Working generates money, and money keeps a person and their family safe and secure. This is the basic equation that most people follow when they leave college. The main reason individuals attend college is to get a degree which will allow them to get a good job, pay the bills, and live a comfortable and stress-free life.
On many occasions, though, individuals find that the job that they’ve chosen is one which brings nothing but drudgery and stress. According to a Gallup poll back in 2017, it was found that 85% of workers across the world hated their jobs. Worldwide, only 15% of workers were shown as being engaged at their workplace, with about 30% of workers being engaged in the United States. This left 70% of workers in the United States not being engaged with their jobs.
In many cases, people decide to leave these jobs. Some reasons for this include employees not liking their bosses, company downsizing or restructuring, possible job relocation, a company closing, a desire to improve a person’s work life, not being a good fit with the company, or a person’s contributions not being valued by the company. Whatever the reason, if a person is willing to make a midlife career change, there are plenty of options available.
1. Clergy Person
Most jobs are done for the benefit of an economic institution. The goal is to help a company grow and prosper within an industry. This can include insurance, agriculture, technology, construction, or a host of other fields. The “bottom line” is key with these massive corporations. In other words, do the best job possible to help that organization make a profit.
This profit-driven existence may not be what fulfills you. At a certain point in your career, a desire to do something which enriches rather than builds capital may become more of a calling. In this case, a career within the clergy might be a good option. Being a leader at a church or a place of worship can do wonders for a person seeking a way to help others rather than helping to pad an executive’s pockets.
Once you’re “called” to be a preacher or pastor, you’ll find a life of community service that can help to ease your soul. In addition to this, many of the tools which you picked up as a corporate worker can also be used to eventually build a future church. So adorning oneself in pastors robes and learning the liturgy is just the start of a long and fruitful career of serving others.
2. Web Developer
The internet is an ever-growing beast, and there is no shortage of available careers associated with it. As a web developer (someone who builds websites) you’ll constantly be on the frontlines of this changing technological landscape. For those who might have seen a previous job as being stagnant, a career as a web developer might be a great change of pace.
In addition to that, the office culture is not suited for everyone. There’s the unnecessary drama, the bad habits of office mates and the drudgery that comes from going to the same place day in and day out. As a web developer, you can work from home and still get plenty of work done. To begin a your journey to finding employment in this arena its best to find schools that can help you to continue your education in web design. Whether it’s seeking out adult education in Ohio or checking out what online web developer workshops are available, taking this first step can save you a lot of headaches in seeking out a midlife career.
Remember, it’s never too late to learn and there are plenty of options out there for continuing education or occupational education. Whether you have a high school diploma or a GED, you can become an adult learner and realize your career goals regardless of age.
3. Personal Trainer
Being able to make a love of staying physically fit into a new career is a great choice. Becoming a personal trainer allows you the freedom to first work wherever you want. This can include opening your own on-site business for people seeking your services or being a mobile personal trainer.
Helping people reach their health and fitness potential is an activity that will help you to feel enriched with your new career choice. Also, while performing the duties of a personal trainer (demonstrating exercises and routines to clients, assisting clients in exercises to minimize injury and promote fitness, modifying exercises according to clients’ fitness levels, monitoring client progress, and providing information or resources on general fitness, and health issues) you’ll be staying healthy yourself, which might not have been the case at your previous job.
4. Landscaper and Groundskeeper
As a landscaper or groundskeeper, you can combine a love for being outside with providing a quality service for people. Trimming trees, mowing grass, and pulling weeds are all a part of working as a landscaper or groundskeeper, and can sometimes be difficult work. Though the work might be hard, the opportunity to work with nature daily is one that many people can’t pass up. Having to be stuck inside of an office day after day is a good reminder that time spent in nature is of great value. If you’re sick of spending all day cooped up, this might be the job for you.
5. Social Media Manager
Most businesses need a social media presence in today’s economic landscape, so social media managers are essential. Combining a love for technology and social media with a knack for customer service makes for being a great social media manager. As a social media manager you’ll be responsible for curating a brand’s social channels. You’ll monitor, moderate and respond to audience comments. You would also manage social media partnerships with other brands, while also creating and posting shareable videos and images.
As with a web developer, such work doesn’t have to be done in an office. Also, every day will be different as a social media manager. This job brings a variety of tasks and challenges which can keep your interest in this profession piqued, which is an added plus when making a mid-life career change.
Whatever you choose to do, whether it’s spending more time outdoors, managing a social media account, joining the clergy or enrolling in an adult diploma program, make sure that your career goals are something you’re passionate about. As long as you’re doing something that you love, you’ll spend your days smiling.
