Starting a Second (or Tenth!) Career: Never Too Late
- Jamie Lee
- Oct 5, 2023
- 4 min read
It has always been my hope that this blog reaches people of a certain age - those of us over 40 - so that we can talk about things that might not resonate with a younger crowd. Today, I want to chat with you about something that is so prevalent in my life right now. Starting a second - third - or fourth career...at whatever age you happen to be.
I posted on Monday that I celebrated my 65th birthday. I have also been in a career transition period for about six weeks now...having quit my job in August without another one lined up. One of the things I realized as I got older, is that time is a very precious thing...and it goes by really quickly. Before you know it, you're 65 (I still can't believe it) and what you want most in life is satisfaction. You want what you do to make money to also make you happy and to mean something.
Let's be honest. Life can be a rollercoaster, and sometimes our first careers (or second - or fifth!) don't quite hit the spot. What felt right at 20, doesn't feel right at 40. What put food on your table when the kids were in school at 30, feels so less satisfying when the kids leave home. Don't get me wrong, I was a career Executive Assistant, and I loved what I did. I learned so much and met some really fantastic people, but i knew there was more out there for me. I was meant for more - and maybe you are too...
If you are over 40, and you're having some of those same thoughts and thinking about starting a new career, I first want to say CONGRATULATIONS! Seriously, it takes guts to step out of your comfort zone. But guess what - having done it, and having done it after 40, I can tell you this from experience...It is totally worth it!
Picture this: waking up every morning excited to do something you're passionate about, something that makes you feel alive. That's what pursuing your passion in your next career is all about. It's about finding that thing you loved so much you'd happily do it for the rest of your life.
Now, you might be thinking, "But Jamie, is it practical? Can I actually make a living doing something I love?" Well, my friends, I can tell you that you absolutely can. It certainly is possible to turn your passion into profit, even if you're not a spring chicken anymore. I started a virtual/ personal executive assistant business when I was 49 years old...during the worst recession (so far) in history - 2007 - and made money out of the gate.
Here are a few nuggets of wisdom to consider as you embark on this exciting journey:
Follow Your Heart: Your next career is a chance to do something that truly makes your heart sing. What are you passionate about? What lights that fire inside you? It could be anything from painting to cooking, writing, or even starting your own small business. The key is to follow your heart.
Learn and Adapt: Sure, you might be a seasoned pro in your first career, but a new career often means acquiring new skills. Don't be afraid to learn and adapt. Take courses, read books, and connect with people who share your passion.
Network Like a Pro: Building connections is crucial. Reach out to others who have successfully transitioned into another career. You'd be surprised how supportive and helpful people can be when you're passionate about what you're doing.
Plan Your Finances: Let's face it; we all need to pay the bills. While your passion is essential, you need to ensure your new career can sustain you financially. Create a solid plan, budget wisely, and consider taking gradual steps toward your dream job if it helps you feel more secure.
Stay Persistent: Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a successful starting over. There will be challenges, setbacks, and doubters along the way. Stay persistent, believe in yourself, and keep pushing forward.
Embrace the Satisfaction: One of the most rewarding aspects of starting a new career is the immense satisfaction it brings. There's nothing quite like knowing that you're doing something you love and making a difference in your own life and the lives of others.
So, my friends, here's the bottom line: it's never too late to pursue your passion and find fulfillment in your career - whether it's your second career or your tenth. Trust me; I'm living proof of that. Whether you're 40, 50, 60, or beyond, the journey is worth it.
Remember, life is too short to spend it doing something that doesn't make your heart sing. Take that leap of faith, embrace your passions, and discover the incredible satisfaction of doing something meaningful for the rest of your life.
Until next time, keep dreaming, keep believing, and keep chasing those second career dreams!
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