My career has always been important to me, it has provided a steady income, a sense of security, given me focus and direction and a sense of self. Now, at 51 years of age, I am feeling less inclined to continue in my field of bookkeeping and accounting.  I just don’t find it fulfilling anymore. I guess I must be going through some kind of mid life crisis, and I don’t know quite how to respond. I still need to work and I don’t know what else I could do. Gina

Hi Gina

First, I want to acknowledge that when we hit mid life, we often start to examine all areas of our life; career/work, family, religious beliefs, values, relationships, etc. This can be challenging as it can identify parts of us that are, possibly, incongruent with whom we want to be. When we start to consider a change of career our whole sense of identity can transform, and sometimes it can feel like the ground is shifting beneath our feet.

I do congratulate you on recognizing that there is an area of your life that needs consideration. Sometimes, for one reason or another, we continue in our jobs long after it is time to move on. The messages can come in different ways: dissatisfaction in our work, a growing sense of dis-ease, boredom or lack of energy, etc. Sometimes the biggest challenge is in taking action on this knowledge.

Step 1:

The first step is to take a deep breath and confirm that a change is ok. Allow yourself to feel that little of flutter of excitement and anticipation underneath the fear of change; this can be a very exciting time.

In this new labour market it’s common to have several career changes throughout our lifetime. Seldom do employees remain with the same employer, or indeed, in the same field for their entire career. I have been through several career changes and see career change as positive as it offers me a fresh perspective.

Step 2:

If you feel that you are not ready for a complete career change at this point, are there any other options you might want to consider?

If you want to look at a career change, there are several different tools available. Some career assessments help you identify your interests, values, aptitudes and abilities, while others offer quizzes to discover your personality type. They can be completed either on line or with an employment counselor.  A couple of free on-line assessments include: Keirsey temperament sorter which is similar to the Myers Briggs personality type. Other tests can be found on the Service Canada website at Career Navigator and Quizzes.

All of these activities are, what I consider, left brain, linear activities.  I like to balance using these tools with other so-called right brain activities to create a holistic approach. These include, but are not limited to: visualization, collage, creative writing, art work, affirmations, dream work and creating a personal mandate/mission statement. I also include meditation and prayer in this category. Allow yourself the luxury of a fantasy. If you could truly have the kind of life and work that would make you happiest what would it be? What would make your heart sing for joy?

Step 3:

Once you have come up with a few careers that appeal to you, the next step is to try them on for size. Do this by speaking to people who are actually working in the field to get a picture of a typical work day.   I suggest using Informational Interviews. (See article on Informational Interviews.)  Also interview employers to discuss what the future prospects are like, get an idea of the wage range and what training or credentials are required to enter this field.  A website to find out more about particular occupations is Work Futures.   As you get more insights to different careers, narrow your list down to two or three possible choices. At this stage, a good idea is to do some job shadowing or volunteering so you can get a hands-on perspective to see if this is going to be a good fit for you.

Step 4:

Finally you can research what training options, if required, are available for you to achieve your goal. Check out Education Planner for determining the best training institution for you, as well as tips on paying for your training.

Do you want a life that is rich, rewarding and fulfilling on all levels?
I encourage you to take the time to follow the steps outlined above. These will provide you with concrete evidence, insights about yourself, and help you to recognize the direction in which your life is pointing you.

Ask the Career Expert is a regular feature of Kootenay Career Development Society.  If you have questions you would like to ask the Career Expert, would like to share your own experience of looking for work in Nelson and area or any comments, please contact us at admin@kcds.ca