Hello, FGB: I need advice and support on switching career paths at 40.

Anonymous

May 3,2023 at 10:56PM UTC

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Hello, FGB: I need advice and support on switching career paths at 40.

I have worked in entertainment for 20 years, and I've been trying to get out for 12 of them. This latest WGA strike feels like the time for me to just get on with it, but there is a lot of uncertainty. I have sort of an abstract idea of what I'd like to do -- that is, I know what kind of daily experience I'd like to have -- but I can't decide what industry or job I would even want. (I think I'm mostly afraid of uncertainty, you know?) I've taken career tests galore, and I've spoken to friends and friends of friends, but nothing grabs me.

Another frustration is that I KNOW I could basically do anything (not to toot my own horn), but so many careers require certifications or the like to prove to employers you're capable, and since I don't know exactly what I want, I'm afraid to invest time into a certification program. I am positive I have transferable skills, but I worry I won't be able to convince an employer if I don't have the right "paperwork."

People here who have made a complete switch during midlife, how did you come to understand what would be a good fit for you, aside from impersonal online career tests?

Any and all advice and wisdom is very appreciated.

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AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 11:05AM UTC
When you're looking at job postings, do any stand out that appeal to you? I am in the same boat (middle-aged, in search of a career switch) and have found that to be helpful.
Maggie StoneMay 8,2023 at 12:47PM UTC
I changed careers at 40. I went back to graduate school. This is the best decision I made. Since you’re not sure what you want to do, I have a couple of recommendations to guide you to finding your next step. I highly recommend the book “What color is your Parachute.” It has invaluable information for career changers at any level. It should be available at your local library. Also Monster has some free career tests that may be useful. Here’s the link: https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/best-free-career-assessment-tools. Again, becoming a Therapist at 40 was the best decision I’ve ever made. I wish you the best of luck in your next chapter.
AnonymousMay 8,2023 at 4:34PM UTC
Meetup groups, BOF's (birds of a feather) find places where there is a congregation of folks in the spaces that interest you. Find the forums and look for the job satisfaction there and the whining and complaining. Go in with both eyes to see how happy people are in those professions. Also keep in mind your career is a marathon not a sprint so if you have to get training it benefits you and adding to your professional toolkit no matter the industry is something that is always a plus not a minus. The market is definitely volatile in some circles but it's still worth making a move if you are not happy. Good luck as you search your soul.
Paula Manczuk-HannayMay 21,2023 at 1:23PM UTC
I switched careers literally five days after my 40th birthday, but I moved to an adjacent role. After working on the programmatic side of nonprofits I moved into fundraising. I have had quite a successful second path and am glad I was able to make the change. My inspiration came from working in an organization with a strong fundraising team. I accepted a job in a different org by taking what was a couple steps back. I was fortunate that my financial situation allowed me to do this. You might have to do something similar.
If you have skills that are transferable to a nonprofit, do you have time to volunteer some of those skills to see if that kind of work interests you? Don’t necessarily plan to stay in nonprofits (many overwork and underpay) but volunteering could give you a sense of what inspires you.
Something to consider, I recently read an article that talked about shifting career goals from having a job you love to having a job that gives you the life you want. That resonates with me as I see retirement in the horizon.
AnonymousMay 31,2023 at 6:32PM UTC
Thanks for this reply! Sorry mine is so late. I completely agree that it's about having the life I want, rather than a job I love. For me, I need to find something that pays but that allows me to spend time with my dogs and to do some music. I'd love something where I can set my own schedule (for the most part). Or even work on a contract basis for a while then take some time off here and there. IS THIS REALLY SO MUCH TO ASK FOR?? Anyway, thank you for the thoughtful words!
AnonymousMay 31,2023 at 9:06AM UTC
Hello from a fellow 40 y.o. woman in entertainment! First, I am shocked to learn this is middle age...who is this old person you're talking about? It couldn't be me.
I'm also looking to make a lateral change within entertainment, and it really does come down to making connections with people, not just sending out applications. I think that is good to keep in mind at any age, because you are hired by and work with people, not application tracking systems. So get messages out there to people doing work that interests you. Be curious and gracious and excited. You may be surprised that you need less 'paperwork' than you think to get a job. Unless you want to be a doctor, lawyer or accountant, most skills you can learn without new degrees. You probably already have many transferrable skills to your name. It must be frustrating to not know what you want, however. What did you love or hate about entertainment? Start there and see what jobs pull you towards that daily experience you can envision. And don't forget to back yourself that you can do it!
AnonymousMay 31,2023 at 6:31PM UTC
OP here! Thank you so much for the advice. You're totally right about making connections. It's something I have been realizing more and more. Boy, do I detest networking! But it seems like the way to get in some places.