Educate yourself about different industries and ask those working in the business

It has been over 6 years since I left my corporate banking career of 27 years and dedicated myself full-time to my home, husband, children and other interests.  Since then, 2 of my children have graduated from high school with one setting himself up to move away, another one is graduating high school next year and my daughter, the youngest, is a short year away from beginning her high school career. 

Somewhere in the mix of leaving the corporate chaos, raising my children and rediscovering myself, a marriage of 24 years ended and my life took a path I could not have predicted or anticipated.  Once again, we plan and God laughs.  

The white picket fence, freshly baked cookies waiting for the kids after school and the “Brady Bunch” life I imagined and had strived to achieve did not turn out like any of the television episodes I had watched so many times as a child.  My yellow brick road had taken many turns, some great and others lacking a bit of luster.

So as the dust settles and my kids move on, I have re-evaluated what direction my life might take and what it might look like in 10 years from now or so.  Like many in similar situations, needing to make some practical decisions is necessary and needs to come with some strategies.

The way I see it, I had a span of about 25 years in corporate banking and shifted gears for a few years.  If you do the math, (not my favorite), I am 51 years old, and should have a good 10-15 more years to substantially make a career shift that can confidently carry me into my retirement stage.

The idea is exciting and daunting, mixed in with a dash of fear and a splash of total confusion!  With only a limited amount of time ahead and the wisdom that life has brought me so far, I decided to approach this from a very practical perspective.  I did a little research on jobs, careers and Latina women looking to change careers and found a few tips along the way. 

1.  Create your “Laundry List” of leads

First, begin by making a so-called “laundry list” of who you know from your past and present and what companies they work for.  According to www.NextAvenue.com, a sure way to increase your chances of getting hired is when there is a personal reference involved.  Check with your network online such as Facebook and LinkedIn to expand your list of leads as well.  Being able to have your resume delivered to the hiring manager directly will at least get you a few steps closer to an interview where you will get your chance to shine.

2.  Throw out the “That’s not my job” attitude

One of the most difficult things with being successful in a career is that when you find yourself “starting over” you want things to happen quickly and just as you believe they should be.  You can easily develop an attitude of “Know it all” or “It’s not my job”, as if certain functions are somehow beneath you. Your patience is often tested and your self-confidence can be easily shifted. I suggest you take a chance and explore different jobs even if they are not  “ideal” at the time. Learning a new industry or business can be very valuable to your skill sets and also gives you a great point of reference when it’s time to move on.  Remember you are not “married” to any one job and spending some time testing something new can only help you.

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