In-Demand Jobs for Midlife Career Changes

Did rising unemployment get you down?

I just read the news and saw that the good news is that unemployment rates are at 10%. Of course, this is the official rate. Most experts believe the true number is closer to double when you count people who have given up on job searches or settled for underemployment. It’s always hard to change careers in midlife, but it’s especially hard when unemployment is very high.

At our age, we have family responsibilities and bills to pay. Most middle-aged people simply don’t have years to spend in school in order to enter a new job market. Plus, it’s been years since most of us took a basic math class in high school. It would probably be difficult to compete in a university without first brushing up on our basic skills.

Accelerated Job Training and Certification

But there is an answer. You can find several jobs that are in demand right now that only require vocational certification classes. These jobs can also lead to progress. Once you’ve completed certification and gotten a job, you can find many employers who are willing to pay for further training. In fact, I’ve known a few people who took this fast track to a career change and ended up better than before. old jobs

A college degree always gives us more options. But you don’t need one for any of the certification programs I’m going to suggest. In fact, you can get into some without even having a high school degree.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – You must have heard that there are many jobs in medicine. Well, you don’t need a medical degree to enter this growing field. CNA careers last from six to twelve weeks. CNAs are frontline healthcare workers and are commonly employed in hospitals and home healthcare. Additionally, CNA certificates are a common springboard for RNs. A CNA can expect to start in the mid twenties. If you can use this certificate to move up to an RN title, you can order double or more.

Bookkeeping – Courses to train bookkeepers in accounting basics and popular software can be completed in weeks. I have known people who managed to use this skill to gather clients, in addition to an entry level job, and brought home over $60,000 in their first year! Businesses still need accountants, even in tough times, and this skill is in demand.

truck drivers – Have you ever heard the call of the open road? In fact, you can find local and regional routes, as well as long-distance routes. Truckers can earn a good salary, women are being recruited, and husband-and-wife teams are becoming more popular. A business license can be obtained in a few weeks.

Truck driving isn’t a good fit for everyone, but I’ve known people who quit stifling office jobs for this career. They hit the road and never looked back.

More than 50 career changes are not impossible

I’ve just given you a few examples across a wide range of career paths to consider. With a little research you can find many more. Nobody likes to lose a job, but it may be time to make that career change you’ve always dreamed of.