Changing Careers In Your 40’s or 50’s Is Absolutely Doable

Changing careers at 40 or 50 years old can be challenging, but the right strategy can make the transition easier. Identify what career path you want to take, talk to people in roles you are interested in, pinpoint your transferable skills, and network to help advance.

I am a 54-year-old mom of a soon to be 5 year old, and I am now ready to go back into the realm of working outside the home. Before my daughter was born, I was in the hospitality industry for 7 years, and prior to that, I was in the transportation industry. During my time in the hospitality industry, it was a desire of mine to be in real estate. However, at the time, I was content and my main focus was to become a mom …. and we all know that in itself is a full time career.

I have been at stay at home mom for the past five years, and even though my daughter started Pre-K this past August, I  wasn’t exactly ready to jump right into going back to work. I have taken this past school year to adjust to everything and make a plan of what to do next that would still give me the flexibility to be there for my daughter at a moment’s notice. Being that I once had my own business in transportation, I knew I didn’t want to go back and work for someone else. I prayed about it and God reminded me of my desire to become a Real Estate Agent so I could have a career with substantial income and more flexibility.

In planning and gathering information, I was given an opportunity by someone in my church that sealed the deal, and I am now on my path to becoming a realtor. Currently, I am taking the course and planning to take the exam in the immediate future. All of this being said, I encourage anyone, no matter how long you’ve been in your current situation or even if it is a dream of yours to do something different, to go for it, and “Just Do It” because you will never know until you try, and if you don’t try, then you will live with that regret.

Will I be successful? Will I completely regret my decision? I do not have the answers at this moment; however, I can tell you that being successful is a complete mindset and the word regret is not in my vocabulary. I wake up every morning and I tell myself that I was created in the image of our Lord GOD and that when he created me, he created a Masterpiece!!! Do not let fear or society dictate to you what you can and can not accomplish at any time, at any stage in this life, for this life was given to you, for you, and for you to live your best life, so go make that plan. Pray about it, talk to the right people that can help lead you in that direction, and give it your best! And just know that if I can do it, so can you!