How to Feel Comfortable Changing Jobs After 50

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average baby boomer has changed jobs multiple times over the course of her lifetime. It's no big deal to start afresh when you're 25 or 30, but once you hit 50, you may become more cautious. You can change jobs after 50 and feel good about it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Do a thorough and honest evaluation of yourself, your lifestyle and your budget. Make your decision for sound reasons based on how this change will affect your quality of life.

2. Evaluate where you are in your life right now. If you have been plugging along at the same old thing for a couple of decades and you're bored by it, a change in course may reinvigorate you.

3. Pick apart your finances. You may find that you can more than afford the change, even if it involves a small cut in salary.

4. Make a "Good/Bad" list for the new job. On the good side, you might be taking on something you have always wanted to try; you might be getting away from all that overtime. On the bad side, it might take a few months to build up vacation time.

5. Go through a similar exercise for your current job, but change the questions somewhat. Does it offer you the opportunity to learn? Can you advance? Are you challenged?

Tips & Warnings

• Make a decision that will make your life better in some way.