Any other 50-somethings pondering a career change?

[chromotone]

I'm in my mid-50s and working toward a career change. Any other DUers doing the same? If so, what are your thoughts and feelings? Why the career change (for me it was because my "career" was being "deskilled"--going from interesting work to the mundane)? Are you, like me, experiencing both fear and excitement?

on edit: grammar

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

1. I have already

and not necessarily by choice. I'm 58 now. I was fired 9 years ago from an airplane engine overhaul/refurb business. A few years before that I'd been laid off from a manufacturer of medical equipment. So I thought 'maybe the universe is trying to tell me something.'
I've ended up working for a local social services agency doing volunteer coordination work. I like it, it utilizes many of my natural talents (public speaking, public relations) and it's close to home.
With all the uncertainly going on right now, voluntering will become quite the activity as governments and agencies seek to carry out their work on less money.
It was scary, frustrating and nerve wracking but the thing is, I did sort of get the job by making a goal to work in the non-profit sector and eventually it came about. There was also divorce and foreclosure in the mix, but that doesn't apply to this particular thread.
I did find the book, "what color is your parachute' to be most helpful. It's avaialble in your library or even on line, I think.
Good luck! :)

[chromotone]

2. What a coincidence!

I did sort of get the job by making a goal to work in the non-profit sector ...

I have been connected with libraries since the 1980s. Now I work at a large public library. At first I really enjoyed the work, but now our jobs have become more and more mundane. Not nearly as interesting. My supervisor realized I needed some motivation so she put me in charge of the foundation collection earlier this year. I see this move as an opportunity to move on to more satisfying work so I'm considering a move into the non-profit sector as well! I thought I'd use the next couple of years or so to attended workshops, conferences, and such to gain as much knowledge and experience as I can, then capitalize on that knowledge and experience.

I'm really excited about this...

Thanks for the book recommendation. I'll take a look at it! :hi:

[Gidney N Cloyd]

3. Another book rec:

"Thinking About Tomorrow" (I have it because I'm thinking along your lines, too. Just haven't cracked it yet.
http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-About-Tomorrow-Reinventing-Yourself/dp/0446578975/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227553974&sr=8-3

I also found "Who Moved My Cheese" interesting a few years ago.

[chromotone]

4. Looks like another good source to know about.

I'll see if we have it here where I work.

Perhaps DU should have a forum for mid-life career changers in its "Special Interests" section (maybe it already exists?).

Thanks! :hi:

on edit: There is a "Career Help and Advice Group."