How to Job Search Creatively

How many times have you been asked: “Are you still in the same job?” It’s a question frequently thrown at anyone who’s 50 plus. That’s because we tend to be creatures of habit, and loyal to our employers. We also feel comfortable doing what we know – and we take pride in doing it well. And (let’s be honest, here) the nearer we reach retirement, or go beyond it, the more apprehensive we are about ever finding another job that would suit us, or an employer who can see our potential.

The reality is, though, many of us in the 50 plus age bracket, do leave the job we’ve worked at for decades. Sometimes we do it voluntarily in a desire to experience change before it’s too late. At other times we have no choice, and are forced to take redundancy or simply to down tools because we’re no longer required. However it happens, the next stage in the journey is to look for a new job – and just how to go about it is something that often confounds an older worker. Which is why we offer the following tips to start you thinking in creative ways about your next career move!

Consider your attributes, not your skills

So many jobs aren’t so much about the skills you have (they can be learnt on the job), they’re about the sort of person you are. List your attributes (ask friends and family to help you with this, as they often know us better than we know ourselves) and then look for jobs where these aspects of your personality would make you the perfect applicant. Kindness, caring, honesty, strength, fitness, and discipline – they’re all attributes in high demand, you just need to match them to the vacancy. 

Think sideways

The older we get, the more difficult it can be to see ourselves in a different job – but not when you think about using the skills you already have as the basis for a job in a slightly different setting. For example, have you driven trucks all your life? Can you see yourself as a heavy traffic driving instructor? Have you been a PE teacher for the last 20 years? Would you enjoy becoming a personal trainer (specialising, perhaps, in working with seniors)? Sideways moves are some of the most interesting career shifts you’ll ever make.

Less stress

If you’ve been in a stressful, onerous job all your life, you may want to shift to something less demanding – and if it means a pay cut, so be it. If this sounds like you, try to ignore the nay-sayers who insist ‘you won’t find it challenging enough,’ or ‘you’ll be under stimulated.’ Know yourself, and where you want to be, and dive in head first despite what others say!

Be your own boss

If you’ve spent your whole career working for someone else, and have always wanted your own business, why not! It doesn’t have to be a major move, and there are small business courses available to help you acquire essential skills. It’s never to late to realise a dream.

Mix and match

Leaving behind a full time job is a trigger for searching for the same thing all over again. When job hunting, don’t limit yourself in this way. Check out part time jobs instead of one full time one (the part time jobs could be in completely different fields, and can piece together to provide interest as well as income).

From hospitality work one day to teacher-aiding the next – it’s the kind of variety that makes life interesting!

As you look for new work, take the time to think creatively about your next move. You can even find a course in a new field of work, or to add to your current skill set. It’s time to do what you want!