All change ?? ...your career in middle age

Are you like me,  finding yourself looking for a new job in middle age ? Well, it isn't perhaps the most optimum time but here are a few things to think about

looking for a new job whatever your age can be  can be exciting and daunting all at once but making a change when older can be a lot more worrying and uncertain, it is easy to lose the optimism of youth

One of the reasons for this currently is that you may well not be in a position to look for a dream job,
 you simply more likely need any job.especially if under threat of benefit sanctions from a government employment programme

Making a job search when you are older

 Looking for a job  in later life when you were expecting   to be moving towards retirement is quite a daunting prospect. As a job centre adviser told me recently 'Ageism is illegal but it is there' ...and most of us know it.You may, like me have spent many years in a career which now t hat you are older and your health has changed , you can no longer manage and you find yourself with no preparation for the transition....you may also be used to being at the top of your tree.

you do need to be realistic about what a new job might have to be and if you are being realistic in expecting to get a certain job you apply for.

you may of course not be trying to keep one step ahead of the jobcentre and just fancy a change for the later stage of your working life....but again be realistic.Have a think before giving up a job that may have benefits in it when you retire..it may just be that you need to break a general cycle of boredom.

If you really do have to get a new job then go for it ...you have no other option. take a skills check on what skills and experience you have to offer, and take advantage of any training that is available..Consider your financial status especially, indeed for many this will be the deciding factor, before taking any steps.

Its all in the planning

counting the pennies

Many older people looking for jobs are married and have children., even if they are in their teens eg at Uni, So one of the things to consider when planning a career change is that one should be financially stable and have enough money, to support them through this period and make the transition smoothly. On the other hand, you may be alone and entirely responsible for your bills and the costs of your home..If you have taken any kind of loan such as a mortgage or a personal loan, or you have rent to pay, make sure that you have sufficient funds in your bank account to pay for its instalments for at least a year. It used to be advised that people kept three months living expenses in the bank, but considering how long it can take to get job now, and the fact that nobody can rely on making a successful benefit claim, a far greater security net is useful if you can provide for it.

There was a time when people turned down a job because they had been on benefits and were getting the add ons that came with it , such as in the UK council tax benefit and free prescriptions. It turned out by the time they gave all that up they were so they felt better off not working. This is no longer an option , under the new benefit rules and sanctions you really are forced to take any job  so it is worth looking at what you may be able to claim if the wages are not high.and to help you through coming off benefits and starting work.
There are now fewer benefits than there used to be to help people going  to work on low incomes...
Indeed, the governments answer to this now is to make you look for more work and/or ask to increase your hours, but if a benefit is available then if you are entitled to it and meet the criteria then claim it. look into what benefits if any you might qualify for eg working tax credits.

 choices

As already discussed , fewer people now have choices as to what job they take, but while on the job hunt it is helpful to know and understand your skills and talents, experiences...and your limits.I go to church quite regularly but it doesn't make me a vicar, my interest and knowledge of politics doesn't make me an MP , and my experiences with this blog have not got me the jobs as an employment adviser that I have applied for. Working in employment and recruitment is not about nice ladies in their fifties helping people look for a job. The companies in this field are out to get contracts and recruitment is a sales and marketing skill, accompanied preferably bi a qualification in IAG..information, advice and guidance.
There are fewer opportunities to do the IAG training now than there used to be because the government has cut funding to provide it, saying all this information that people need can be found on the internet. Look at what skills range and experience you have but be realistic about what job you can get..or will be forced to take.

Consider if you have skills and experience that you can use to become self employed or to freelance on the many freelance job sites


You need to be prepared to not give up when you need to get a job and are .older but it can be done.  You may well have to start at the beginning with a new and lower paid job, but being adaptable and open minded to new circumstances will help to make the change

Valerie Hedges