No, you aren't too old (and it's not too late...)
Are you feeling that you might have missed the boat when it comes to finding or changing jobs, a renewed career direction - or even starting something new?
Over the past 12 years that I've been helping people with their career direction and career changes, I am still fascinated to hear words to the effect "maybe I'm too old to change career, or try something different?" - from people in their 60's and beyond, as well as 50's, 40's, and even 30's!
Sure, we may have seen or experienced that once approaching or past that magical "middle aged" figure (whatever that is...) the job offers can start to thin out (sometimes mirroring your own hairline, or lack thereof) and you might find yourself meeting with a youthful recruitment manager who doesn't quite get your generational references. Of course ageism, or any -ism for that matter, is against recruitment practices and the law, but let's face it. It happens. Probably a lot more than we'd like to think.
I recall an executive years ago, remarking to me that she was thinking about getting a facelift in order to help her get her next role. It's understandable that people may go to great lengths in order to compete with younger counterparts in the job market. Certainly sprucing yourself up is a good idea at any age or stage, but going under the knife may be a bit extreme?!
I enjoyed assisting a retrenched senior (in years) IT consultant to upgrade his LinkedIn profile, amongst other activities. The new profile photo alone took some years off him but more importantly, made him appear much more engaging than before which translated to him feeling more comfortable in promoting himself. No photoshopping - just a new modern background, better coloured shirt and facial angle, and the 'squinch' - smiling, with the eyes. When it came to practical IT solutions, he really knew his stuff, it was just that his image needed to be more congruent with him being a person who is "up with technology". He has successfully gained work contracts, since.
"It's never too late to be what you might have been." George Eliot
The thing is, employers buy a combination of experience, expertise, credentials, attitude, and, here's the kicker... energy. Energy has nothing to do with age. It's demonstrated by how you stand, how you move, your eyes, and your connection to others and to your passions. It's boosted by good nutrition, sleep and fitness. All things you can control (to a degree). Unfortunately illness of course, can interrupt energy, as can sleep deprivation and drugs. For the most part though, energy is easily transmitted and conveyed and has an effect on other people, positively or negatively.
Working on those aspects that you can control and boosting your energy and positivity (try TED talks, comedy, inspirational reads, hanging with awesome people just for starters) will see your 'energy quotient' improve markedly.
On the fitness front, I've witnessed a few senior hires who won the roles because in addition to being suitable for the job, they appeared to be fit. Not only did they look trim in their interview attire, they conveyed an energy and resilience that said "I look after myself" and thus demonstrated personal discipline, and the perception of an increased ability to better handle stress and illness as a result. It may also have helped that the hirer (in one case a mature Chairperson who liked to keep fit himself) valued personal fitness and believed it to be an important success contributor.
Yes, getting a new job or changing your career or work mode in your latter years can be challenging. However, remember that you have street smarts and established networks to assist you. Keep learning. Reach out and ask for help and introductions. "No man is an island"!
When it comes to consulting and freelancing, there are distinct advantages in having greying temples. You are being paid for your experience and know-how and this doesn't come from many other places than the 'school of hard knocks'. Sure, academic credentials can enhance experience, but there's nothing like going to an advisor who has actually walked the path and asking "what would you suggest that we do here?" I love the story of the engineer who charges $10K to fix a piece of machinery. He is challenged over the invoice amount and asked for an itemised bill. No problem... "Hitting the machine with a hammer: $1.00... knowing WHERE to hit the machine with the hammer: $9999." Brilliant! Discernment, combined with applied knowledge and experience is highly valued, in a Google-able world.
Those that are transitioning or re-careering from employment to self-employed / consulting or freelancing, often find it a challenge to charge what they are worth in the marketplace. It takes self-belief, understanding of the nuances of a different mode of employment as well as stepping into the realm of marketing and negotiating for yourself. All things fortunately, that can be learned and developed.
Of course, the exciting element to all of this is the advent of technology, where life and work experience combine with a positive attitude towards continuous learning and adaptation, leading to new opportunities opening up. When it comes to "I'm too old to reinvent myself as an entrepreneur", no-one says "you are NOT too old!" (with numerous f-bombs, depending upon where the article is published) better than Mr Gary Vaynerchuck or Gary Vee, as he is known. He says: "Entrepreneurship is a mindset, and the generation gap you're afraid of can actually work in your favour."
Convinced? Great! - go get 'em tiger. Go and get started on your "career encore". Not convinced, or only partially? Ok. Either way, you're invited to subscribe here... to engage with these ideas some more.
Lois
