Career Crossroads in my 40s | 5 Tips to Choosing a Career Path during a Midlife Crisis

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  • Опубліковано 4 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 143

  • @DrJonTam
    @DrJonTam  4 роки тому +5

    What are your thoughts about career crossroads in your 40s? Lemme know in the comments below!

    • @thecareerexecellencesystem
      @thecareerexecellencesystem 11 місяців тому +1

      Oh my goodness, I've just turned 40, and I was literally here contemplating some crucial career change decisions. I even began to question my potential, and suddenly, this video appears on my phone. Marie's timing couldn't have been more perfect!

  • @charleshurstreinvention3959
    @charleshurstreinvention3959 3 роки тому +41

    Something I put on another post. This is my weekly topic for my own subscribers. Career. One thing that can really bring a person into depression is 40 hours a week of hating their job. The job is literally almost half of the waking life. The problem many people have is that they have a craving for security. The person will tolerate being unhappy if that is their normality. People would rather have secure bitterness than the fear of stepping off the cliff. The fact is that you can change your career anytime. At 40 or 50. I once knew a car salesman of 30 years who did really well but started to hate his job--so became a nurse at 57. He is now a travel contractor. His friends told him he would be 57 by the time he got licensed as an RN. He told them he would be 57 anyway. So he will now spend the next ten years doing something he likes instead of something he hates. But you have to decide if it is life on the sea you hate or just that ship you're traveling on. In other words--do you hate your trade or just the company you're at? But whatever you aren't happy with you must change and continue to advance yourself. Hope this helps someone---Charles.

  • @Insanartist
    @Insanartist 2 роки тому +16

    I'm 38. Stuck in a dead end job that won't give me something better or a bigger salary because i'm at the top of what I can have in my profession.
    I believe I can can do more and have more at the same time. This is why i'm going it.

  • @RachelSmets
    @RachelSmets 4 роки тому +10

    love it. I completely shifted at 40! Quit corporate and do what I love!

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  4 роки тому

      Yep, and that seems to be slowly becoming the new normal

    • @MadGeorgeProductions
      @MadGeorgeProductions 3 роки тому

      What did you move to?

    • @RachelSmets
      @RachelSmets 3 роки тому +2

      @@MadGeorgeProductions I'm now a digital nomad traveling full-time and working purely online as a life/career coach, UA-camr and freelancer. How about you?

    • @MadGeorgeProductions
      @MadGeorgeProductions 3 роки тому +1

      @@RachelSmets I'm 40 and have no idea what to do. I'm a digital video editor that ended up in a state job to be closer to family and more security, but now I'm worried my position might be under threat when a new elected official comes in, and I don't know if I love what I do anymore to start commuting hours again to where all the video work is. There's kids out there with cooler schools and more energy now. I'm very happy to hear you figured it out though, I hope I can figure out how I can transfer my skills to a happier existence eventually. I've tried two career coaches so far and neither have really been much help. They get you through the door with "it'll be easy, you have so many skills!" and the second you pay for a session it's all "take this personality test, you've got a lot of skills but you may have to go back to school." Made my blood boil. I don't have the money or time with a family to be spending years on a second degree or even an associate's. Anyway, rant over lol.

    • @marz8084
      @marz8084 2 роки тому +1

      I’m a new 41 year old nail tech. Got so tired of the corporate world

  • @rbcml47
    @rbcml47 6 місяців тому +1

    I'm 37 and going through this big time. I was just given the option of a pay cut or not renewing my contract.

  • @OneSingleCheezIt
    @OneSingleCheezIt 9 місяців тому +5

    I’m a low-functioning 41 year-old, homeless and living in my car because of lifelong depression. Hearing about vision boards and metrics is beyond me. I just want to get started in IT so that I have a career to work on and have a roof over my head.

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  9 місяців тому

      Sorry to hear that. I heard there’s plenty of resources out there for getting your foot into IT. Have you tried informational interviews to learn more about the options available out there?

    • @OneSingleCheezIt
      @OneSingleCheezIt 9 місяців тому +1

      @@DrJonTam Hi, thanks for replying. I had never heard of informational interviews, and I see you have some videos about them, so I’ll be watching those.
      I’m not sure about what resources are available for getting my foot in the door of IT, but I suspect you have videos about that too, and I’ll be looking for such resources.
      I’m only looking into this so late in life because I’m pretty desperate for a change in life. I just wonder if someone with no experience, this old, and with my personal issues, can get into IT.
      Anyway, I appreciate your reply.

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  8 місяців тому

      @@OneSingleCheezIt yep, best way to get into an industry is to speak with folks who are already in it AND do the work they recommend. For IT specifically, I’ve seen communities like 100 days of code on X/Twitter and those seem to go quite well for many.

    • @Lizbeth36961
      @Lizbeth36961 7 місяців тому +1

      If you get a CDL you could have a job right away, that’s if you’re interested of course. I’m looking into it myself. I say I’m a high functioning depressed person, the office environment does not help me.

    • @KrishnaRac
      @KrishnaRac 7 місяців тому

      @@Lizbeth36961 what is CDL I am 42 unemployed, Can you please elaborate

  • @ortallevitan1
    @ortallevitan1 4 роки тому +6

    You explain this so well. Makes a ton of sense and now I finally know what career crossroads i might face in my 40s

  • @sasha48189
    @sasha48189 2 роки тому +2

    wow I’m in my mid forties all this stuff he’s saying is so accurate,,

  • @jeogriffith
    @jeogriffith 3 роки тому +5

    Great video I'm 40 years old and going through a career change

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  3 роки тому

      Glad you enjoyed it

  • @dbtwithme
    @dbtwithme 3 роки тому +4

    Thank you so much, I'm losing it big time delegating decisions and random and blind pursuit of difficult decisions. This video is so helpful. I look forward to write down my values, give myself a deadline and a statement to easily navigate it betget

  • @user-uy3eq5hg1s
    @user-uy3eq5hg1s Рік тому +5

    Everything you described is what I'm feeling right now. Went to college for computer science and thought about getting into artificial intelligence... but my dad pulled me into his small book publishing company. Now I've been running this small book publishing company for 10+ years and it's in a bunch of debt and behind on projects. The only way out might be bankruptcy which will totally mess up my life for a while. No wife, no kids... I am not in a good place mentally. So for me to even change careers right now I would basically have to lose everything. Scared and depressed.

    • @ludwigvoncocksucker3275
      @ludwigvoncocksucker3275 Рік тому

      hows your situation now?

    • @mattdruse8263
      @mattdruse8263 Рік тому

      I am going through the sort of the same adversity. Hope it all has worked out. Is there and update or way you can be reached?

  • @pictureperfect6901
    @pictureperfect6901 Рік тому +1

    I seriously enjoyed this video. Thanks for posting!

  • @Glickan
    @Glickan Рік тому +1

    A very good video with tons of good advise. Thank you ❤

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  4 місяці тому

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @imvanbradshaw
    @imvanbradshaw 4 роки тому +4

    I am also near that age, this is very helpful! Your insights are great!

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  4 роки тому +1

      Awesome! Thank you!

  • @GoalInspiredCareerCoaching
    @GoalInspiredCareerCoaching 4 роки тому +2

    Lots of likes but I can only like once. Dr. Jon. You are really funny in this one. I became a technical Recruiter in my late 40's. I was not even looking for a recruiting job but once I got this job, I stayed and built a rewarding career. Good video.

  • @realmejeremy
    @realmejeremy Рік тому +1

    I'm 41 now and I was a structural drafter for reputable companies and was into it computers and my late wife got cancer long story shorts after she passed I needed to get recertified but I had to make money too so I just did delivery jobs and two years later I end up meeting somebody I'm with her 5 years today well almost 5 years and I'm working at DHL now I'm just not making the money I want to my checks for about $3,000 a month not what I used to make though and I'm on this cross road right now I don't know what to do as far as how do I do what I really want to do at age 40 and I don't want to work as a delivery driver the rest of my life I think about it all the time now like what is my meaning in life what is going to be my legacy when I die so I saw your video on UA-cam going to check it out thanks bud

  • @vibewithhealth
    @vibewithhealth 4 роки тому +1

    Amazing content for career changes in their 40s!

  • @KrishnaRac
    @KrishnaRac Рік тому +1

    I m 41 with jobless, I lost job at 40 and Now stuck, I tried to change the career into devops but for me decision got wrong, as some company are not hiring more the six months gap. It made me loss of hope. I am stuck and helpless, what career should i choose now i m confuse and scared. I need a job

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  Рік тому

      Sometimes it’s not you and it’s the economy. What can you do in the meantime?

  • @Micro_Learning
    @Micro_Learning 2 роки тому +1

    Using your videos for a college composition class I'm teaching. Good work!!

  • @CelinaBelizan
    @CelinaBelizan 4 роки тому +1

    Hey Jos thank you for sharing this amazing Career crossroads tips! no one is exempt form having a middlelife crisis!

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  4 роки тому

      You're so welcome!

  • @Niko-1004
    @Niko-1004 Рік тому +3

    I got laid off at 40. A month ago. . in mortgage industry.. need 80k to keep my home payments and expenses 3 young kids.. no one will pay well changing career.

  • @mrtantrix
    @mrtantrix 6 місяців тому

    Just came across this video. Quite well laid out. Would love to know more. Is there any other personality test/training available? Thanks!

  • @miriamrojas7365
    @miriamrojas7365 2 місяці тому

    I am 48 yo. I used to work as a midwife In my home country. After migrating to another country I couldn't validate my degree. Then ended up opening and working on a beauty business for 8 years. Now, 48 yo diagnosed with scleroderma losing mobiliti on my hands not sure what to do next. I am supposed to study bookkeeping...but don't enjoy... I enjoy talking to people and being active, but due to my illness I am scared that this will get worse and find myself in the same or worse situation again. A lots of jobs that I enjoy I get some limitations due to my illness:(
    Please I would like your advise

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  2 місяці тому

      So sorry to hear that... I think health is wealth, so definitely focus on getting healthy first. I would also recommend you to find work you love, and that may involve doing something called informational interviews. If you conduct 20-30 informational interviews, you'll definitely have a better idea of what's out there that's a good fit for you. You can check out my playlist teaching you how to do them here: ua-cam.com/play/PLgdT6pM-wNom37D3elfGKE2pUusMApIF9.html

  • @silver7719
    @silver7719 Місяць тому +1

    I'm 45y old, after 23 years in treasury operations and banking want to change and become data scientist, think to do a MS but a bit afraid of my age and further perspectives as even in finance with my experience it is not so easy to find a job, it seems that ageism is ruling this world

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  Місяць тому +1

      ngl, it sounds tough to do this sort of pivot at 45, especially once you count the number of years (assuming it's 1-2 if full time?) and ROI for the MS. What are your thoughts doing passion projects to validate whether this is a direction you actually want to go before diving in?

    • @silver7719
      @silver7719 Місяць тому +1

      @DrJonTam I feel burntout in my current profession, cant imagine doing the same job till retirement (there are still at least 20y ahead). Meanwhile, technologies evolve and I believe that 45 y is probably the right age when you still can master a new field and try to build a career in technological sector that may inspire you for the next 20 years. The transition from finance to data science does not seem a dramatic move since many skills are transferable. And Beyond that, the new profession will allow me to work remotly and live where I want. As for investment in MS, I can afford it.

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  Місяць тому +1

      @@silver7719 Yes, a pivot at 45 is quite normal and I don't question whether you can afford or accomplish it, but rather, is this a long-term solution to riding out the remaining 20 years in a sector (tech) notorious for ageism?

    • @silver7719
      @silver7719 Місяць тому

      @@DrJonTam no doubt your question makes sense, I realise all the risks but what would be your advice for people of my age or older given the world dramatically changing every year?

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  Місяць тому

      @@silver7719 sounds like you have some savings put aside, so my advice is to accumulate assets ensure cashflow so that you can have a long runway (e.g., cashflowing business or real estate), but I know it's not everyone's jam. That way, your livelihood is not dependent on a job and you can explore different career paths via informational interviews and passion projects.

  • @alexserra3911
    @alexserra3911 Рік тому +2

    "Millennials profesionals" makes me feel so old, I'm gen x

  • @squaresphere
    @squaresphere 3 роки тому +2

    Great video, making those vision boards can be rough. Being honest with yourself is key, and know how to tell yourself "xyz" doesn't work for me any more can be huge challenge.

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  3 роки тому +2

      Give yourself the honest brutal truth.

  • @KreekspeakBusinessSolutions
    @KreekspeakBusinessSolutions 3 роки тому

    Values are so important to navigating mid-life!

  • @tangleslong499
    @tangleslong499 2 роки тому +2

    I'm in my late 30s and currently working in a call-centre job that pays $1,500 a fortnight, which is like minimum wage. I feel stuck in a rut because I have arthritic condition known as AS where my joints fused up. So, I am limited to the types of jobs I can apply for. I'm thankful that I still have a full-time job to go to even though my highest qualification was high school certificate. I really want to get out of the rut by investing in studying online part-time either IT or Accounting, but I'm worried that my investment would be wasted. I already have an existing student loan debt of $25,000+ which is deducting a tiny portion from my salary. When I was young, I had high level of social anxiety, which is one of the reasons why I didnt do too well at university and was a dropout. But then I think, I have grown out from my social anxiety. I'm not sure if I should be like the older generation to work and save extra hard, or to invest in education?

    • @marianemenman3851
      @marianemenman3851 Рік тому

      Go back to school

    • @XxxXxx-fm3wo
      @XxxXxx-fm3wo Рік тому

      IT requires non stop upgrading, accounting does not change. If I didn't hate deck work and boring liner math I would do accounting. I am too creative to do the same things over and over.

  • @TheresaTruong
    @TheresaTruong 4 роки тому +1

    Great video, Dr, Jon. These are definitely useful tips!

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  4 роки тому

      Glad you think so!

  • @CoachViva
    @CoachViva 4 роки тому +1

    I haven't ecountered this yet, but I'm keeping in mind these tips you shared. It makes sense and hopefully would come in handy in the future!

  • @lisaseducation2401
    @lisaseducation2401 4 роки тому +1

    Very well made points!

  • @SteveBierfeldt
    @SteveBierfeldt 3 роки тому +1

    Dr. Jon thanks for sharing. lots of helpful stuff here!

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  3 роки тому +2

      Glad you enjoyed it!

    • @SteveBierfeldt
      @SteveBierfeldt 3 роки тому +1

      @@DrJonTam would love to have you as a guest on my podcast! People could learn a ton from you!

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  3 роки тому +1

      @@SteveBierfeldt Thanks for the invite! I'm kind of swamped right now juggling serving clients & the summer. Would be glad to revisit this in the new year. 🙂

  • @soulbeautymakeovers
    @soulbeautymakeovers 11 місяців тому +1

    D video confused me more🤷🏻‍♀️😢

  • @MiddleBrother82
    @MiddleBrother82 9 місяців тому

    Going back to school for engineering in this summer.

  • @Megasupercoolest
    @Megasupercoolest Рік тому +1

    What if I pursue Ph.D in my 40s? Is it too late? But it is something I have wanted. Not sure if it is worth it.

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  Рік тому +1

      Definitely check out my videos talking about whether a PhD is worth it. TLDR version is I highly advise against getting a PhD the way things are now.

  • @MetalBere
    @MetalBere 2 роки тому +3

    Great video. I'm just a few days to turn 40 and i'm trying to change my career from Law to Journalism 😊

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  2 роки тому +3

      You’ve got this! 💪💪💪

    • @MetalBere
      @MetalBere 2 роки тому +2

      @@DrJonTam thank you 😊

    • @EdwinSituma-ib8be
      @EdwinSituma-ib8be Рік тому +1

      2 years later any feedback to motivate us beginners

    • @MetalBere
      @MetalBere Рік тому +1

      @@EdwinSituma-ib8be I'm dedicated to copywriting now. I write about legal and environmental issues and also about music

  • @giorgioc8263
    @giorgioc8263 Рік тому

    Anybody found MBA useless in changing career ?

  • @TiidiiLivingwithSabrina
    @TiidiiLivingwithSabrina 4 роки тому +1

    I feel like I might reach a cross road soon. I sometimes wondering, should I continue in the path of entrepreneurship or should I just get a job?

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  4 роки тому +1

      Yeah, that's a really tough call

  • @historyhongkong7521
    @historyhongkong7521 2 роки тому

    May I ask how can primary school substitute teacher make a career change at midlife crisis please?

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  2 роки тому

      Lots of ways you can do it. Main thing is to focus on a goal, conduct informational interviews to learn how to transition, build the skills necessary it, and get the experience (volunteer at first if you have to), and eventually you can do it if you don't give up.

  • @marilynbouziane5530
    @marilynbouziane5530 3 роки тому +1

    I think the music could be avoided to enjoy the precious content.

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  3 роки тому +1

      Yep, my current videos don’t have music anymore 😉

  • @TheSunshinefee
    @TheSunshinefee 2 роки тому

    thank you very valuable

  • @ladyshay4323
    @ladyshay4323 3 роки тому

    How does one get the results from the career personality test? I took it, and it asked for an email afterwards, but no results emailed.

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  3 роки тому

      It’s via email and it’s pretty immediate. If you didn’t get it you can retake it again.

  • @nandocodes
    @nandocodes 8 місяців тому

    who is dreaming about working and why?

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  8 місяців тому

      For some people, it gives them meaning

  • @women.child.law23
    @women.child.law23 3 роки тому +1

    I need the personality test format

  • @KOTJ412
    @KOTJ412 3 роки тому +2

    I like that…”Asian don’t raisin”!

  • @snicksabea
    @snicksabea Рік тому +1

    I’m a single, white, female who is 40. No employer wants to hire me.

  • @paragjain12
    @paragjain12 3 роки тому +1

    Can you share an example of a career statement?

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  3 роки тому

      A quick way to put one together is to have a list of non-negotiables and turn them into a single statement. You can also use a list for it.

  • @shqa574
    @shqa574 4 роки тому +2

    You are hilarious, Dr Tam. I would have guessed you were 30. My friend's son got his PHd around the age of 25. Do family members and co-workers, address you by your title, Doctor? A topic to consider is long term financial planning (not professional, but personal) for unpredictable contingencies, such as job layoffs, pandemics, career changes. You might need Powerpoint slides for the demonstration.

    • @GoalInspiredCareerCoaching
      @GoalInspiredCareerCoaching 4 роки тому +1

      I have a video on my channel on Career Financial Freedom and you can compare both perspectives . I became a millionnare just working my career with steady compounding and building my runway. You can check it out

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  4 роки тому +2

      Honestly, most people just go by Jon and only in professional settings do I use Dr. Tam. Thanks for the idea, I have a video coming up about career transitioning during unemployment (but it's over a month away since I film my stuff way ahead of time 😅)

    • @GoalInspiredCareerCoaching
      @GoalInspiredCareerCoaching 4 роки тому +2

      Dr. Jon Tam - Career Change Coach I like to say DR, you earned it. Enjoy😀

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  4 роки тому +1

      @@GoalInspiredCareerCoaching Hahaha~ thanks 🤓

    • @shqa574
      @shqa574 4 роки тому +2

      @@DrJonTam Have you watched K-dramas? I read subs, but the wife might address the husband as Chairman. They love job titles. it always looks odd, since Westerners call each other by name. LOL

  • @ArtByHazel
    @ArtByHazel 2 роки тому +1

    Hahah! I learnt a new thing today.
    “Asian don’t raisin.” Did I hear this right.
    Change is the only constant in this world.
    I’m in my 40’s and starting all over again can be daunting yet exciting.
    It depends on where you put your focus on.
    Aligning your values and goals makes it easier to make conscious decisions.
    Shoutout from Montreal! 🇨🇦

  • @JohnTube2K
    @JohnTube2K 2 роки тому +1

    Nice video …. but man, was looking for something more than generic career advance ideas…. agree asian don’t raisin…. pinoy here

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  2 роки тому +2

      Honestly, most of the generic stuff works if people are willing to just put in the work.

    • @JohnTube2K
      @JohnTube2K 2 роки тому +1

      @@DrJonTam True. I just made a career advancement to move into a Director Role at a Big 4 firm and will be leaving my Enterprise Architecture role at a Fortune 13 company. Biggest advice, I picked up is that I own my career, delegating this to your employer is not a long term strategy. Will start my new role in April :)

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  2 роки тому +1

      @@JohnTube2K congrats! Glad to hear you’ve taken control of your career. Honestly curious what made you click into this video then?

    • @JohnTube2K
      @JohnTube2K 2 роки тому +2

      @@DrJonTam UA-cam suggestions. You showed up as I had a history of looking at videos like this. Was curious what you had to say as you weren’t 40 yet, but giving advice. 40’s are mid-career folks and a lot different than beginning career audience.

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  2 роки тому

      @@JohnTube2K I mean you don’t need to have had a tumour to be a surgeon right? As for the advice, a lot of it is actually evident in life stage research and from my clients’ experience.

  • @elsolo00
    @elsolo00 2 роки тому +1

    Asian don't raisin. When I was 20 I hit one 40 something yo asian lady I thought was also 20. Fine af

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  2 роки тому +1

      Yep, I still got ID’d a few years ago

    • @elsolo00
      @elsolo00 2 роки тому

      @@DrJonTam lol. Nice!

  • @tjsoares4826
    @tjsoares4826 3 роки тому +1

    I did never ask you before and it will be my fault if I would not ask you this in the future: can you speech a little slowly, please?

    • @DrJonTam
      @DrJonTam  3 роки тому +4

      Sorry, it’s my natural speed but I’ll keep that in mind for the future. Perhaps use the speed adjustment function on UA-cam?

  • @KoiAcademy
    @KoiAcademy 4 роки тому +2

    Asian don’t raisin 😂

  • @ajicoua
    @ajicoua 4 роки тому +2

    Asian don't raisin' indeed! 🤣🤣🤣

  • @wbrown7777
    @wbrown7777 Рік тому

    Asians don't raisin😅 I love it ❤