It's never too early or too late to start a new career, start a business from scratch, find a dream job, master an unfamiliar profession! 10 rules how to realize yourself at any age!
There is a common stereotype that our professional abilities decline with age. It is not true. Today, many scientific studies confirm the opposite - over the years, professional abilities only grow, enriched by the acquired experience.
By modern standards, it is after 50 that the most fruitful, professionally successful time in life begins. Starting a new career, starting a business from scratch, finding a dream job, mastering an unfamiliar profession - all this is more than real at 50, 60, 70, and even later.
You just need to know how.
We offer 10 rules on how to realize yourself at any age, and some amazing stories from the project of Vladimir Yakovlev "The Age of Happiness" and his book "Another matter".
1. Remember, professionalism has no expiration date
As you age, your professional skills only get better as they are enriched by experience. Therefore, after fifty years, you can build a brilliant career.
Bruce Blackwell, a consultant for the New York-based Career Strategies company, is convinced that an important advantage of most employees over fifty is that they are well versed in people and have a high level of emotional intelligence. These qualities help them listen well and respond appropriately to information. These, in turn, are key success factors in many professions.
2. With age, learning becomes not more difficult, but easier
To keep your brain healthy and make amazing discoveries, you need to use it.
This rule is confirmed by the story of Jacques Fresco. The greatest scientific discovery in his life was made by a biophysicist when he was 75 years old. This happened after Jacques tried to retire three times.
Jacques and his colleague Olga Amosova made a fantastic discovery - they discovered the internal mechanisms of DNA self-destruction. Now, at the age of 86, Jacques continues to be actively involved in scientific research. He has an amazingly clear mind and is genuinely surprised when asked how he does it. “How do I keep my brain working? I just use it! " - says Jacques Fresco.
3. Don't try to repeat yourself and work the way you did before
There is absolutely no need to try to maintain the previous status, to continue the previous career. With age and experience, our attitude to work changes and what in work brings us joy and satisfaction. This must be taken into account.
4. Don't stop halfway
If you have a dream - realize it, even if it is very far from your previous life. After fifty is the best time to try something new, to take on the job you've always dreamed of. A change in occupation after fifty keeps you in good shape. Chances are high that now you will finally choose the job that you really enjoy.
5. There is no age when it is too late to master a new profession
Do you think it's too late to learn something new after fifty? It is a myth. Recent studies of brain activity have shown that life experience makes the brain not less, but more capable of absorbing information.
Although it is believed that learning becomes harder and harder with age, there are factors that improve learning ability. First, exercise. Oddly enough, it is physical activity that helps the brain work better. Secondly, regular mental stress. Thirdly, the constant flow of new information into the brain. In other words, if you move every day, solve new problems and learn something new, it will not be more difficult for you to master a skill, but even easier than in your youth.
6. Money is important. But the pleasure of work is much more important
Find something to make you happy. Think outside the box. Surely there is a case that suits you.
7. Quality of life and freedom are more important than career ambitions
After fifty, it is important to understand one important thing: you need to work only with those with whom you feel good and comfortable. This is when you are twenty, you can tolerate an unpleasant person, justifying it by the fact that he is your boss. After fifty, you realize that life is short. Communicate only with those who respect you and whom you respect. And only do what you like.
This rule is confirmed by the story of Nina Mironova. She spent most of her life as a managerial official. And at 64, she completely changed her field of activity and now she is happy at her job as never before. Nina is now a professional yoga teacher.
“Of course, I'm not a magician yet, I'm just learning,” she says. “But most importantly, I already know what and how to learn!”
8. Idleness is a form of suicide
The very idea of changing your profession after fifty may seem a little strange. What a new profession, especially a career at this age! Nevertheless, starting from scratch and finding your calling after fifty is not only possible, but sometimes vital.
9. Don't be afraid to start a new business, no matter how old you are
There is nothing more useful for the brain than new experiences and challenges. There is nothing more beneficial to health than doing that is a joy.
That said, research shows that mature brains perform better than younger brains when it comes to creativity and innovation. Timothy Salthouse, professor of psychology and director of the Cognitive Aging Laboratory at the University of Virginia, argues that myths about the loss of intelligence with age are not based on facts, but on prejudice. It is generally accepted that over the years, the human brain becomes less capable of creativity, adaptation, and decision-making. The works of scientists show that the opposite is true.
10. Don't look for a job for a salary
Instead, start a small business of your own. This will give you freedom and a sense of being in demand and, most importantly, the opportunity not to depend on other people's stereotypes regarding your age. To receive a salary, you need to convince others of your abilities, and to get income, you just need to convince yourself.
