5 Career Change Mistakes: When NOT to Make a Midlife Career Change

Because part of my job involves working with people who are at a career crossroads in their 30s and 40s, it’s not uncommon for me to come across someone who is so upset with their current job that they’re ready to hand in their resignation. immediately. Obviously, this is a time that can be mentally exhausting because on the one hand, you’ve worked so hard to develop your career, and on the other hand, you can’t bear to go to your job every day. When one is in middle age, the prospect of making a career transition can seem daunting.

If you are in this position right now contemplating a career reinvention, the best place to start before you do anything is to really assess ‘what is driving you to make this career change’. Are your reasons strong and solid enough? Is transforming your career really your answer?

Often people jump into a career change for all the wrong reasons, here are some of them:

1. wrong office environment – Perhaps you are in the wrong environment and your personality does not fit well with the culture of the organization. If this is the case, you may be better off switching companies rather than careers.

2. Wrong boss and colleagues – Well, then, who is not familiar with this scenario, at one time or another we have found ourselves in a situation where we may have wished for a more supportive boss or colleagues. If you’re having problems with the people you work with, the solution may lie elsewhere than in making a career change.

3. You don’t like some aspects of your job – If you are considering a career change because you don’t like certain aspects of your current job, that may not be a good enough reason to do so. Even when you love what you do for a living, there are certain tasks that you like the least, while others do.

4. Think of a career change as a reaction – Perhaps there was some problem that is bothering you at your workplace, the problem is not being solved, and you simply do not see a way out. Obviously, the situation can become frustrating and many times lead people to think that they need to change careers; this may not be your solution.

5. Making a career change decision in a hurry – Sometimes people stay in unhappy careers for so long that they can’t bear to be there another minute. Because they are frustrated, they quickly hand in their resignation and start working on creating a new career. Sometimes being impulsive works in your favor, but more often than not, and especially if you have a family to support etc., this can be extremely risky.

Before thinking about making a career change, take a moment to first reflect on your reasoning behind that desire and determine for yourself whether or not this is the right step to take.