by Ted Sherman

Created on: February 18, 2010

Making career changes in midlife happen for various reasons. Considering today's poor economy, many people have no choice about seeking other ways to make a living. With downsizing, industry relocations and cutbacks, they must get back into the job search arena  to meet living expenses and obligations to their families.

Another reason to make midlife career changes is lack of progress. People in the same job for ten or more years without any prospects for advancement and better income to often feel the growing desperation of being in a dead-end situation.

Whatever the reasons and causes, there are ways to make that critical career change, and do it so that your life will change for the better. In almost every such unhappy situation, there are ways to take positive steps to better opportunities.

1. Don't do anything without family approval: You may hate your job, find it boring, promotions will never come your way and there are rumors of cut-backs. They're good reasons to look elsewhere, but your spouse and kids should be in on any decision about changing jobs. They have individual lives, too, including school, friends and other things you may not want to disturb. Before you begin any definite planning to move on, sit down and discuss your thoughts with them.

2. Keep cool: When you make your decision to leave your current job, or you feel you are vulnerable to losing it, begin a plan to get yourself out. No matter how frustrated you may feel, do not discuss your ideas with anyone in your current work environment. Keep everything you intend to do absolutely confidential, except possibly to discuss it with your family and non-involved friends. When you've sought another job and the written offer is in your hands, then you may speak with your management and other work associates.

3. Begin mapping your future: Explore all potential jobs in your field through the internet, want ads, employment agencies and other sources. Unless your job may end at any day, give yourself time to consider as many possibilities as you can. If your current job is in an area where there has been a significant rise in unemployment, research other areas of the state and beyond for opportunities. Continue to keep your research and search as confidential as possible, except when you're likely to lose your job soon.

4. Get healthy: If your attempt at a job change in midlife includes a big midriff or other bad health feature about you, that could turn off a potential employer, get yourself back into shape. Many employers today require health exams for potential new hires, and if you're in poor condition and competing with fit young applicants for a job, your chances of winning are considerably diminished. Start regular daily exercise, and if necessary, a sensible diet. While the government forbids age discrimination in hiring, you know older applicants for almost any job are at a distinct disadvantage. For both mid-life men and women, some serious grooming improvements should go with the leaner bodies.

5. Be positive: A good attitude is one of the most effective weapons you can have when looking to change jobs in midlife. Particularly when you're being interviewed by a potential new employer, instead of griping about why you're leaving your old job, you should prove what an excellent prospect you are. Talk about what younger applicants don't have, your considerable experience and high qualifications for the job. 

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