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OT: changing jobs after age of 40

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 11/6/2007 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
Well, as many of you may know, I work in the health insurance industry.  My job pays OK, I get to live where I want, my schedule is very flexible and I have a very understanding boss.  However, I always wonder how long my particular position will last.  I work in a two person department in a very specialized product line.

I want to start looking if I am able to switch jobs after 16 years in the same industry.  I just don't know where to start.  I have my resume, but how do you go about finding jobs that "are worth" sending your resume too.  How do I know what I can do that is not the same job I have now.  I have a degree in one area and job experience in another, but how do they fit in something completley different.

Any ideas how to start finding what I want to be when I grow up (or grow even older)?  A total change in jobs would be welcome.

Posted 11/6/2007 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Lol, you sound like me, but since I didn't know what to do, I went back to school.

After watching my son look for work, who has a bachelor's in history and a masters in International Relations, I've decided your degree may have nothing to do with what job you end up with. It's all about applying for jobs that sound interesting, and being the right person at the right time. Yes, very hit and miss. My son has a great job that he loves, that pays well, and where he met is new wife ;0) But his degrees didn't help him get the job (except for the fact that he did have a degree), being the right person to apply at the right time did.

Eventually his degrees may do something for him, he and his wife have applied to the Peace Corp, but right now, he loves his job, it pays the bills, and he and his new bride have a great start in life.

So I say take your time looking, apply only for jobs you think you will love, and be patient. I've applied for and got jobs I've had absolutely no experience in, buy my maturity and background helped them to choose me and take a chance on me.
Posted 11/6/2007 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
I'll be 45 in a couple of days and I just went thru a job hunt.  I was laid off for the 4th time in my career.  I keep going back to school to learn more computer programs to keep up with technology.  If you can, go to school and learn something you're interested in.  Bioengineering and healthcare are good fields.  Use the internet to look for jobs, the search engines let you cover a lot of ground quickly.  I am a mechanical drafter and since so many manufacturing jobs have left the U.S. work is harder to find.  Good luck.

Posted 11/6/2007 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
My sister in law in the Uk has taken early retirement from her Govt job in Brighton UK. She's only 53 and been doing the same work for 30 years, they have been restructuring and she's out the door. Her BP has gone throught the roof and she's just been diagnosed with Diabetics so its all quite stressful for her. She's been down and quite negative about finding and job, she hasn't bothered putting a CV together as she's done the same job all her working life but Ian gave her a pep talk over the phone last week and told her to write down all that her job entails, break it down and list it on a CV, she was a little more postitive after that when she realized what was involved in her job.
Tess
Posted 11/6/2007 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Judy...my degree is is elementary ed and I ended up in insurance underwriting. You're right, it's not what degree you have, but that you have one that is valued.

blue...I am thinking about some more class work, I just don't know what route to head. Healthcare would be the easiest transition based on my experience, but I don't know if I want to stick with this direction even with that kind of twist.

I saw an ad for an intersting job and when i went back to look at it, it was gone. I guess I have to be quicker on the draw and a little more confident that I CAN do anything, even if it is not spelled out on my resume.
Posted 11/6/2007 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
I went back to school last year for web design, after completing school I began looking for my dream job.

Everyday I had a ritual:

Logon to:

Top 5 job hunting sites.
City newspaper Sites.
Send my resume to atleast 10 companys.
Read resume tips and improve my resume where needed.

If there was a company I was excited to be apart of, I would even call after sending my resume.

It took me awhile since I was just out of school, an I didnt land the job I wanted, however I am with a company now that will give me job expierence I need for my resume. I will begin job hunting again in the new year, it will give me time to get use to my new meds and as well the holiday season will be over.

Good Luck!
Posted 11/6/2007 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
I both found a new career and a new marriage in mid-life, and I think they are similar...nothing falls in your lap; you need to work at it and it takes a bit of energy. I liked Ikas ideas and second them. also I would add, talk to everyone you know and meet. the best way to find a job is through other people and you cannot be humble or shy about your strengths. go for it! yp
Posted 11/7/2007 12:24 AM (GMT 0)

HabsHockeyFan said...
I saw an ad for an intersting job and when i went back to look at it, it was gone. I guess I have to be quicker on the draw and a little more confident that I CAN do anything, even if it is not spelled out on my resume.

Never let that keep you from calling or e-mailing or whatever they do these days, lol.  Sometimes the ad just runs out before they've filled the position.  A phone call wouldn't hurt ;0)
Posted 11/7/2007 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
Habs - I also work in the health insurance industry(also in NY) and two years ago I changed jobs after 12 years at the same place. I didn't change careers much, I went from working for Excellus to working for a small insurance agency representing all insurance carriers. It was really just enough of a change to make me happy. I can tell you that as far as the insurance industry goes the latest and greatest line to get into is the Medicare field. With the baby boomers aging into Medicare this area is becoming very competitive. I personally love working with seniors and get a great amount of satisfaction helping them because they are so thankful. But I always say when I grow up I want to do something with animals, until then I need something to pay the bills. MB
Posted 11/7/2007 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
mbjoh! Wow so close and similar jobs. Part of my job is underwriting HMO Reinsurance for Medicare HMO plans. I actually considered looking into Excellus, but I just can't get past the feeling that insurance is not the way I need to go now. If it is where I am going to go for the future, I like where I am right now. Including the prior company bought out, I have been here 13 years and have a boss that has known me that whole time.

I am heading out for a SBFT now, but I am going to internet search that lost opportunity. Thanks for the support and ideas everyone.
Posted 11/7/2007 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
This will sound funny to you but, I have always believed that we are where we want to be. If not, we change it. If you are not happy where you are and you truly want a change start looking and the right door will open.
Posted 11/7/2007 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
Habs - Good luck with your SBFT. When I left my old job it was exactly like Sniper said - you know when it is time. I loved everyone I worked with except for my direct supervisor. She saw me as a threat to her position and made my life miserable. I also so no growth potential there and I have the go-getter personality and at 34 yrs old I was not content with not growing professionally. But with that said - if I didn't need money to survive I would train seeing eye dogs. Someday!!!
Posted 11/7/2007 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
I quit my job as a community bank President at age 48. I changed fields and became a stock broker. I failed. What a bummer! Then I went back to what I really loved which was being a small town banker only this time a self employed small town banker working for myself. Things worked out well and we retired very comfortably (except and because of Crohns), at age 60.

My point is don't cave in because you may not succeed in your next step, however be financially prepared to do so. Also, when you are unemployed you don'y have to "sneak around" in shopping for a new job which is a big advantage. But be prepared to work for your new position. I called on every bank east of Reno, NV before I found my landing spot in Nebraska.
It's like dealing with Crohns: Never giveup.
Dave D
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