How to Prepare for a Second Career

This time around, finding what you want to do with your life should be easier. You have the work and life experiences to help you choose a second career. You are ready for a change and willing to take action to achieve fulfillment and satisfaction out of your new career.

Instructions

1. Find your passions and decide what you want out of your career.

2. Identify what you do well and what you enjoy doing at work.

3. List what you'd like to find in your second career. Consider environment, activities and types of people you prefer.

4. Do the research on your passions. Choose the most suitable passion to develop a second career.

5. Figure out what skills and experiences translate to your new field. Look into the necessary education or certification requirements.

6. Consider the expenses. Look at your current financial situation, including salary, benefits and debt. Draft a list of costs for making your transition, including training or setting up an office. Be sure to look at any investments you have made in retirement funds pension plans that might be rolled over or, if you qualify, withdrawn to help fund your second career.

7. Make a commitment to start now. Take the first steps by starting to incorporate some passions into your life. Take some coursework, do some networking or volunteer to get experience.

Tips & Warnings

• The best time to plan a second career is before you quit your first.

• If possible, put aside a year's worth of living expenses in an emergency fund.