Should I start a new career after 50?

Posted: 12/23/2020 8:00 AM by Interim HealthCare
It's a challenging time right now for many Americans. With unemployment at some of the highest numbers since the Great Depression, there is a lot of uncertainty across the country. 

And if you're later in your career or haven't been working for awhile, it may seem preposterous to consider starting a new career right now. Still, with headlines touting healthcare heroes, or just a desire to get out and make a difference -- any of the MANY possible reasons -- you may be feeling the pull to start a new career after 50. But does it make sense right now? 

Our answer to that question is an unequivocal:

YES!

While everyone's situation is unique and there are more questions to consider than what we can include in just one blog post, we can share some reasons why you should absolutely consider starting a new career after 50. 

In fact, depending on whether or not you're currently working, here are some of our favorite reasons:


If you're currently in a career...

When times are shaky, it might not always seem like the best time to start a new career or pivot in your current one. Still, there are some pretty big reasons why you may be considering a leap:

To reduce stress.

Stress is at an all-time high for MANY people right now. You're not alone! Dealing with physical distancing, fear of COVID, worrying about family and friends and then work stress on top of it?! It's a lot, and while you may not be able to control some of these things right now, work is one thing you CAN control. 

In fact, research shows that the right job can actually make you happier. And when you're making a difference in your work, that can have a major impact on your stress levels. 

To slow things down. 

Living through a pandemic has forced many of us to pause and reflect on what makes us happy. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our lives and careers, but having everything come to a screeching halt for a bit certainly can have a big impact on our perspectives.

Rather than returning to the hustle and bustle once the most difficult days of the pandemic are behind us, changing careers now can help you prioritize what's really important and slow down your life a bit. 

To keep your brain sharp.

Our brains are like muscles -- we have to use them to keep them fit! And when we've gotten into a rut of sorts in our careers, it can mean our brains are in a rut too. This can lead to boredom, frustration at work and even manifestations of anxiety or depression. 

Changing careers helps us flex our brain "muscles," learn new things and step out of our comfort zones. As a bonus, challenging our brains by trying something new can even help reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. 


If you're currently retired or not working...

If you've been thinking about returning to work, and especially of trying a new career, now is a GREAT time! We've heard from many people who are inspired by the healthcare heroes helping patients on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19. They decided to move into a healthcare -- and especially a home care -- career.

Although we're a bit biased, we most definitely agree -- you are made for home care, and we'd love to have you join our team! Here are just a few of the reasons why you should start a home care career after 50:

We could all use some extra money.

We've said it a few times already, but we're living in uncertain times. Extra money can make a big difference right now for nearly every family. And in a home care career with Interim HealthCare, you can earn money while working flexible hours that align with your schedule and priorities, doing meaningful work that helps people stay happy and healthy at home. 

Branch out and meet new people.

To the point above about brain health and keeping sharp, starting a new career after 50 -- especially a home care career -- can help you get out of the house, branch out of your comfort zone, and meet new, wonderful people!

This is good for your head and your heart!

We've all seen the headlines about loneliness in the pandemic, and with good reason -- loneliness has been shown to have a major, negative impact on heart health. Getting out and interacting with new people can do WONDERS. 

Plus, it's just fun to get out, meet new people, do meaningful work (see below!) AND earn extra money.

Give back to the comunity and make a difference.

There are so many of your neighbors in the community who can't (or shouldn't) go out right now for a plethora of reasons -- chief among them, a high risk of COVID-19 complications.

While many of these individuals may have family who can help, they can't always be there, or perhaps their family lives far away. Perhaps they don't have any family or loved ones to help.

In other words, they need help. They need YOU.

A home care career has always been meaningful, has always made a difference. But now more than ever, the capacity for you to give back to your community has never been more powerful. 

Start your home care career with us!

Whether you're looking for a change or want to return to work, our Interim HealthCare locations across the country are hiring! And you don't need experience in healthcare or an advanced education to start.

To learn more and search for home care jobs in your area, visit www.IHCMadeForThis.com.