Changing jobs at 40: how to do it?

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Age is, in many of its aspects, height. The older we get, the more dizzy we get from certain changes, such as changing jobs. Therefore, today we want to talk about the challenge of doing it at 40.

Changing jobs at 40 can produce more vertigo than being on the edge of the highest and steepest cliff we have ever visited. However, there are many people who have even managed to reinvent their professional career at this age.

One of the keys is to do it strategically, taking into account certain factors or variables essential for this change. In this article we will talk about some useful strategies for those who want or have no choice but to start this adventure.

In this sense, looking for a new job can be one of those changes that causes us real fear – we are going to leave an area in which we felt more or less secure to another in which the uncertainty can be much greater – when, for age, we understand that we should already enjoy consolidated stability.

However, if we consider it, it is because the passing of the years has not blurred our concern to improve our quality of life.

Is it advisable to change jobs at 40?

40 is a significant age. During this stage we may experience many changes that can cause an identity crisis.. For example, it is possible that one of the parents becomes ill or dies due to their advanced age, and that could awaken our fear of death.

Following this line, a study found a significant relationship between fear of death and different psychological pathologies. These include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, stress, etc. (Menzies, Sharpe and Dar-Nimrod, 2019). So, we see how certain events common at that age could generate crises of some kind.

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During these critical times, many realize that they are not living the life they once dreamed of.. For that reason, they choose to take certain measures, such as changing jobs or finding new passions. But, with this desire to see new horizons, fear also usually comes and they wonder: is it advisable to change jobs at 40?

How to change jobs at 40?

Depending on the field, looking for a new job at this age can be much more complicated than doing so at 20 or 30 years old. Our energy level is lower, we tend to have accumulated more manias and have perfected certain pleasurable routines that we will now have to reflect on.

Like any other project, taking a step that involves so many changes It requires planning and conscious effort. Let’s look at some recommendations that you should take into account to achieve this.

1. Define the work you want to do

The first step is to be clear about the job you want to have in the future. If you don’t know exactly, try to think about those things that you were passionate about when you were younger and maybe you couldn’t do. Sometimes, different situations force people to put aside their dreams, but it is never too late to return to them.

In case you need a little more help defining it, we invite you to the following reflection: if money were no problem and you could do a job for free, what would it be?

2. Look for ways to specialize in the area you want to practice

Our experience in the area in which we want to find a new occupation has a significant weight in the job search at 40. Perhaps you have been dedicating yourself to a job for years that only generates frustration and suffering. You have tried to change this, and you have even mentally adopted strategies so that these aspects of your work life do not think so much about your emotional sphere; however, it has not worked.

3. Start applying and interviewing

If you are going to jump into the pool, take a shower, put your legs in the water, let your body acclimatize little by little. You can begin your job search while still in your current position. Doing it this way will relieve your anxiety, and ultimately prevent you from ending up accepting conditions that you don’t really want either.

On the other hand, this scaled acclimatization will help you adjust your expectations; something that is very positive if you also consider the possibility of opening a negotiation with your company about your conditions.

Looking for a job is an opportunity to find out about the situation in the labor market.

4. Consider volunteering

If you are looking to change jobs at 40, you surely already know that experience is very desirable to obtain contracts. So, An alternative that can help you is to apply as a volunteer in an organization. that relates to your future job. This is a good option if you are not affected by working without pay and you can even take it up as a hobby.

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5. Consider the possibility of starting your own business

You probably won’t get contracts immediately or even in the long term, because the job market is changing. However, that does not mean that you should give up on your project and stay in an unsatisfactory job. If other people don’t offer you a path, then maybe you could build one yourself. through a venture.

In this same sense, having your own business is another project that has its own challenges. But, it also has advantages, since you will not depend on anyone to do what you like and earn money at the same time. With a well-developed plan it is possible to carry out almost any company and be successful.

Finally, starting a psychotherapy process can also help you with your goal of changing jobs at 40. Above all, if you don’t know for sure where you want to go or what you’re really passionate about. A psychology professional can apply various methods and techniques to guide you and discover your true calling.