"Believe me: you too can, if necessary, fly out of
that golden cage and bring some magic back into your career."
Hilde De Brauw
Had you told me several years ago that I would change jobs at 54, I wouldn't have believed you.
After all, I had a great position at a top company with super nice colleagues and a not unkind salary ... so why should I change?
Changing jobs as a 50-plusser
Changing jobs after age 50, do I dare? And yet I did and I'm happy to tell you why.
I worked at a large HR group for 19 years and in my career I had received an awful lot of growth and development opportunities, been able to do a lot of fun projects, worked with tremendously nice people and laughed and learned every day!
And yet, I was suddenly stuck in a position and a team that absolutely did not energize me and where I felt that my talents, motivators and energizers were not taken into account enough.
I am by nature a very enthusiastic and positive person so I thought I would get out of it with HR. But several conversations later I still felt sluggish and nothing had changed in my situation.
And so, bravely, but also with a very small fearful heart, I cut the knot: I was determined to do everything I could to once again go to work every day with a smile on my face and feel energetic and good about myself again. Even if it meant leaving a beautiful and safe cocoon.
I carefully opened the door of my golden cage and flew out with wings still a little hesitant ...
And how glad I am that I took this step! Not only am I back to my full potential in a super fun and challenging job; I also discovered that the job market, despite all the less positive messages in the media, is really open to people over 50.
I was invited for an initial interview in 85% of the applications, took tests, assessments, presentations and got very far in various selection procedures.
The end result was that I received offers from 3 different companies to start. What an energy boost to my somewhat bruised ego: "I was still wanted in the job market!
Even more than that, I now had choice stress because companies were eager to work with me - wonderful feeling anyway.
And I really don't have any particularly special talents or certifications or expertise!
So any person over 50 can do this!
Trust me: you too can, if necessary, fly out of that golden cage and bring some magic back into your career. Look for a position that energizes you, for a company that believes in you and wants to partner with you.
50 Plus? These are the pluses of older workers:
- Your broad backpack filled with a wide range of experience and learned competencies
- your mentoring skills in your collaboration with young people
- Your maturity, calmness and pursuit of harmony that you bring to the workplace
- your flexibility, because you no longer have to pick up or drop off children
- Your stress-resistance, ability to put things into perspective and your sharpened judgment: you've been in front of a lot of hot flames so you can take a beating
- your loyalty and steadfastness: you won't be job hopping so easily anymore
10 tips for changing jobs as a person over 50
Changing jobs takes guts! That's why I'd like to give you 10 more SUPERTIPS on how best to tackle your search as a 50+ person:
Old
but not out: although I don't see myself as 'old,' you quickly get that label. So make sure your personal branding does not exude "old. Opt for a contemporary, visually strong and attractive resume.
Make sure you stand out! Don't be a gray mouse but a happy pink flamingo. Let your resume exude energy, passion, enthusiasm and motivation! Speak with pride about your successes, expertise, skills. Also show that you can deal with new technologies, with a new, young management style and that you are eager to learn, willing to learn new skills.
Use your network
as a person over 50, you have built an extensive social and professional network. This network is invaluable - use it! Also use your extra time to make new interesting contacts. Don't stay between your four walls but come out and open yourself up to fascinating new encounters. You never know where these may lead ... Let everyone know that you are looking for a new job, ask them to help you. People will do this with enormous pleasure and dedication. I noticed this myself during my search and I am extremely grateful for all the help I received from my network.
Make sure you are professionally visible on social media
LinkedIn is a very powerful branding tool for this. Complete your profile with all the bells and whistles and start liking, sharing, commenting and posting! Show that you can stand your ground in this VUCA world with all your expertise. You can also take advantage of the extra time you have to hone certain competencies by attending some webinars or trainings.
Get coached
Coaching is a process in which your coach acts as a guide, guiding and challenging you to fulfill your potential and achieve your set goals. Together you will search for what motivates and energizes you in your job so that you can make a conscious and correct choice for your future career.
Provide focus in your search
Don't go wildly clicking through on all kinds of job openings, as this will do you little good and the lack of response will eventually frustrate you. Apply only to those positions or at those companies that you know will be an excellent match for you and your talents. Better 3 well aimed arrows than 30 stray ones to hit the bullseye (not really a proverb but still?).
Dispel negative thoughts
Thoughts like "I'm too old" or "I'll never find another great job" or "I can't keep up with all these digital changes" won't help you move forward; on the contrary, they will sabotage you. Try to look at things more positively and embrace the future enthusiastically. An education can help you with digitalization and there are many companies looking for maturity and broad expertise.
Not only positivism and enthusiasm but also fitness and an energetic appearance will advance you
Looking fit makes a strong first impression and shows that you still have enough energy for a very active working life. Go hiking, biking, join a fitness club (can you do some networking!), start a yoga class. Above all, do something you enjoy doing so that you keep doing it.
Take sufficient actions
Don't sit on your lazy ass waiting for a great job to come along.
You really need to be proactive about it. It's quite a bit of work and it requires commitment and a considerable time investment. So take plenty of actions and be disciplined enough to really do something every day to achieve your goals.
Dare to be surprising
Whether it's on your personal branding tool (resume, social media profiles, website ...) or during your interviews: try to think out of the box or completely without the box. You'll be amazed at how many results this produces. You are different from others, stand out, and if you infuse everything with a healthy dose of humor, you will come a long way.
Definitely don't give up
If you get the lid on your nose a few times, straighten your back and keep going. There are plenty of vacancies on the job market at the moment and it's perseverance that wins! Keep believing in yourself and keep your cool.
Help with changing Job?
Do you too want to fly out of your golden cage and could use a supporter? Request your free telephone consultation with a Travvant career coach.