Second Careers and Where to Find Them
The age of the computer has brought us freedom: freedom of easy reference; the capability to source information previously available only in libraries or by lengthy letter enquiry. Wanting a second career is only the start of the journey for determined baby boomers. Finding the right occupation is a challenge but with the help of the internet it is possible to ‘reassess’ your talents and skills before getting out there to look for that special second string to your bow.
It is always a good idea to interact with others and make use of forums where ambitious fifties gather to swap interesting information. Other people’s ideas provide a springboard for your own so take the opportunity to learn how others are getting on in the job world.
A new career might be necessary but not necessarily daunting. Baby boomers have a special gift for insisting on the best and somehow getting it against all odds. Being the ‘new guy’ on the other side of fifty can be both financially rewarding and amusing if you approach the situation with:
• A sense of humor
• A determination to enjoy your new working life.
• A positive outlook. Negativity is the enemy of any successful venture, especially starting over in a new career late in life
From the employers’ point of view, a mature employee with years of valuable experience can be a huge bonus. Offices and factories are operated with subtle differences but the fundamental rules and guidelines of commerce are similar in most areas of the manufacturing and service industries. Additionally, forward thinking companies are beginning to appreciate that mature baby boomer staff members offer great free training resources for ‘newbies’ on a ‘buddy’ system.
There are retirees who look forward to widening their horizons by stepping into an entirely new profession at ground level. Trainees, even mature ones, are under little pressure to perform and this period of learning can be the most fun a rookie will have for years to come! This is possibly the only opportunity one will ever have to take an entirely different direction in life. Throwing away the opportunity to pick up a pension earned over twenty years to pursue a new career during one’s thirties and forties can be a strong incentive to do the time; as a result, many wait a long time to switch careers and look forward to embracing that long nurtured dream.
Finding the training
Stepping into the unknown can be worrysome – especially without any inkling of what to expect. Training information online is profuse, with advice on how baby boomers might obtain instruction, creditation, qualifications and the all important confidence to step into a brand new World.
The money is certainly an incentive but there is little point in dreading getting out of bed in the morning to face a job one cannot stand! Finding the right role that utilizes individual skills is imperative to success and happiness in a second career. Tempting as it is to find work that is totally different it is more practical to perform a role that stretches one’s talents and skills to avoid losing them through lack of use.
For those who want to go back to a job but lack the imagination or know how to source the correct type of work, there are consultants and recruitment packages in abundance, both in government sponsored programs and online. Pick one! But be sure to explore all the possibilities of one thing before you hop to another possibility. The market is huge so detailed research is important to get an accurate idea of what is out there and whether it offers what you are looking for. Where training is offered, seize the opportunity to learn new skills or update those you already have.
Pension issues
Bear in mind when considering a return to the workplace that a state sourced pension will be affected in terms of tax; likely to be withdrawn entirely or at least significantly reduced while you are earning. Tax implications are clearly laid out on government websites: make stringent enquiries before launching your new career.
The Psychological Article on Second Careers and Where to Find Them is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of baby boomers psychological coaching tips and how to alleviate elderly problems. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.
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