Career Change over 40

Looking for a career change in midlife is not easy, but it can be exciting. If you are in your 40s or 50s and thinking of going back to work now that your kids have grown up, you probably have a few concerns about getting back into the job market. In fact, an increasing number of women in this age group will have no choice but to go back to work, due to the present pensions crisis and possibly because they have a Kipper or two floating around the house.

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If you're unfamiliar with the term Kippers, that doesn't mean you live in a fish-free zone! Kippers stands for Kids in Parents' Pockets Eroding Retirement Savings - a growing phenomenon in most developed countries. In fact, the Japanese have an even more derogatory name for their Kippers - they are known as parasite singles!

So, the kids you thought would have flown the nest are still at home, probably trying to pay off their student debts and having difficulty getting the job they really want. Consequently, the need for increased income is greater than you might have anticipated. Your career planning efforts have been limited to the occasional hour in a specialty bookstore, but with a tough job market out there, you've been putting off the inevitable career decision making process.

You need to sit down and assess your transferable skills, examine specific job titles and descriptions to see which ones fit your preferred skills and experience and look at the possibility of returning to study, either to gain professional qualifications, to improve existing skills or to acquire new ones, perhaps related to information technology. Changing careers at any age requires thoughtful deliberation and tis site is designed to help take you through that process step by step.

The aim of this section is to help you improve your chances of earning a good living. This does not necessarily mean a standard 9-5 job; it could mean a portfolio career, consisting of several activities which suit your own lifestyle, or, if you have entrepreneurial characteristics, it could inspire you to set up your own business. In fact, your portfolio could include both employment and self-employment.

So, don't be discouraged by people who tell you it's going to be difficult - whatever your situation, whatever your skills or experience, there is a way forward. Age discrimination is against the law in many countries and since October 2006, the UK has been added to the list, but despite this, employers will still often favour younger employees. However, there are areas in which maturity is valued in the workplace and there are plenty of ways in which you can beat the system by creating your own employment.

In this section, we'll look at how to write a CV, plus some moreCV tips, and jobs in which you might consider working, some tips on goal setting for your career, making the best careers choices and self-employment at 40+. You might decide that it's time to take a career break. You can also sign up for our free Newsletter. And check our CoolerCareers Blog for the latest articles - you can subscribe to the RSS feed or receive posts by email.

As a starting point, you could define your transferable skills, which will help you target your CV.

If you are really serious about changing career, check out our step by step guide. You can View the Video Tour Here.

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