Exploring Mid-Life Career Changes and Opportunities in India
Middle age is the time when individuals reflect on their current careers and contemplate making a change. This period offers a chance to pursue new interests, learn new skills, and redefine professional goals. Through examples of successful mid-life career transitions of individuals like Captain Gopinath and Dr. Shashi Tharoor, the narrative encourages embracing change and exploring diverse opportunities in India's evolving economy. The content emphasizes the importance of meaningful work and highlights the benefits of flexibility and reduced stigma associated with career experimentation in recent times.
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Is this you? Am I happy with my current career? -To the extent that I can pursue this for the rest of my life? I am in my 40 s- I have always wanted to start something on my own- but I wonder if it is too late for that? Will I be able to learn new skills? How will my family cope with lifestyle issues This routine job is getting to me- I wish I could do something more creative; more original- something that is inherently me ? I have always placed my career second to my husband s..Now that my children have grown up, I wish I could get back to a mainstream career for myself.. Is there a career that will allow me to do justice to home front as well as my professional talent Mid life Career Choices
What is common across these people? Captain Gopinath Dr ShashiTharoor Dr M S Swaminathan Ms Meera Sanyal Mid life Career Choices
Examples of successful mid- life career changes Captain Gopinath From agriculture to Aviation to logistics company Dr ShashiTharoor From Writer to UN Beaurocrat to politics Dr M S Swaminathan From Government beaurocrat to Research Scientist to politician Ms Meera Sanyal Country Manager of a foreign bank- ran for politics in 2010 Mid life Career Choices
Middle age is the time when We feel we understand ourselves better We feel we have probably achieved our initial set of professional and financial goals.. We feel we are in the process of building a stable family structure It is also the time we can re-set the agenda for the rest of our lives We cannot have a fulfilling life if we believe we are not doing meaningful work Mid life Career Choices
In the last two decades India has thrown up many opportunities thanks to liberalisation Cost of experimenting with a new career is lower- as one can always get back to a job Less stigma attached to failure- in fact a premium attached to exploring something new Economy has helped people progress significantly- hence most lifestyle goals are met.. Opportunity to live two lives in one! Mid life Career Choices
How did we choose our first careers? Did we choose at all?! Decision based on salary and perks opportunity rather than basic understanding of one s own strength or passion areas So once these goals are met, what next? But the question remains- is it too late to try something new? Mid life Career Choices
What are the options From corporate to : -Social sector Do I want to make a difference through my skills and network to a larger community in a more direct manner? RakeshJinsi- Secretary General SOS Children Village did it- after being in Eicher for 22 years.. - Childhood passion Is there something that I have always wanted to do right from childhood? Sriram IIM Kolkata-Citibank did it- got back to pursuing carnatic music as a full time career.. KalyaniCandade- advertising 15 years- moved to setting up nature based corporate training outfit- Wildertrail Mid life Career Choices`
What are the options.. From corporate to : - Teaching Will I find it too passive ? Can I cope with such less pay? Associate Prof RamasamyRaju-Anna Univ did it- moved from Railways to teaching after 22 years.. -Entrepreneurship Start something on my own- what if I fail? Will I lose a lot of my savings? BadriSeshadri- founder cric info .com did it- started a regional publishing house as a second career.. -Politics R K Misra- moved from software to joining politics Mid life Career Choices
Points to ponder : Simple questions do not have simple answers Action does not ensure happiness- but there is no happiness without action Mid life career choices are a REALITY to deal with Mid life Career Choices
Not as easy as it seems.. Evaluated myself in terms of : - What have I been good at - What do I enjoy doing - What do I need at this point of time in my life Self assessment by Marcus Buckingham Analysis and communication Influencing people Mid life Career Choices
Career options Public Relations Role Sales and Marketing Role in a company Training and Consultancy Teaching Mid life Career Choices
TEACHING My Mid life Career Choice Professor and Head of Department-Chennai Business School
Why teaching? Utilises my natural strengths the best- academics and communication Takes forward my work experience Allows me flexible time as a home maker Am more of myself at work..there is no divide Mid life Career Choices
What really changed? Work environment( team versus individual) Social life setting Lifestyle/ Pay Student relationship building( task versus people) Staying updated on my specialisation area More flexibility of time Education- Destination Career . Mid life Career Choices
What I have learnt through the book journey.. Family Rules - Planning for financial stability is key.. Need to earn more not a driving factor for mid-life career change.. Men and Women wired differently about careers.. Mid life choices are about aligning with one s true nature.. One does not necessarily have to change careers around mid-life Mid life Career Choices
Sum up- how do you go about a career change? Take a break ( mentally- and if possible- physically)-watch your mind/ where it takes you.. List will emerge- things that you always wanted to do..gather some more INFORMATION on these areas.. Let your instinct guide you on whether you need to ACT based on these.. Acting on some is critical..gives you a feel for the ENTIRE aspect of the new career.. Study your parents closely for their hobbies/unfulfilled interests.. Look at your own childhood List out aspects of your job that you have enjoyed till date HAVE THE COURAGE TO TAKE THE PLUNGE! Mid life Career Choices
Mid life Career Choice- Mine is Teaching What is yours? Book available for sale at a special price!
