I’m 60 and I want to change careers. Go for it!

Brenda,

My husband and I separated after 30 years. I have been working for 15 years as a hospice nurse. Now I switched to psychiatric nursing, which I did years ago, because driving to the hospice was so exhausting and expensive.

I am now in my sixties and have no money except what I earn. It would be great to work less since I will never be able to retire. Also I would like a job that would entail less responsibility for people’s lives. It would be great not to return to school. Any ideas? Is it ridiculous to think of a career change now?

Dear Is-It-Ridiculous-To-Think-Of–A-Career-Change-Now,

No, it isn’t ridiculous at all; many people burn out and just want or need a change. No problem with that. However IIRTTOACCN there are some challenges that need to be worked out before you can move forward.

Get a pencil and paper and figure out your basic expenses, rent/mortgage, car, health, food, utilities, debt, and entertainment. Figuring out how much cash you need to live on is key. Then you have to ask yourself where your expenses can be cut?

Can you move into senior housing? That can save you hundreds of dollars and as for your income when applying, the lower the better.

Do you have any kind of health benefits through your employer? Can you apply for a government-sponsored program that might pick up some of your medical expenses?

The most important question though is what do you want to do? Would you like to stay in nursing? Can you take that expertise and move it to another arena? Or would you like to do something different? What is your passion?

I thought AARP.org offered the best resources for seniors looking to change careers or re-enter the workforce.
Good luck! And remember that something spectacular is just around the bend!

- Brenda