Publisher’s 50+ Job Blog

There has been a lot written about the boomers seeking out new careers and making decisions to seek out greener pastures in alternative professions or trades. We wanted to get some first hand feedback on the greatest motivators to making a career change. And we wanted to get a realistic read on the level of willingness and desire to make such commitments to change. Most of all, though, we were interested in learning about fears, particularly in today’s economy. So we completed a survey of our readership and learned a bit about their take on career change.

First, here are some statistics. Thirty one percent of our respondents are currently employed and a full 66% “enjoy” the work in their current or most recent career. This high rate of satisfaction with their work likely explains the length of time that they have spent in their current or most recent profession. A full 69% have been employed in the same profession or trade for more than 6 years while more than 42% have been employed in the same profession or trade for more than 15 years. How’s that for longevity and commitment?

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I’m thrilled to be able to share this real story about job transition with our readers. Paul’s story is an inspiration to us all, particularly in a time of great uncertainty. In relaying his experiences about job transition, he touches upon a range of common issues: past experience, career direction, education, networking, persistance and fortitude, patience and handling rejection. And this is yet another great story that shatters those old myths about being too old to learn, not to mention demonstrating a real aptitude, and excitement, for computer technology. Kudos to Paul!

I was in the wholesale produce business from a youngster (family business) till age 59. Part of that career as an owner and part as an employee, so I experienced the whole gamut of business responsibilities. Throughout my career I was always interested in and took a hands on approach to anything related to Information Technology. Gradually, the middleman was being forced out of the wholesale produce arena, so by age 59 I was looking for a position related to but not actually in produce. Sales and management in particular. Although I had a plethora of business acumen, no positions appeared on the horizon that really held my interest.

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