By Tom Arterburn
Transitioning from one career to another, especially late in life, can be a tricky proposition for people, who have many questions regarding what the future may hold. Some of the most common concerns lead to questions like:
Q. Am I too old to start a new career.
A. No! It's easy to become unsure and pessimistic when the media hypes issues like age discrimination and the shrinking job market, but negative thoughts only bolster a defeatist attitude--something sure to sabotage the job-search prospects of anyone, no matter what their age.
Q. How do I handle the negative feelings associated with being interviewed and possibly working for a person much younger and with less experience.
A. Use the situation to your benefit. Yes, a younger, inexperienced supervisor might be a little intimidated by a miner who literally moves the earth for a living, and may very well try to conceal those negative feelings through over compensation, i.e., sharp demeanor, defensiveness, etc. But don't make the mistake of mirroring these attitudes. Instead, exhibit the personality and personal attributes necessary for the job.
Q. What types of jobs are best to transition into?
A. Obviously search for a position that requires skills and abilities comparable to those of your previous position. Although most mining equipment is specifically designed for that particular industry, knowledge of conveyer systems, safety procedures and team-oriented work habits transitions well into other types of manufacturing. But the most important strategy to keep in mind is sincerity. Always exhibit a high level of interest and excitement about a position whether you think it's right for you or not. Job qualifications and benefits are often flexible. If an employment candidate doesn't seem right at the moment, he/she may in the future if the employer sees that a person is dedicated to the success of the position and his/her company.
Q. What if I don't fit in?
A. It's impossible to know if you are the right fit for a job until you've worked it a while, but looking and playing the part can be accomplished with a little research. Example.- visit the job site to see how people dress. Talk to friends or relatives who may work in the field, or know people who do. Check out books, or web sites that deal with the job or the company.
Q. How do I deal with the fact that a new job may not pay as well or be as fulfilling as my previous position?
A. Remember: You live in the United States--not a communist country. If you take a job, and it's not what you want, you can continue to look for another. There are even laws on the books that prevent former employers from bad-mouthing you.
Q. What about loyalty?
A. Job-hopping looks bad on an application or résumé, but fortunately loyalty goes both ways. In this day and age, if a company's profits begin to dip; do you think they'll give employer loyalty a second thought?
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