Hitting 40s while still in the workforce can be unnerving because it might feel a little too late to change careers. Further, responsibilities both in the work place and at home have piled up.
On the bright side, you have a lot of experience and it is still a long way before you can retire. This is the time to rethink which career goals you want to deal with.
Be a mentor
In your work of line for many years you have accumulated a lot of knowledge. This is the time to give some of that insight back to the less-experienced workers or fresh graduates. This will bring a sense of self-fulfillment.
Reflect where you want to go
Look at where you have been and where you would like to be. In order for you to have a clear picture, ask yourself some career evaluation questions. “Are you where you want to be? Is the work you’re doing energizing or demotivating? Are you beginning to feel like it’s time for a drastic change or a more subtle one?”
Focus on your own fulfillment
The 40s come with more responsibilities than any on 30’s. This might shift your focus from you to others, either at work and at home. One can starts by directing what value you want to give others and start looking at how you want your legacy to be.
{ Read: Career lessons from Allan Wanga’s magnificent season }
Career reinvention
This can be the perfect time for personal reinvention. Assess the work experience that you have garnered and knit your story with it. This will enable you to picture yourself beyond a job title and give birth to a new career such as being a consultant.
Keep up with technology
In the Information Age, technology keeps changing every single day, this make an effort to stay up to date with the trends and changes in your industry. Ensure digital literacy, which is mandatory at any age. If you need to take classes then do so. You don’t want to feel the odd one out in a room full of young adults who doesn’t know how to do a simple task on the computer.
Be ready for new opportunities
You might find yourself looking for a new job, proactively or reactively. Think about new opportunities either for financial incentives, or greater career fulfillment. You are not immune for lay off and starting over again at 40 is also not a desirable option.
{ See also: Four smart career moves to make in your 30’s }
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