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The After-50 Career Change
James Gonyea, Monster Contributing Writer
Before turning 50, I couldn’t figure out why so many people who reached that milestone made such a big deal of the event. Now that I’m safely past 50, I understand.
If there’s a single word that describes the difference in my life since I turned 50, it’s “adjustment.” It seems I’m constantly making adjustments of one sort or another and faster than I ever did when I was younger. It takes me more time to do certain tasks, and I’m not as fast at recalling important names or events. So, to continue enjoying a rewarding life, I’ve had to learn how to adapt to my advancing age.
As a career counselor, I’ve noticed that successful career changing for the over-50 group requires a variety of adjustments. The following thoughts have proved helpful to my older clients:
Know Yourself
Explore your personality and what you need to be happy. This information is key to making good career decisions.
Take Time to Think
Chances are you’ve had little free time or the inclination over the last 20 to 30 years to take stock of your life. To avoid the “I wish I had or had not…” syndrome that happens to so many older people, take time now to determine what you want to do with your years ahead.
Seek Professional Help
Note how good you are at your own career. No doubt you’ll agree that your experience can be a great asset to less-experienced colleagues. Now try to understand how much you might gain from seeking help from others, such as career counselors who are experienced in helping people find the right career.
It’s Not About the Money
Yes, you still need a decent income to afford life’s necessities and luxuries. But you should also focus on personal satisfaction, developing your talents and contributing to society.
gatagirl4264
about 4 years ago
2 comments
THANK YOU! EVEN THOUGH, I'M NOT FIFTY YET, I CHANGED JOBS RECENTLY. I WENT TO A 7 MONTH LONG SCHOOL FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANT. I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACQUIRE A JOB AS A MEDICAL ASSISTANT. I'M NOW A HOME HEALTH AIDE FOR A COMPANY . I AM GOOD WITH MY CLIENTS. THIS IS NOT WHAT I REALLY WANTED TO DO BUT IS WHERE I'M AT NOW. YOUR ARTICLE WAS AN INSPIRATION TO ME. I FEEL I HAVE COME A LONG WAY FROM THE TIME I FINISHED SCHOOL. AGAIN THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DR_RICK
about 4 years ago
2 comments
Thanks for uplifting read. I am signing uup for your service after I finish this comment.
Dr. Taylor
Carol13
about 4 years ago
16 comments
I will be 52 on the 18th of May and I started taking online courses at Kaplan University last September in Medical Assiting . I have been in the homehealth field for 20 + years as well as nursing home work I find that I am having great difficulty in keeping up to my online work and that I feel that I have possibly chosen the wrong field of study and that I really do not function well in the online college work . I have an idea that I would do better with the traditional classrfoom environment and am also in the process of moving I still work full time as a home care attendent and my current employer is going to transfer me to work in the the area I am moving to about 100 miles away . I chose this move so I could be closer to my inlaws whom are aging and could use some help as well. I am wanting to change to the Junior College near my new place of residence but am wondering if the couple of classes I have had and passed due to my problems of learning online and my internet provider being down more than it was up I have failed 3 classes already . I am not sure if my financial aid will be able to transfer over to the Junior College or not! I have taken a leave of absence from these classes so I can complete my move as well as hoping that I can find a course to help me learn to be a patient advocate and maybe work in a different part of the home health environment or the medical field such as assisting in training the younger people that may be coming into this type of work. One of my problems is that I was a certified nurses aide and while taking care of my mother my certification expired and I don't know how to get it back since they will not allow me to challenge the exam here in Texas so I chose to take classes and work through to stste board exams . I know that there is the right job out there for me but I am having a hard time finding it. My oldest daughter thinks that I would be good at working as a care coordinator but have no training in that field and was wondering where to start.
gsullivan
about 4 years ago
2 comments
I have been working as a medical biller and managing medical offices for the last 15 years. I would love to take this expierence to another level maybe into training or working with a consulting group as a expert in my field. I'm not sure how to go about looking for or marketing my self. I would appricate some advise on what my options are and how to find a stimulating postion whereI can use my years of work expierience as well as my degree in education. I am now at a point in my life where travel and long hours when necessary are nolonger something that I can not commit to.
RSeyssel
about 4 years ago
76 comments
Though I'm not dreading the big '50' yet, this article echoes many of the thoughts I've had about preparing for my future.
cmcdanal
about 4 years ago
2 comments
I am 51 yrs old and have completed a course in Medical Coding and have passed the Certification test. I am seeking a part time job in this field to keep up my skill. I am currently employed and will reach retirement with in a yr with my current employer. After which I plan to do the medical coding full time. I hope I can find something soon. B'ham Al
elsalvador
about 4 years ago
2 comments
I am in my late 40's and still want to study to receive my license as a RN but I have 3 children that need college ,so I have to wait a little longer before my dream can come true.Do you think I should just for get about or keep on dreaming?
grandma2008
over 4 years ago
8 comments
I'm 50 yrs old want ot work in medical profession I have certificates in medical assisitng and medical office manager, I have all these things someone. I'm tryingt to go through the volunteer route just to do something and, but I need an income, I'm disabled and I need help I live in Detroit, MI
applepati54
over 4 years ago
2 comments
Thank you for this article. Last July at the age of 54, I took a huge leap and went back to school for Medical Insurance Billing & Coding. I am due to finish up my studies next week and then start to prepare for the CPC Exam. This article has confirmed my faith that it is never to late to make changes in our lives. Very good, thank you again.