Chapter 16: Problem 10

Explain how and why people change careers in middle adulthood.

Short Answer

Expert verified

People change careers in middle adulthood for various reasons such as personal growth, changes in personal circumstances, dissatisfaction with current roles or the pursuit of a passion. The process usually involves self-assessment of skills and interests, exploration of new career options, possibly further education or training, and job hunting in the new field.

Step by step solution

Identify Reasons for Career Changes in Middle Adulthood

Understanding why people change careers in mid-life is crucial. Often several factors can lead to this decision, some personal, others professional. It may be the result of a lifelong passion, a desire for personal growth, or necessity driven by external circumstances like job redundancy. It could also stem from dissatisfaction with current job roles, or a desire for better work-life balance, better pay, or a more satisfying work environment. Each of these motivations provide reasons for an individual's decision to change career paths in middle adulthood.

Assessing Skills and Interests

The next step in changing careers is often a self-reflection and skills assessment. Here, the individual evaluates their interests, strengths, transferable skills, and weaknesses. This assessment helps them better understand which careers might be a good fit and where they might need to develop new skills or gain further education or training.

Exploration and Decision Making

Once the individual has a good understanding of their interests and skills, they can proceed to explore career options that align with these. This research can be done online or by networking with professionals in those fields. Formal career counseling may also be beneficial. Once a few potential careers have been identified, further research into job prospects and requirements (such as education or training needed) must be done before making a decision.

Pursue Re-education or Training

Often, a career change could require further education or skills training in the chosen field of interest. This may involve taking part-time or online courses, or potentially returning to school full-time. Acquiring the necessary credentials to move into the new career is often key to successfully making the shift.

Job Hunting and Making the Career Change

Finally, the individual proceeds to job hunting in the new field. This includes refining and tailoring their resume to highlight transferable skills, writing compelling cover letters, and practicing for interviews. It may also involve networking and using connections to find job opportunities. Once a job in the new field is secured, the person has successfully changed careers in middle adulthood.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Explain how and why people change careers in middle adulthood.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identify Reasons for Career Changes in Middle Adulthood

Assessing Skills and Interests

Exploration and Decision Making

Pursue Re-education or Training

Job Hunting and Making the Career Change

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

Forensic Psychology

Cognition and Development

Data Handling and Analysis

Basic Psychology

Biopsychology

Cognitive Psychology

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.