Is It Time to Find Your Dream Job?

Find a Mentor

Network with family, friends and colleagues to find an expert in your field of interest. Contact prospective mentors to find out what it is like to "walk in their shoes." If possible, spend a few days with them to test-drive your dream job. Is this really what you want to do?

 

Create an Action Plan

  • Once you have identified what you want to do, determine if you need to go back to school or get certified in the field.
  • If you want to start your own business, develop a business plan. You may need to take a class or hire expert help, but it will be worth your time.
  • If you want to make a drastic career change that may be hard to sell to a hiring manager, consider volunteering temporarily. One of the prejudices against older workers is the assumption they want to take over and run the place. Show employers you are a team player and you have passion for the work, and a job offer might follow. 
  • Be determined. Friends or a spouse may not understand why you want to take on a new career. Try to explain how and why you have arrived at this decision, but don't let their lack of support and pessimism deter you. Remember, this is about you and what will make you happy.

Brian Kurth founded VocationVacations (www.vocationvacations.com). He is the author of Test-Drive Your Dream Job - A Step-By-Step Guide to Finding and Creating the Work You Love (Hachette, 2008).

PMullaly's picture
I am a graphic designer and a blogger (www.midlifejourney.com) and am moving in on a time when I might retire. Blogging has given me an opportunity to pursue my writing which is something I've always enjoyed. But can I make an income from blogging? I've been exploring the many opportunities that I find on the web. Still unsure. One route to go is creating a membership site, as described by web guru Yaro Starak. Any thoughts?
darrahg's picture
I want my retirement to assist me in continuing to work on my hobby (antique watch and clock repair) that I have cultivated over the past several years. I have taken classes, have been tutored on repair and restoration of these items, have joined various associations related to the topic, and continue to work on the skills it takes to master this craft. I don't want to have to worry about making money doing it as the fun would soon disolve and turn into my present work (computing) which I basically still enjoy. I want to do work on my own terms and enjoy it for the joys it gives me. It would be nice to make a little money at it though as it would help offset my pruchase of repair parts and supplies for this and my other hobbies of growing orchids and stone carving. Basically, I don't want to have to deal with the public very much (businesses seem to require this) as that is the only downer for me. I have been planning this for fifteen years and it just might happen. I am fortunate in that I have multi interests and should be able to capitalize on one of them. Best advice I can give is to not consider one's career as his/her life and get a second interest. Use that second interest as a jump off point for retirement or pleasure. However, if one insists on only one interest then continually educate in that area. And, apply modern job hunt techniques to your search. That is, don't just mail resumes but physically visit job sites. Prepare for your interview and seek them out. Prove to them you are worth whle and you want to work..
bessann1234's picture
60 yrs old...just moved to GA...worked as an administrative assistant/receptionist in NJ..potential employers are telling me that I'm over-qualified for jobs that I've applied for. I have sent out over1500 resumes (with revisions) and have not been successful. Anyone have any advice?
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