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Do you find yourself daydreaming about pursuing a new field or going back to school, but feeling hesitant to take the leap?
It’s natural to have self doubts and fears about making a change, but as George Eliot once said “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
In fact, taking on new challenges can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life, leading to personal growth, an expanded worldview, and exciting opportunities that could open up to you.
Just take it from Bonnie Garmus, who had always wanted to pursue a career in creative writing and eventually became a 64-year-old debut author – a rarity in an industry that often seems obsessed with the voice of youth. Her first novel Lessons in Chemistry even made it onto the New York Times Bestsellers List and is on its way to being adapted into an Apple TV series.
So don't underestimate the value you’ll bring to the table or what you’ll learn throughout the journey of seeking a new path. In this blog, we’ll explore why it’s never too late to start fresh and the various benefits that come along with it.
Overcoming the Fear of Starting Over
The fear of starting over and dealing with the unknown when making a career change can be intimidating, especially if you’ve already been in the same field for a significant amount of time.
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and open your own restaurant, but you’ve already had a successful career in health administration. Where should you even start?
One thing you could do to address your anxieties is to break it down into smaller, more manageable parts. Ask yourself this: What specifically is causing the fear? Is it financial worries or a lack of confidence in your abilities?
By identifying specific concerns and focusing on positive outcomes, such as the opportunity to pursue a passion or achieve greater job satisfaction, it can be easier to build a plan and feel motivated to take action.
This might include doing some research on your own, enrolling in a course or program, or networking with people currently in your desired field to get their insights.
The Value of Continuously Learning
For some people, returning to being a student after so many years out of the classroom can be a big deterrent, especially if the career change requires additional education.
Being older than other students in the classroom may even push you to feel that you have to approach learning and a career change with a sense of urgency. However, it’s important to remember that learning is a lifelong process so it’s perfectly fine to take things at your own pace before going all in.
Through advancements in technology, education has also become more accessible so modern day learning doesn’t necessarily have to be limited to traditional classroom settings. A myriad of online courses, certifications, and workshops are always available for those who want to learn on their own schedule.
For instance, platforms like Masterclass and Udemy offer a diverse range of online courses so that everyone can find something that appeals to them. Whether you’re interested in learning how to code in Javascript or understanding the basics of sound theory in order to make your own music, video courses and practice exercises are available for you to go through and complete at your own pace.
On another note, sometimes people’s worlds become smaller as they get older. Starting a new career can expose you to a broader, more diverse range of people, both young and old, and present you the valuable opportunity to see the world through the eyes of people who have lived different lives as you.
By continually learning, we can all keep our minds sharp, remain engaged with the world around us, and actively contribute to our personal growth and development.
Finding A Support Network
While it may feel like you are the only person starting at square one, there are oftentimes other people just like you seeking a new career path and going through the same things.
If you decide to enroll in a college program as a part of your plan to start new, try to find people similar to you on day one. Being involved in a community of people who are in a similar situation can provide a sense of belonging and boost your confidence. Together, you can study for classes, share resources, and search for jobs when the time comes.
Seeking out a mentor in your chosen field can also offer valuable insights and guidance that can make your transition smoother and less intimidating. You may even find that gaining a career coach through platforms like Better Up is a great way to receive 1 on 1 professional career development advice as you navigate and refine your career trajectory.
Or, you could attend career-related workshops and participate in networking events, which can provide access to industry professionals, unique employment opportunities, and a space to connect with people who share similar goals.
Additionally, family members and friends can offer immense encouragement and support during this time. Talking to them about your journey, sharing your progress, and receiving their positive feedback can provide a sense of fulfillment and motivation to keep moving forward.
Embracing New Beginnings
One aspect of embracing change is taking the time to reflect on your goals and values. What do you want to achieve in your new career or educational pursuits? What motivates you?
As Robert De Niro showed us in the movie The Intern, starting a new career by interning somewhere you have a passion for can be fruitful in unexpected ways. His character Ben, a retired 70-year-old widower, became a senior intern at an online fashion retailer and proves to be quite useful and, more than that, a source of support and wisdom.
With passion as your fuel and clarification of your goals to help you stay focused, it’ll be easier to feel motivated throughout the process of making a change.
Additionally, don't forget that starting a new career or going back to school is a journey, not a destination or end goal you should rush to finish.
You may face challenges and setbacks along the way, but it's important to stay positive and keep moving forward. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and keep your eyes on the bigger picture!
The Start of a New Era
Age – whether young or old – should never be a barrier to pursuing your dreams and finding fulfillment in your work and life.
Starting fresh and embarking on new beginnings can be liberating regardless of where we are in life and with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible.
Here at Arden Living, we encourage you to choose your own adventure everyday and experience the delight of uninhibited freedom to discover new experiences and curate your own possibilities.
To read more about our active adult living communities, check out our other blogs here.