Laurie Said:

I'm 50 and wanting to change career from retail/management to real estate sales.How to begin?

We Answered:

First take a look at what is (or is not) going on in your local real estate market. Unfortunately, the real estate market nationwide (with very few exceptions) is in the toilet right now. I was in the business for a very long time and still have a lot of friends still in the business (barely) - these are people who have been very successful and they are now looking for other employment because they can't pay the bills. Plus, as a Real Estate agent, you are technically an independent contractor/self employed. You pay all of your expenses including a fee to work in an office. The start-up fees are particularly expensive - pre-licensing school, licensing fee, fees for office supplies/computer/computer program/advertising, an upfront fee to join an office as well as a fee for them to keep your license, etc. You can only carry your own license if you are a Broker and most states require that you are a salesperson for a period of time before you go to school and get a license to be a broker. I have actually considered going back into real estate part-time (bad idea UNLESS you are very experienced in Real Estate), but now is definitely not the time.

Leslie Said:

Any information on how common it is to change your career after age 50?

We Answered:

Many people change their career after 50. Some jobs are just too physically demanding after 50, or in many cases, people realize that they have spent their entire life making other people rich and decide that they indeed have the knowledge to run a business themselves. Usually by that age they have come to understand residual income and leverage. They also have enough savings to pursue a business and start making their money work for them.

Mary Said:

Any suggestions for a mid-life career change for a 50-year-old with some college?

We Answered:

Do what makes you happy what you really want to do my mom became an R.N at 53

Evelyn Said:

What are good career choices for people over 50 who want to make a change?

We Answered:

I think a good career change for you would be ANYTHING you want to do!
Don't let age be a factor in your mind. Life is too short and you should do soemething you love. If you are following your heart, everything else will fall into place. One thing I ask people when they are looking for a career change is, "If money were not an issue what would you do all day?" The answer usually holds the key to their life's purpose. Even if they say, "I'd sit around and play with my kids." Working with children may be their key. If they say, "I'd read." Something in the literary field may be where they would start. "Watch TV" What would you watch? What ar eyour favorite types of shows and why? Find what you love, what you have always wished you could do and just go for it!! Even if you think it will take too long, just do it. Sometimes as we begin a path another one unfolds to get us where we need to be even quicker.