The Happiest Jobs for Baby Boomers Looking to Change Careers

Are you chanting “I can’t get any satisfaction” when it comes to your job? Do you find yourself daydreaming about a career change? Do you feel bored, dissatisfied or exhausted? Do you have the sadness of professional burnout? Or have you recently lost your job or retired and want to keep working but yearn to change directions?

You’re not alone. Many baby boomers feel the same way. A career change can be scary. Perhaps financial worries, fear of failure, or a half-hearted spouse have kept you from stepping out of your comfort zone thus far. But keep in mind that the biggest rewards come from taking the biggest risks, says life coach Caroline Adams Miller, author of Creating Your Best Life. “Otherwise, you may find yourself feeling regretful at the end of your life, and that perspective helps put steel in your spine,” she says.

Studies show that up to 80 percent of baby boomers plan to do some form of paid work until age 70 to stay mentally alert, participate socially, and achieve financial security in retirement. That leaves a couple of decades after 50 to work. Perhaps that’s why more and more boomers are contemplating a “repeat career” to pursue their passions and create a fulfilling life they can enjoy.

But is it really possible? Surely!

The American Institute for Economic Research looked at people who changed or tried to change jobs after age 45 and found that 82% of people age 47 and older who took up new careers in the last two years were successful, and half of them he earned more money.

“Don’t view your age or experience as a liability. It’s a benefit for companies to have a multigenerational workforce,” says Oriana Vogel, vice president of global talent acquisition at American Express. “One of our goals … is to hire employees who can bring a variety of different perspectives and experiences.” Age doesn’t count when it comes to hiring the best people, she says.

A report from the Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement found that “boomers are just as likely or more likely to be involved in their work than younger Generation X or Millennial generations.”

So yes, it is possible to find a different career that you love after the age of 50. But what job will make you happiest? To help you decide and perhaps narrow down your options, I did some research on America’s happiest and unhappiest jobs:

THE HAPPIEST JOBS

Kununu created a “Career Happiness Index,” analyzing nearly 200,000 employee reviews from 2016 to name three of the happiest industries in the nation in 2016.

Public administration topped the list, perhaps because government employees enjoy great benefits, hours, vacation policies, job security, and management support. In addition, employees felt that they were working for the common good, serving the public, the study noted.

Consulting is a booming industry with a projected growth rate of 18%. The workers found their work challenging and enjoyed working with others.

Interestingly for me, since I work as a writer, the arts and entertainment industry ranked in the top three. Creative pursuits may not make you rich, but they might help you be happy.

In another study, CareerBliss created a ranking of the happiest and most unhappy jobs in 2016 and listed recruiters as the happiest employees. “Finding good jobs for other people creates a happy work environment for recruiters…many recruiters enjoy helping others find work.” and earn bonuses for doing it,” said CareerBliss CEO Heidi Golledge.

A USA Today article listed jobs related to caring, teaching and protecting others, as well as creative pursuits as the most fulfilling.

Research published by NORC at the University of Chicago listed the top five positions for job satisfaction, in ascending order, clergy, physical therapists, firefighters, educational administrators, and artists.

THE MOST UNSELICE JOBS

You may want to stay away from jobs where people don’t jump for joy. What careers seem to make people moody and miserable?

According to the kununu data, healthcare/pharmaceutical professionals, legal advice, and real estate/facility management scored the lowest for happiness.

CareerBliss listed Sales Account Manager as the most unhappy job. Rounding out the bottom five are the security officer, shopkeeper, cashier, and driver.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A NEW CAREER

A word of caution. Remember, an encore career that brings you happiness isn’t just about pursuing your passions. As the research above shows, when considering your options, don’t forget to consider practical work issues such as job security, salary, benefits, work-life balance, and the office environment.

For example, just because you love a hobby doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy it once you add the stress of earning a living. Trust me, I think about writing professionally, and I don’t regret it, but it wasn’t as fun and carefree as when writing was something I did for my own pleasure.

CONSIDER STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Another option? Many boomers nearing retirement are choosing to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. They want to keep working, but on their own terms.

In fact, a new Gallop study showed that adults 50 and older are one of the fastest growing groups of entrepreneurs in the US. This survey suggests that boomers are looking for a flexible schedule that allows room for independence in volunteering and travel. And they want to pursue their interests and passions before it’s too late.

Keep your mind open and be creative. Consider wearing more than one hat and find a custom solution that puts you in control of your life. For example, you could combine writing, speaking, teaching, and consulting. The Internet has opened up new opportunities for freelance work.

The good news? Despite the hard work and dedication it takes to start and run a small business, 94 percent of American entrepreneurs are happy to be small business owners, according to a new survey by the online small business community, Manta.

POSSIBLE MISTAKES

Do not rush into any decision or immediately quit your job. Prepare yourself and take one step at a time.

Depending on your financial situation, “you may have to do [a career change] incrementally,” says Kerry Hannon, author of Great Jobs for Everyone 50-Plus. “You need a job that pays the bills now. Then on the sidelines, take the classes you need, build the skills you need,” she suggests.

Do the necessary research. Learn about the new career you’re interested in, including pay, job satisfaction, and industry trends, as well as the skills, qualifications, certifications, and credentials you’ll need. Network strategically with people in the field. Keep your skills up to date and use LinkedIn and other social networking sites.

Internships and volunteer work can help you gain hands-on experience and try a new career path before you quit a job.

Keep these tips in mind and you can move forward with confidence to reinvent your life and start that new career!