Starting over in a new career can be a daunting task, especially when you're in midlife. The fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of success can hold you back from making a change. Security has paralyzed many people and prevented them from leading a purpose-driven life. It's important to recognize that starting over can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Here are some tips for overcoming the fear of starting over and taking the leap into a new career in midlife:
Identify Your Fears: Recognize and identify the fears that are holding you back. Write them down and acknowledge them. Once you identify your fears, you can start to develop strategies to overcome them.
Assess Your Current Financial Situation: Take stock of your current financial situation, including your income, savings, debt, and expenses. This can help you understand how much financial flexibility you have to make a career change, what your salary requirements might be, or what you can invest in your own company.
Define Your Why: Before making any changes, it's important to identify your reasons for wanting to start over. Are you feeling unfulfilled in your current career? Do you want to pursue a passion that you've always had but never had the opportunity to explore? Defining your why can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
"You do get to a certain point in life where you have to realistically, I think, understand that the days are getting shorter, and you can't put things off thinking you'll get to them someday. If you really want to do them, you better do them...So I'm very much a believer in knowing what it is that you love doing so you can do a great deal of it." - Nora Ephron
Look in the Mirror: Who are you? What are your character strengths? What are your values? What’s important to you? What legacy do you want to leave behind? Write these things down as they will be important in developing your ideal job description.
Assess Your Skills: Identify your transferable skills and how they can be applied to your new career. Consider taking courses or training programs to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Write Your Ideal Job Description: Create a job description that encompasses your skill sets, your values, and strengths, what brings you flow, and what pursues your why. This will help you identify your ideal job. You may find you have to create it as it may not already exist.
Research Possible New Careers: Do your research on career fields you are interested in to gain a better understanding of the job market, required skills, and potential earnings. Talk to people who are already in the field to gain insights and advice.
Take Small Steps: Develop a plan to achieve your career goals. Break down your goals into small, manageable steps and set deadlines for each. This can help you stay organized, feel less overwhelmed, and be more in control of the process.
Take Action: Once you have your plan, it's time to take action. Start by making small steps toward your goal, such as updating your resume or attending networking events. Celebrate your progress and successes along the way.
Embrace Failure: Recognize that setbacks and failures are a natural part of the learning process. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Build a Support System: Seek out support from friends, family, a career transitions coach, or a mentor who can offer encouragement and guidance along the way.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of yourself during the transition. Get enough rest, exercise, and eat well. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax.
Visualize Success: Visualize yourself succeeding in your new endeavor. Imagine how you will feel when you accomplish your goals. This can help boost your confidence and motivation.
Remember, starting over in a new career can be scary, but it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. With a clear plan and the right mindset, you can overcome your fears and take the leap into a new career in midlife.
About the Author:
Remi Gibbs is an entrepreneur and a Life & Career Transitions coach that weaves self-care into her coaching methodology for the 40+ woman. She’s a writer, a co-host of the Conversations on Life, Work, and Love podcast, and a workshop/retreat host. She is a contributor to the Rio Grande Valley’s Valley Women Inspire magazine. Remi is driven by curiosity and loves learning. She is a self-proclaimed foodie, travel enthusiast, nature and animal lover, and a Chris Stapleton fanatic. Remi lives in Harlingen, Texas with her husband, two dogs, and four cats. For more information, visit www.renovatedrealities.com. Sign up for her newsletter and promotions here.
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