Second Time Around Career Tips

by A Guest Author

Gone are the days when entering into a job meant staying for 30 years and later collecting a healthy retirement. Although that type of career path may have offered some sense of security, it did not always offer the opportunities and diversity of today’s job market.

Acquiring a variety of job skills has become easier for older and more experienced workers who decide to change careers. Job training and coursework can be as close as the click of a mouse. For veteran employees; however, this change can be particularly intimidating and could be a source of anxiety. Depending on one’s reasons for beginning a second career or one’s long term plans for remaining in the new position, there are several steps a person can take to prepare for a second-time-around career.

Long Term

  • Check any retirement accounts, savings, plans that were in place with other employers. If there were investments in a 401k, IRA accounts, annuities, etc., become knowledgeable about what flexibility you may have with them when entering into a new job situation.
  • Consider the long range goal of the second career. Is there a plan to work until retirement age? To work beyond that? Some potential employers may be concerned about this; be prepared to address these questions.
  • Investigate health insurance options with any new employer or alternatives if the job does not work out.
  • Identify possibilities for advancement in the new career either via position, salary or both.

Short Term

  • Update a resume to reflect new skills and experience acquired. Emphasize technological skills and experience with new hardware and software, navigation of the internet, social networking, etc.
  • Take initiative and teach yourself new skills. Show a willingness to change with the times. Explore YouTube.com or read articles on improving abilities that will place your skills on an even playing field with younger employees.
  • Show a team player mentality to a potential boss and colleagues. No man is an island in today’s workplace. Even if a potential job places you in an environment where a computer screen is your daily partner, ultimately you will likely be communicating with others via phone, emails, Skype, internet meetings, etc. Bring communication skills to the forefront of your portfolio.
  • Talk with friends and colleagues who have changed careers and ask questions regarding your immediate concerns.

Enter into a second career without reservations. Realize that as a veteran worker there is much you have to offer any workplace. Yet at the same time, be willing to accept the wisdom of new colleagues to assist you in your transition (even if they are younger than you are). Whether one has been a stay-at- home parent wishing to return to the workforce, a mid-lifer hoping to follow his/her true calling, or someone seeing greener pastures in another field, changing jobs or careers entirely can be exciting. Second-timers need to load their quivers with enthusiasm, experience, and energy as they aim for success in a new career direction.

About The Author:

Frank writes about career, specifically health care jobs and interview technique.

This post was written by A Guest Author

This post was written by a guest author. If you have high quality, useful information to share with students, send us an email or click Write For Us to learn more. And in case you're wondering - yes, you can promote yourself in this fancy author byline.

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: