Dear Nancy,

Q.  I have worked the past thirteen years as a systems analyst for a Fortune 500 company.  The job pays well and I’ve always gotten good reviews.  Problem is – I’m bored…really bored and I think I’m ready to switch fields.  I love plants and I often think that I’d be really happy working for a nursery or a florist.  I’m in my 40’s now, money is not quite as important as it once was, but I still need to make a good living.  Am I just dreaming or should I go for what makes me happy?

A.  Your question reminds me of an article I recently read about a man, who after working twenty years in the garment industry, decided at age 50 to pursue his life long dream of becoming a doctor.  I couldn’t help but applaud his tenacity.  Going to medical school at any age is a challenge, but successfully completing medical training at an age when some people are gliding towards retirement is downright remarkable. 

So, to answer your question, “Is it possible to completely switch careers in your 40’s?” the answer is “Yes”. 

Is it realistic?  Not, always. 

Please don’t misunderstand.  I’m all for pursuing your dreams and there are certainly instances when making a total career transition makes sense.  But, the reality is that switching careers 180 degrees takes talent, resources and determination.  Consider the case of the doctor.  He had a lifelong desire to pursue medicine, unusual intellectual capabilities and exceptional stamina.  Being single and financially secure enabled him to pursue his dream without worrying about his family or where his next meal would come from. 

This is certainly not to say that you should stay in your job if you’re unhappy.   It’s just that for us ordinary mortals, career change is better accomplished in smaller steps, blending new interests and skills into career shifts, in place of total career change.  Rather than throwing away all the time and effort you have put towards your career, look for new directions that build upon your expertise while allowing you to integrate new interests and lifestyle requirements.

In other words, don’t rush into a total career change if a job change would do the trick.

Think of ways to use your computing expertise to help successfully ease into the horticulture business.  Probably the best way to make the transition is to initially work as a systems analyst for a horticulture company, and then if you enjoy the environment, branch into other parts of the business.  If you would prefer to work for yourself, consider using a desktop publishing program to produce a newsletter for some of the florists in your area or become a web page designer specializing in the horticultural industry. 

Slowly easing your way into a new industry, while building on your skills and knowledge, allows you to make needed changes in your career while maintaining your marketability and lifestyle needs.  Once you’ve gained industry knowledge, then you can transition into other areas of the business and move closer towards securing your dream job.

Copyright Nancy Collamer.  If you would like permission to reprint or transmit this article, contact the author at NCollamer@aol.com