Some people buy a sports car or ask for a divorce, yet your mid-life crisis has led to the realization that you are stuck in the middle of career stagnation. After years of dedication to a specific company or field, it is natural to feel a desire to challenge yourself by stepping into new territory. However, making a career change in middle age can be a little tricky, so use these strategies to make a successful transition.

Consider Updating Your Skills

As you brush up your resume, remember that you will be competing against a younger set of applicants. While a few gray hairs project a certain amount of wisdom, the competition can also boast a recent education that comes with all of the latest knowledge regarding advancements in your desired field. Stay competitive by taking a few night courses or online trainings that give you something new to add to your skill set. Learning a new programming language or taking up public speaking will add interesting topics to cover when it is time for that interview.

Find a Mentor

Jumping into a new career field is much easier when you have the help of a professional who understands what it takes to make that leap. Visit with a career coach who can help you create a plan for advancing in your new field. From helping you to identify potential positions that meet your skill set to giving you honest feedback regarding how to improve your first impression, a mentor provides you with valuable insight for gaining a professional reputation in your new career.

Focus on Staying Flexible

Just as your peers may be discovering that their new sports car comes with quirks, you will naturally hit a few roadblocks on your path to a new career. For example, many companies prefer to hire internally out of a pool of volunteers and interns, which means that you may have to take a temporary position that is lower than you desire before you reach the top. You may also discover a position that hardly resembles what you dreamed about when you first set out on your journey. Either way, staying flexible will help you land your dream job.

When that mid-life itch to change careers strikes, it is worth taking a second look at what you hope to achieve. By looking at your current skill set honestly and consulting with a career professional, you can generate an action plan that turns stagnation into a creative opportunity to transform your career.