At the ripe old age of 22, I was so happy to be done with school; done with textbooks and tests and projects and professors and nights with no sleep and ready for all the new career advice my advisers had to offer! After all, it was a long road. That moment that I stood on that stage and accepted that degree I thought “yes I finally made it, I can relax! It’s all smooth sailing and bright lights from now on!” Boy was I naïve. I never realized how long of a road I still had to travel, and it never crossed my mind that I might find myself in need of starting a new career.

However, life has a way of changing things for you. Whether it is voluntary or forced finding yourself in need of starting a new career later in life is becoming a common reality. Let’s face it, very rarely do you find someone who loves what they do; love who they work with and get paid more than enough to live on. Even if you are that lucky you may find yourself looking for a new career direction due to the economy or just because you need a change of pace?

I find that the older I get I actually fantasize about starting a new career. To be honest I find it quite liberating. When I was young I worried about status and prestige when it came to my work. It had to be something that I was proud of, something everyone else would be proud of. Now when I think about starting a new career, I think about what I think would be fun! I think about the things that make me happy.

So if you find yourself contemplating starting a new career; don’t panic! Look at it as an opportunity like you did when you were 22. Don’t let age frighten or discourage you. When you combine hard-earned experience with a youthful outlook, you will be surprised to find the world is still your oyster and yours to claim!