Baby boomers: Launch a new ship of discovery

You are a baby boomer who is ready to retire. Much to everyone's surprise, you are thinking seriously about launching a brand new career.

"What? You are launching a new career?” they ask. “But you have had one for forty years? Why on earth would you want to do that now, especially at your age?"

Reality is such that times change; so do people and their careers. Does launching a new career as a retiring baby boomer make any sense? Perhaps it does to you, but not to anyone else. (Your family and your friends have probably put you into a box that is already sealed, packaged and labeled with one occupation for life.)

"Wasn't your career choice, the reason that you spent your family's hard-earned money?” your inquisitor continues. “Have you forgotten how much money they invested in your university education? Are you just going to throw that all away now? What a pity! All of your efforts are wasted. Your mother and father would be so sad!"

Who is supposed to give you permission to change careers at this time in your life?

Guess what! As a baby boomer, you do not need to have permission from anyone to change your career. There is no ‘rule book’ that says that you cannot launch a brand new ship of discovery!

How you launch that new career as baby boomer depends upon you. In other words, if you can see your way to do it, go for it.

Begin by researching your new career idea first. Maybe you have a number of different ideas. Do not expect anyone else to understand them.

You may be amazed at what you find on the Internet with respect to possible career options. Times have definitely changed. There is a multiplicity of possible options for new career choices. It is no longer just doctor, lawyer, teacher or nurse. Are the alternative career choices appropriate for baby boomers?

Look realistically at your current job. That door is obviously closing.

Maybe you have been tired of that job for a long time, but you are too embarrassed to tell anyone. Perhaps your current job is too tedious. Maybe your work is becoming more strenuous than you are able to handle or are willing to admit. Perhaps you cannot cope with your current job mentally or emotionally. You know that the excitement about your job disappeared a long time ago. The challenge is no longer there for you.

Now begin to look ahead, realistically.

Can you find a new career (not necessarily a job) that is not going to be too tedious for you? Yes.

Can you see yourself working at a less strenuous task, one that you can handle mentally, emotionally and physically? Yes.

Have you found a career option that excites you and offers a brand new challenge? Yes!

That may be exactly what you are looking for!

Now take the number of possible career years that you still have ahead of you into consideration. Do you want to put all of those coming years into studying? Be aware that you may have to do that in order to reach the career level that you desire to achieve.

Realistically, you know that you may be running out of time. In fact, you may never have an opportunity to pursue a career in a particular field after you finish studying. In other words, you may be older than you think or feel. (Do not admit that to anyone but yourself.) Do not let that stop you. Entering into an extended academic program at this time of your life may not be the best choice for you to make; on the other hand, it could be the wisest decision that you will ever make.

You could pursue a doctorate. There are no ‘rule-books’ that forbid that. It may be only thing you want to do for the rest of your life. Perhaps you have always wanted to do that, but never could? Maybe you never had the time, money or opportunity to pursue that particular career.

What are you really interested in doing for the rest of your life? In other words, what kind of a career would you like to pursue now? What makes you happy? What excites you? What is your passion?

Pursue your passion!

There are numerous places where you can take various tests that will show you courses or career options that are appropriate and realistic for you to pursue as a baby boomer seeking a new career. Your courses and new career choice should be something that you are interested in pursuing.

Do not waste time fretting about something that you were interested in forty years ago. That opportunity may have passed you by completely. Those doors may still be open and if you are still serious about pursuing a career in that area, start by making some serious inquiries.

You know what mental, emotional and physical limitations you have. Be realistic about them. If you are honest with yourself, you know that if you feel appropriately challenged you will probably aspire to rise higher than ever in terms of a new career.

Do not let others make your new career decision for you even if you decide to talk to them about it. Listen closely to what they have to say. How you talk to them is as important as what you say to them. Always be aware that this is your life and your career, not theirs. Sometimes a career counselor can be more helpful than someone who is close to you.

You are in control of the new career ship, not your first mate, second mate or some wide-eyed pirate who is only interested in a free ride, or stealing your ship.

Your spouse or your children cannot make this decision for you, as much as they would like to do so. They probably realize that you are wrestling with your new career decision and want to help you. More than likely, they have your best interests at heart too. They love you. No one can make this decision but you. Your grandchildren, other family members or friends, may think they that should tell you what you could or should do. Hear them out, but the decision is ultimately yours, not theirs. (If they make the decision for you, they might relegate you to a senior's retirement home where you can play blackjack with your friends for the rest of your life. After all, you are retiring…right. Retired people go to senior's retirement homes to play cards, so that they are not a burden on their families.)

If you believe that, then you really are in trouble.

How you launch your new career is something that only you can decide. A lot will depend upon what direction you decide to go in terms of your new career. Consider all of your options first and then make a learned decision. It is far easier to change careers when you have the help and the co-operation of others, but that does not always happen. (Remember that your family and friends may keep on trying to put you back into the same career box. They are accustomed to see you doing exactly what you have been doing for the last forty years. They are comfortable with that. No one likes change, as it can seem threatening. You may have to teach them to think outside of that particular career box.)

Once you have made your decision, go for it. You will know if the decision is right for you. Then do whatever it takes to launch that new career. Others will soon realize that you have made the right decision when they see that you are happy and successful in your new career.

The career choice is yours. Launch that new ship, but as the captain, not the crew! Do not let any pirates dissuade you either. Offer them the option of walking the plank instead!