Age is just a Number
It’s NEVER ever too late to switch jobs, career fields, or up the ante and acquire fresh skills! The average retirement age is being pushed well into a person’s sixties these days. To those in their 50’s and 60’s, you’re spring chickens compared to the timeless and ever-so-spry Betty White, who’s still acting and crushing crosswords at age 95! Ninety-Five! Don’t most of us hope we’re still alive, walking around, just doing shit at that age?
Gas left in the Tank
So, if you have another 5 to 15 years left to work, what does this mean for you? Corporate America still offers boatloads of opportunity for older workers to continue making huge impacts. You’ve got the same tools at your disposal that younger generations do. What matters is how you take advantage of them. This isn’t just a young hustler’s game.
What We Know:
Older workers have a refined work-ethic and business acumen like a fine Cabernet Sauvignon, only getting better with age. You are a bona fide badass who knows how to get shit done. Give yourself some more credit! Well-seasoned professionals already possess laser-focused study habits, and have accumulated experience which actually lowers corporate training costs.
Despite the widespread myths out there, older workers are generally eager to learn new skills – especially technological skills. Most will say they want to keep pace with change.
Build off Your Strengths:
Transferable skills are your best friend; your existing interpersonal, technical and project leadership skills are a product of many years of experience dealing with adversity and change. Leverage these skills to the fullest extent!
Tip: create a list of your transferable skills. It’s a great way to boost confidence as you aim to build new skills or transition into a new role.
For instance, a marketing professional may leave for a career in nursing and quickly find they’re a lot more prepared than anticipated. Their negotiating skills, problem solving behaviors, and meticulous ability to nurture clients are all highly transferable skills required for quality patient care, especially when handling life and death situations.
Foundations for the Future:
Give yourself a chance to learn new skills at your own pace. How could the use of technology, apps, and new software help you? Check out the robust menus on MOOCs like Lynda.com, Coursera, EdX, and more. Peruse course catalogs like a curious college student picking electives. Tackle subjects that ignite your curiosity. Whatever interests you…
Never stop learning.
