Deciding to make a midlife career change can be somewhat intimidating. You may feel comfortable with the requirements or expectations of your current job, and having to make the necessary sacrifices or lifestyle changes could be discouraging factors. So, before deciding to take the plunge, there are a few necessary steps to take in preparing for midlife career changes.

1. Know why you want to change. You need to identify why you want to make a change, so that you don't just transfer your problems from one area to another. Do you truly dislike your job or are you experiencing a lot of stress and pressure? Are you working too many hours to maintain an overloaded work schedule, and want to find a job that will allow you to spend more time with your family? Are you looking for job security or more money? Has a lifestyle change altered your motivation or priorities? Or, does your current job bring you no enjoyment or satisfaction? If you feel this way, then a career change may be an option to consider. However, if you are having difficulty getting along with co-workers, are unhappy with the workplace environment, or feel there is a lack of advancement opportunities, you may just want to find a different job, but stay in the same field. You need to know your reasons so you can be sure that a career change is actually the best solution.

2. Research the career opportunities. Before pursuing a midlife career change, you need to find out if your chosen field provides opportunities in your area. Are you willing or able to relocate? How much is the average salary, and how quickly can you move through the ranks or gain promotions? You may be very interested or passionate about a particular career, but job availability could be a strong factor in influencing your decision.

3. What skills or abilities do you possess? It is important to know what you want to do and what you feel passionate about, but it is equally as important to be able to list any relevant strengths, preferences, experience, and motivations. Find out the qualifications required and determine what transferable skills you will be able to bring into your new career. Do you believe you have the ability to fill in the gaps, and is the desire strong enough to motivate you?

4. Consider retraining requirements. Once you determine which skills you possess and which qualifications you still need to acquire, you need to investigate the retraining process. How much time will be required to update your education or skills and what costs are involved?

5. Consider your financial situation. Finances are one of the most challenging issues of a midlife career change. While it is true that money isn't everything, you still have bills to pay and commitments to honor. Can you afford the retraining process? Do you need to go to school full-time or can you update your skills online or through night courses, allowing you to maintain at least a part-time job? Are there any government grants or loans available, and would you qualify? If you cannot afford to have little or no income for an extended period of time, or if your financial situation will not allow you to begin at entry level wages, then you may need to re-assess your plan. You may have to take some time to prepare yourself financially for a midlife career change.

6. Gain experience. Do you have any past experience that may be helpful in your new career? Can you do some volunteer work in your chosen field? Gaining experience will help you determine if you are making the right career decision, will make retraining easier, and will be a positive contribution to your resume.

7. Have a plan. Research the career and the requirements needed. Identify any gaps and outline a plan, determining how you will retrain, handle finances, meet family or work commitments, and gain valuable experience. Pursuing such a challenge blindly can lead to disaster. Without a plan, you will not succeed.

Midlife career changes can be challenging, but they can also be exciting and satisfying if you do the proper research and prepare for the journey.