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There is nothing special about a fiftieth birthday that changes the ability of someone to do a job.

The suitability of a job for an individual depends on the interests and abilities of the person and the opportunities available in the place(s) where the individual would like to work.

In certain states there is a demand for teachers. If you are willing to get certified and relocate, then you can teach.

Those of us over 50 can do any job we want to do. The trick is in making the person doing the hiring believe it. The other alternative is to start your own business doing whatever you're passionate about.

I've said this before but will repeat it here for you. GO TO PRISON! No seriously, I am teaching GED preparation in a prison. There are other jobs available there also. It is not as scary or dangerous as one would think. You receive good training and can be a positive role model also. If there's a prison close to you then give it a try. Who knows, it could be a good move.

One of the most common 'second' careers is selling promotional advertising. Almost no one starts out in this industry unless they are born into a family business.

But, it can be one of the best options for those seeking the stability of self-employment compared to the turmoil of employee status in the current economy. I started my promotional advertising sales business nearly 25 years ago, but on a part-time basis.

It doesn't have to be 'high-pressure' like selling cars or insurance policies, as most businesses already know they need what we are selling. It's more like being a consultant, meeting with people, helping them find the right item to carry their company name/logo/message.

While there are some distributors who will hire salespeople, many in this industry opt for the self-employment route as I did.

Dennis Bevers
BASSCO, Inc.

Hi, I am new to this site. Just wanted to share my midlife career change plans. I was laid off in Nov 08 and started to look into something new and different (I have worked in the sales and customer service arena for more than 25 years and don't want to go back!!). I have a old co-worker who went to school for medical assistant (1 yr training) and she loves it! So I started looking into that field and other health related jobs that have a relatively short training period. I found physical therapy assistant and occupational therapy assistant training at a local community college (great paying and in demand jobs). There are also programs for nursing, respiratory therapy or x-ray technician, etc. I have started to take classes for the OT program and am waiting to get officially accepted. I will finish the program, if all goes well, in the fall of 2011 and hope to work 10-15 years into retirement. So check out your local colleges for certificate programs or associates degree programs that could put you into a new career soon!! One last note, my sister was also an inspiration as she just recieved her masters in special education at 54 yrs old. This is a career change for her as she worked in high tech manufacturing previously.

Thanks for the information!

Check out these websites maybe they will give you some ideas and some help. One thing I have noticed is that the 50 plus group need to organize and lobby their state representatives with the difficulty of finding employment after 50 and maybe directing some stimulus money to creating some jobs for qualified 50 plus folks, like they did this summer for qualified 17-24 year olds.

1.How to Get a Job in a Bad Economy, URL : view link

2.New Employment After 50 a Dicey Proposition: , URL : view link

3. Simple Prescriptive Plan to Get More Skilled 50+ Year Old's Employment By Using the Stimulus Plan , URL: view link

Sincerely hope these articles I found help. Best wishes and regards

Also check out "Encore Careers" - view link - they focus on new careers in non-profits.

Jerry
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