Making a career change after the big 4-0

In these tough economic times, many women over 40 are considering a career change. Perhaps you're one of them. Maybe you've been forced to make a change because of the many layoffs that have happened around the country. Or maybe your job just doesn't hold the allure for you that it once did.

Thinking about changing careers can be scary for anyone, but many women over 40 have special concerns. There are often kid-related schedules to consider. And many of us are also starting to care for our aging parents. And then there's the family budget, which seems to be shrinking as gas and food prices rise.

But millions of people successfully make a career change each year, and you can do it, too.

The first step to changing careers is deciding what your next step in life will be. Do you want to tweak what you are doing now or make a total departure?

Many women over 40 consider a career change to further their life goals. Do you like your current field but want to move up into a bigger role? Perhaps taking business courses could net you a promotion into management.

Or maybe you've always considered changing careers to become an entrepreneur. Can you take your current work experience and start your own business? A longtime bookkeeper might hang out her shingle to do the books for small businesses. A retail clerk might open her own boutique or online storefront.

Do you have a hobby you'd like to turn into a career, or a childhood dream you never realized? Start with something you love to do and then brainstorm until you find a way to make money while doing it. A woman over 40 who spends all her spare time gardening might consider a career in landscape design. A little girl who loved to play school might consider now changing careers to get her teaching degree. A bake-sale diva may want to become a professional cake decorator.

Now that you know what you want to do next, you'll need to do really do your homework on this career change. How much education and training will you need? Are jobs in your new field plentiful? What will your earning potential be?

Planning for your transition is key when changing careers, especially with the added responsibilities you have as a woman over 40. Are there “baby steps” you can take, such as going to night school while keeping your current job? If your career change involves going into business for yourself, you might consider starting the business on a part-time basis to judge it's potential before leaving your current career.

It is possible for women over 40 to make a career change. Do your homework, plan for the transition and figure out if you need to take baby steps to your new job. These steps for changing careers will put you on the road to success and fulfillment.

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