Craft Your Second Half

Everyone’s career path is paved differently, and often they don’t work out exactly like what you had planned for yourself.

We are now working longer careers. This means our careers can be split into two halves, giving people an opportunity to break their work-life up. More challenges, larger networks, more skills, and less monotony can only work in the favour of those looking for success.

With this in mind, how do you set yourself up for a career just as exciting, enticing, and rewarding in the latter part of your working life?

Be nimble, be adaptable

The technology revolution has changed so much in the way businesses operate, and each week there seem to be more changes to how this dictates the climate. It’s vital that you are nimble and at least appear knowledgeable or willing to learn this new environment.

Build your advocacy

Redundancy or career change can catch us off guard, so it’s important to have a contingency plan, however vague this may look. It can start with something as simple as expanding your network. Knowing who’s who in the industry and having connections. There’s no shame in being on the front foot. Reputation will really assist in bolstering your personal brand. Sometimes it really is, “who you know, not what you know.”

Board and community work

Board positions won’t be given immediately, these can be at least three years of work to obtain. Take your time, be patient, and show your openness to growth.

Seek out mentors

Much like networking, mentors can help you work on your own personal brand. Be a thought leader and understand the industry from someone else. Sometimes the fresh perspective can change your preconceived ideas.

Maintain your relevance

Learn the tech, the lingo, upskill yourself to know these soft skills.  As Six Degrees Executive founder Paul Hallam says, “Doesn’t matter how old you are, just make sure that you are not ‘old school’”.

As we live longer, work harder, and create more meaningful careers – this can mean that our career paths can take a turn when we weren’t expecting it. Generations before us found their thirty-year tenures in the same business before being given the golden handshake and then into their golden years. But with fewer positions at the top and more vying for it, it’s becoming more apparent that being malleable to the new path that’s forming in front of you is a period of excitement rather than it being daunting to shift careers at your midway point.

LEARN MORE: Career transition and outplacement services.