Thinking of switching careers? Go for it, but don't be rash, says Kerry Hannon, author of What's Next? Her tips, based on interviews with second-career success stories and career coaches:
A hobby isn't always the answer. “A woman I interviewed loved gardening and thought she'd become a landscape designer, but she realized it would be too solitary,” Hannon says.
Plan for it. “Successful career changers didn't do it impulsively,” Hannon says. You can take classes or volunteer in the field; volunteermatch.org lets you search more than 54,000 listings.
Stash your cash. A new career often means less money initially. Stick to a monthly budget, and pay off your high-interest credit cards.
Network like crazy. Talk with people in the field you hope to join. “People love to talk about themselves,” Hannon says. Entrepreneurs: Check out score.org for free advice.
Leverage your age. Don't consider being over 50 a barrier. “Every job you've had gave you a kit of tools,” Hannon says. Play up your life experience when interviewing.
Get physically fit. Changing careers can take strength and energy.
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