Are You Ever Too Old for a Career Change? Making a Timely Career Change

You are a person who has a positive, constructive attitude to life. You are interested in living life to its fullest, are ambitious and enjoy a challenge. Are you ever too old to consider a career change?

No one is ever too old to consider a timely career change. In fact, it could prove to be the best thing that you ever did, or could possibly do for yourself and your family.

Age can bring about employment limitations in terms of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual realms of life. Thus, choosing a new, more relevant career, one that is more appropriate for you at your particular time of life is important, if or when, you are confronted with limitations of any kind.

Age is not always the primary factor to take into consideration. It may prove to be just one of many factors with respect to the kind of career change you should consider. Begin by doing some serious research into employment areas that are of interest to you and consider your possible career options.         

Note that there are instances when age is a relevant factor to consider in respect to making a new career choice. For example, there are careers like that of becoming a doctor or lawyer that require many years of professional education.

Why is age a factor in the choice of these kinds of careers?

Applying for admission for higher education and training may present a problem for those who are older, if the university or college enrollment age is restricted. At times, these programs are limited to individuals who qualify academically, but not always. Those under the age of forty are more likely to be accepted. 

Those over forty may be rejected, because there are only x number of years of possible employment for anyone who is older. There may be pre-requisites for entrance into the academic programs that take a long time to obtain, prior to the actual university or college education itself.

At the same time, this does not prohibit anyone who is interested in pursuing a job in professional and academic areas from taking appropriate courses on a university or college level.

Speaking with a career counselor and seeking advice at any age, is always a good idea when it comes to choosing a new career. (1)

Considering the likelihood of obtaining employment in certain areas is an important factor. Many potential careers do not offer job opportunities for older people. Perhaps the organizations or companies involved are seeking only young, vibrant and dynamic individuals to train from the ground up. The logic behind the youth factor has to do with the fact that younger people tend to be less set in their ways and are more flexible with respect to new ideas.     

There are a number of careers with distinct age limitations because the physical challenges they present are extremely high. As one ages, physical abilities can diminish and physical limitations tend to increase, but not always, depending upon a person’s ongoing level of activity. Those who remain active tend to have few limitations.

A person may be able to change to a career where he or she can do modified work that allows for physical limitations or disabilities.

Be aware that there are no hard and fast rules about who can do what in terms of a career change.

When a current career becomes inappropriate because of advancing age, looking at other possible options for another career is advisable. Finding a more suitable career may present a challenge, but even just looking can be fun!

There have been many technological advances over the past decades and thus, many previous job descriptions are being phased-out, because they are obsolete or out-dated. Many people have to change careers because their former jobs no longer exist. They may not even be able to continue in the same kind of career, in any capacity.

Taking career-change courses is exciting, even though it is not always easy to learn something new and different. It can feel demeaning and humiliating to those who are older, particularly when there are much younger students who appear to be able to do more.

Personal interests, availability of courses, entrance requirements, as well as time and finances, will be other determining factors in respect to possible career changes. Children and grandchildren often make demands on older people seeking to change careers and families must be part of the career choice equation.

Tired of your job, bored at work or want to do something else for a change? Those are all good reasons to look for a career change. What do you have as hobbies? Would you enjoy something like that as a new career? Have you considered starting your own business? 

Age is not the only factor to consider.

What do you really want to do with the rest of your life? Think about it for a while and then, become proactive and move towards a better career choice.

1. http://www.quintcareers.com/career_change.html

What to do if One of Your Colleagues is Fired: Ten Tips for When a Colleague is Let Go

Your supervisor has just advised everyone that one of your colleagues has just been let go. 

“Fired?” 

You are shocked and stunned for a moment, and so are many others. 

“Why,” you ask yourself. “What did he or she do to deserve dismissal?” 

You feel your blood pressure rising, as you wonder if you going to be next. 

“How many others will be fired?” 

You do not need this additional stress.

There is a lot of tension and stress when a colleague is dismissed regardless of the reasons for his or her dismissal or the circumstances involved. It is seldom easy, but there are things that you should and should not do.

Consider these ten tips, particularly if you are a baby boomer or a senior.

Do not panic.

You are not the person who has been fired. The dismissal of the other colleague is probably for reasons that are and may remain unknown to you. Do not assume that it is your fault. Perhaps you have been aware that this might happen or have tried to help or intervene, on his or her behalf. Regardless of what the circumstances are, not allowing yourself to panic will work to your advantage.

Ask yourself who owns the problem.

The terminated employee owns the problem. It is not your personal problem, although it may affect you in some way. When there is a termination of employment, it is because there is a concern of some kind with that colleague. You may not know what the problem is or if you do, in order to save your own job, you may have remained silent. While the person dismissed owns the problem, it still affects everyone else to some degree. It is up to him or her to resolve the problem. You may be able to assist him or her to do so, at some time in the future.

Stay calm, cool and collected.

Your immediate reaction may be anger, as you listen to the announcement of this person’s termination. You may want to go to his or her defense. He or she may ask you to do that, on his or her behalf. You may feel that you should or feel reluctant to do so, because it could cost you your job. Your negative reaction to his or her dismissal could lead the supervisor to sense that firing that person was not the right thing to do. It may put you in a position of being suspect if there are issues of a serious nature, like breaking company policy or rules. For example, the employee’s dismissal may be due to theft or damage to company equipment.

Continue the work assigned to you.

Continuing to do your assigned work in a normal manner, will encourage and allow others around you to do the same. You should not cease working because of the dismissal of one employee, even when it seems senseless or is a dramatic scenario. Perhaps this person has been an employee who has not carried his or her workload. Note that your workload may increase because of the dismissal of one employee. How you continue with your own work will be a determining factor in your own employment.

Speak with management if there are issues of concern.

It is often, but not always advisable to speak to management about any issues of concern regarding a terminated employee, particularly where dismissal may have been unwarranted. How you talk to your supervisors or employer about your colleague or the circumstances of his or her dismissal is important, so deal with facts and reality. Remember that your supervisors and employer may be upset, so address them in a kindly manner. Employee termination can be determined in accordance with other things, including the lack of available work for that employee. There may be a need for his or her re-training and upgrading. It can be because of downsizing or re-structuring of an organization.

Maintain your relationship with the dismissed person.

You may want to maintain your relationship with the dismissed person, if he or she has been a close friend, but be aware that doing so may also influence your thoughts and feelings about your supervisors or employer and your job. Speak quietly and gently with this person, recognizing that he or she may be angry, upset and in a state of shock. Others may be upset as well, so your own personal behavior and comportment can set a good example for them.

Advise the terminated person to seek professional counseling and guidance.

As a friend of a dismissed colleague, you may be aware that he or she is in need of professional employment counseling and guidance. He or she may need financial assistance or help in other ways. At times, it may be a good idea to suggest that the terminated employee visit the labor board or unemployment office. Suggest that he or she begin sending out resumes and online applications for employment. You may be able to assist him or her in this way.

Acknowledge the reality of the trauma associated with unemployment.

Anyone faced with actual or even potential unemployment, is in a traumatic situation or set of circumstances, at least to some degree. Whether it is an expected or unexpected dismissal does not necessarily prevent the trauma. Remember that there is fear and paranoia associated with loss of employment and unemployment, as well as the loss of income associated with the loss of benefits, too. Not everyone wants early retirement, even though at this time, it is a reality many baby boomers must deal with.

Continue to upgrade and learn new skills.

Seeing someone who is a colleague being terminated, for whatever reason, serves as a wake up call to you, as well as others. You start to realize that change is inevitable and that permanency of any job, regardless of its description, may not be a realistic expectation. Thus, continuing to upgrade and learn new skills is important for you and others.

Remain an optimistic, positive and happy employee.

One of the reasons that you were not fired when a colleague of yours is been dismissed, may have to do with your attitude towards others and your job. Employers want and need employees who are optimistic, positive and happy. Be yourself and continue to enjoy your day-to-day work, but allow yourself other possible options for employment in the future. They might include a promotion.

Expect good things to happen and they will.

Career Profiles: Ghostwriter

What is a ghostwriter? How does it differ from a ghost or a being a ghost? A better question might be that of how it differs from being a freelance writer.

The career profile of a ghostwriter is unique in itself. It differs from that of a freelance writer, who openly seeks personal recognition for his or her writing. The ghostwriter writes and publishes for others, without receiving any recognition or at best, he or she may receive minimal recognition.

Nowadays, there are many people who are not able to write well, do not have time to write or prefer to hire a professional writer with Internet skills. They seek someone who is able to write professionally and do formatting, as well as editing and publishing on the Internet for them.

In other words, they want to hire a professional ghostwriter. Some ghostwriters find employment creating web pages, web sites or writing autobiographies, while others obtain work by creating blogs, flyers and e-books, etc. for others.     

Becoming a ghostwriter is not an elusive career (like being a ghost). Ghost writing can be or become a viable source of income for someone who loves to write. The ghostwriter must be willing to become the ghost of the proclaimed author. 

Homeincomeopportunities.com suggests that becoming a ghostwriter presents a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wants to start a new, home-based business. 

TheFreeDictionary.com web site defines the word ghostwriter as “a writer who gives the credit of authorship to someone else”.

This means that the ghostwriter does not assume authorship for his or her work, even though he or she is the actual writer. The authorship, as such, always belongs to the person who pays the writer to write for him or her. There can be substantial financial remuneration for writing professional books, stories and articles, the actual amount paid, worked out between the author and the ghostwriter. Remuneration depends upon the number of words, the length of an article or amount of content on a web page.     

The ghostwriter is essentially “hired to ghost” the author or owner of the web page or web site.  

The best current market for ghost writing is on websites, with the ghostwriter actively approaching prospective website owners who desire content or mega-content for their websites.

The ghostwriter needs to be able to write well in different genres and must have professional skills with respect to writing, editing and publishing on the Internet.  

Developing White Hat search engine optimization (SEO) skills, as well as professional marketing skills, are an asset for a ghostwriter.

The ghostwriter must be motivated to work under the guidance or directives of a prospective author, usually has a contract to sign and method payment specified. The ghostwriter may be required to make corrections or do revisions on web sites, as necessary. The author may choose to give credits to the ghostwriter or decide not to post his or her name or company profile, on his or her web site.

  

Ideally, the ghostwriter will have his or her own registered business with an office setting including a computer, printer, and fax machine. He or she needs to have acquired basic writing, as well as bookkeeping skills, (or have access to a professional bookkeeper and accountant).

Because the ghostwriter is working independently at home, he or she can choose his or her projects under specific authors, as well as set his or her own work hours. The ghostwriter may prefer to work with a broker who provides ongoing employment for him or her.

Ghostwriting is an excellent way to gain writing skills and to keep updated with respect to changing Internet technology. For new writers, ghostwriting offers many opportunities for later promotion. For baby boomers and seniors, ghostwriting can be a wonderful way to stay mentally active into retirement.

Hiking Tips for Seniors: The Typical Senior Hiker

Is there any such thing as typical senior hiker? Every senior is unique and his or her hiking ability is different, but typical senior hikers have a lot in common. 

The typical senior who has been hiking for many years, will likely continue to hike, well into his or her later years, too. Seniors, who have never hiked, are much less likely to start hiking at that time in their lives, even when encouraged to do so. Hiking is a wonderful pastime and an excellent way for seniors to stay happy and healthy. It presents an opportunity for them to get exercise, fresh air and sunshine. Many typical senior hikers are nature lovers who enjoy bird watching and have friends who do the same.

There are a number of serious concerns for senior hikers, primarily related to safety. This article will suggest hiking tips for seniors, focusing on their safety, as well as others who are concerned about their protection.

Identification:

All seniors should carry proper identification when hiking. There are numerous self-identification products available for any seniors who hike on a regular basis. Identification for a senior hiker may be a driver’s license, a social insurance, social security card or a birth certificate. He or she should carry the name and telephone number of a contact person, as well as his or her name and address, in case assistance is necessary or there is an emergency. Carrying a cell phone is always good idea, but there are places where there may be no reception.  

For senior hikers with allergies, it is a good idea to wear an allergy bracelet.       

Difficulty walking:

Walking is difficult at the best of times for many seniors who go hiking. This has to do with a number of health related issues like decline in vision, arthritis, memory-related problems, shortness of breath or foot problems. A senior hiker who has difficulty walking should not be walking alone, particularly at night. Any senior hiker prone to falling should only hike in safe areas and should wear an emergency call bracelet or necklace when hiking.      

Predators:

Other concerns for senior hikers have to do with the presence of strangers, teenagers or adults, potential predators who may abuse or steal from them. Senior hikers should avoid contact with strangers, particularly in remote areas. Wild animals like bears, wolves, foxes, skunks or even dogs can also present problems for senior hikers in wilderness areas. It is a good idea for a senior to carry a whistle when hiking, just in case.  

Decline in vision:

Seniors with vision problems may be wearing glasses with several different levels of vision, like bifocals or trifocals. Walking on grass, gravel, rocks, sand, etc. can be difficult. The senior with vision problems or disturbances is likely to stumble and fall on any rough terrain or slip and fall in muddy areas. Hiking is easier where there are relatively level roads, footpaths, walkways or sidewalks. Using a walking stick or a cane can be helpful to any senior hiker in terms of balance, particularly one with vision problems.

Arthritis:

Senior hikers who have arthritis may experience back, hip, knee or foot pain, while hiking, as well as after excessive walking. A senior hiker with a history of arthritis should receive proper medication for the disease on a regular basis. He or she may need treatment for excessive pain after hiking. Taking extra medication prior to hiking can be risky, as it may make the senior hiker drowsy.

Memory loss:

With advancing age, senior hikers may have bouts of memory loss and difficulty remembering who they are, where they are and how they got there. It is easy for them to get lost when hiking in wilderness country. At times, they may be unable to find their way even on familiar pathways. Identification bracelets or foot bands are a good idea for any senior hiker encountering memory loss. He or she should not go hiking alone.  

Foot problems:

With seniors many potential foot problems can occur, particularly anyone with foot deformities or diabetes. Purchasing good footwear for hiking is important. It is also a good idea to wear cotton or wool socks. Any infections, corns or bunions need to be properly treated. Foot soaks are beneficial after hiking. Hiker’s feet should be dry and clean at all times, as skin care is important.

Difficulty breathing:

Senior hikers may encounter difficulty breathing, particularly when climbing hills. Note that if a senior hiker has heart-related problems and is on medication, it should be easily accessible to him or her, at all times. If he or she experiences shortness of breath or mild chest pain when hiking, rest periods are important. A senior hiker with prolonged shortness of breath and recurrent chest pain should see his or her physician for a physical examination, as soon as possible.

Clothing:

When senior hikers are planning a hiking trip, it is always important to dress appropriately the weather conditions. Note that a senior hiker may feel cold even on a warm day. Carrying a backpack containing a hat, extra clothing like a hoodie, socks, a scarf and gloves is a good idea if the weather is cool. Wearing layered clothing can be helpful if the weather is warm.

Food and water:

Any senior planning a hiking trip should carry enough food and water. Note that dried food and individually wrapped snacks and bottled water, are usually sufficient for a senior hiker unless the hiking trip involves meal times.

The typical senior hiker knows the joy and freedom of hiking, and even when not physically able to go hiking, he or she will still go hiking in spirit.

Hello Baby Boomers (2)

W. Diane Van Zwol

R.N., B.A. (Religious Studies),  M.A. (Philosophy)Certified Counselor 

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