedom, others are focused on family routines. Depending on your circumstances, you need to consider others’ schedules and needs in addition to your own. Think about the people in your life whose lives may also change if you decide to embark on a career change.
• Financial: Does your new career path mean taking a pay cut? For many, it may be worth it in the long run, but you need to calculate your financial obligations and determine whether you can afford live off your new expected salary and/or savings. To test it out, develop a budget with your new salary in mind and try living off it for a month or two before you make a final decision.
• Professional: Consider how prepared you are to commit to a new career that may require a different degree, professional certification, or license. In addition to the work itself, this training will require that you dedicate a substantial amount of time. It will also mean that you must have enough savings to live off of while you are not working. Think this through thoroughly before making a move.

Stand Out with A Professional Resume

If you have decided to proceed with a career change, congratulations! This could be the first step towards the rest of your life. Once you have made all of the necessary changes, the next thing to do is to rewrite your resume. The professionals at USA Resume have written countless resumes for satisfied clients across a multitude of different industries. We can help you build the prefect resume for your career change.

Review our selection of services and contact us today to get start crafting the perfect resume for your career change.