If you are a woman over 40, you may wonder if it is safe to make a midlife career shift. While the thought alone can make even the most courageous ones think twice, many challenges can hinder your success.
So, what exactly are these challenges, and can you overcome them? Here’s a quick look at the challenges women over 40 may face if they consider a midlife career pivot. Remember, with resilience and determination, these challenges can be conquered.
Common Challenges Doing a Midlife Career Pivot at 40
Down below are some of the common challenges you may experience if you attempt a midlife career pivot at 40:
- Financial Responsibilities
When you undergo a career pivot at any point in life, you will start with a starting salary and work up to a higher pay. This means you will have to manage your savings, which can be tricky at your age because you have to deal with financial responsibilities such as rent, utilities, living expenses, taxes and many others.
If you have a family at this age or are taking care of your elderly family members, it can be challenging to do your responsibilities to them while building your career again from scratch. You must plan your schedule to find the proper balance to meet these responsibilities without sacrificing your focus on your job.
For some women, hitting 40 may mean that they aren’t as strong as they used to be when they were in their 20s. This means they can no longer keep up with the trends or their younger peers. However, there are strategies to overcome this. You can focus on your unique strengths and experiences, prioritize tasks that align with your energy levels, and consider flexible work arrangements. There is also the concern that they won’t be able to do longer hours at work, which can help them with their career.
- Lack Of Jobs Sharing Your Values
Although job sites may look filled with great opportunities, you must review these jobs to see if the company or employer shares your values. When you are older, you may focus on environment-friendly initiatives, pro-life, pro-women, equal rights and many others. For instance, you might prioritise flexible work hours, a supportive work environment, or opportunities for personal growth. If the business does not support these values, it can be hard to focus on and be happy with your work.
- Need To Study Or Get New Experience
You will also need to relearn new skills to help you during this midlife career pivot. The tasks you want to work on may not be in the same field as you initially know or trained for. You may also need other experience to support you in getting the right skills for your new career.
Tips to Make the Midlife Career Pivot
If you are committed to making a midlife career shift, here are some tips to help you focus and succeed.
- Know What Is Motivating You
Before you take the plunge, take the time to ask yourself why you are taking this move. Are you after a new challenge? Want something new to do? Knowing the answer can help you focus on your midlife career shift and stick with it.
You should also consider the values you want to focus on when picking the right career path. Do you want to work with companies or businesses that support your physical or mental health, spiritual growth, career growth, and similar values?
- Don’t Be Afraid To Explore
One reason any career move fails is that people are terrified to try something new or look deeper into the career they are trying out. Use this time to remove that fear and try opportunities to help you learn the career you wish to pursue.
It will be stressful to take this move, especially at this age. If you feel it is getting too much, remember the importance of self-care. Take a break and care for yourself. Sleep, eat, and do things you love to help you recover from all the stress this move gives you. Once you feel ready to restart again, resume your quest!
You should also not be afraid to ask for help, whether from your family, friends, or colleagues. They can help you refocus on your tasks and provide insights that you can use to reassess your strategy for your career shift.
If needed, try checking out professional social media sites to connect with others who are making a career shift. They can be an excellent support for you during this challenging time.
Don’t be hard on yourself if you feel like your midlife career pivot isn’t taking you anywhere. Take one day at a time and do what you can. Your efforts will take root the longer you work at them.
It is hard to say whether or not you will be able to succeed if you consider a midlife career pivot at this point in your life. However, with patience and the right approach, you can find the right rhythm to succeed at any age in a midlife career pivot. Remember, success is always within reach.
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