Recently I came across an article on a site that looked extremely reputable. The site promised to include tips for midlife career change, but in fact the article is misleading and even dangerous.
First, I don’t recommend following any guidance for “best job” or “hot jobs.” By the time you read about them, they won’t be hot anymore. You may not be suited to them. Anyway, some of these claims are simply inaccurate.
Here are just 2 examples of what was included in an article on the site:
Bad piece of career change advice #1: “Be a teacher.” The site wrote that if you have a degree, you only need “minimal” classes in education.
That’s simply not true. You need a minimum number of education classes to teach in public schools in the US. You may not need any education classes for private high schools. What’s minimal?
College professors rarely take courses in education or pedagogy. In California (and maybe other states) you get a junior college credential; I got mine a few years ago just by teaching, although things may have changed. These days, jobs in college teaching are highly competitive, and it’s not always easy to get any teaching job, depending on the district.
Bad piece of career change advice #2: “Just stop practicing [your occupation] and start advising others on how to succeed.”
Sure, starting a business is a good idea these days – but it’s not that easy. You need a plan, evidence that people want what you have, and a way to reach your target audience.
If you’re in your forties and physically fit, you may be surprised to learn that you can make a career change to being a flight attendant or police officer. I’ve met people in their forties who have made those transitions successfully. Again, a lot depends on the specific places you target for employment.
What to do instead? Get information from real people. Ask at least six people in the field you’re considering: “How did you get here? What works? What would you advise me?”
I offer consulting to private clients. If you’re considering a career tune-up, click here to learn more.
Ellen says
Well, my experience is evidence that the government sector, to the extent that they are hiring, is an option if only because civil service laws bar discrimination based on age. In some areas there are a lot of baby boomer retirements. Even in a down economy some services must continue to function.
CathyG says
Good points – although theoretically *all* businesses are not supposed to discriminate based on age!