Middle Age, Out of Work?--Create Your Next Position

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Des Moines, Iowa, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) February 24, 2012 --

Des Moines, IA, August 12, 2010--Out of work at career mid-point with no strong job prospects in a weak economy? "Before continuing a frustrating search for relevent job postings, why not take time out to define for yourself an ideal next position?" questions author and consultant Roy Richards, an expert on mid-life transition. In the second of his series of press releases on career transformation, Richards recommends middle-aged job seekers place themselves squarely in the driver's seat by spelling out in precise detail the position which they seek. Once defined, they can concentrate on turning their ideal vision into reality.

Richards instructs as follows: "Take out a clean sheet of paper or create a new document on your ipad or laptop. At the top of the page, list a job title for your ideal next position. On the next line, list your intended next employer which may be "you" if you propose to launch a new business, purchase a franchise or work as an independent distributor from home. At this point, the targeted employer may be either a specific entity or a general category of business, government or non-profit enterprise."

"Beginning on the third line, list primary job functions you wish to perform. Below those, spell out required vocational qualifications and educational prerequisites followed by the person(s) to whom you will report (this may be "no one" if your goal is self-employment) and those who will report to you. As a final entry at page bottom write down annual compensation you expect to receive."

Once completed, Richards recommends examining the dream position description as any job seeker would evaluate a job posting in a newspaper or on the Internet:

1. "Would my ideal position as defined provide significant value to others? Would they be willing to pay me?"

2. "Am I qualified this very day to assume my dream position? Would a personnel manager or executive recruiter consider hiring me?"

3." If less than fully qualified now, can I become so given a reasonable amount of time, effort and money?"

4." Will anticipated compensation along with spousal earnings and any identified backup resources be sufficient to support our targeted family lifestyle?"

5." Do spouse and offspring support my targeted career transition? Are they willing to share in potential sacrifices?"

As a concluding exercise, Richards urges those intending radical career change to visualize themselves performing the anticipated daily routine. "Is this truly how I wish to spend the remainder of my productive years? Have I enjoyed and excelled at similar tasks in the past? Am I certain that the vocation of my dreams is not simply a passing fancy?"

Should a job seeker conclude upon examination that his or her dream position is not realistic, a secondary task is to uncover an alternative position which is. Richards states: "At age 55 with no previous medical training, I am not going to become a doctor. On the other hand, should I excel at business and have a burning desire to promote good health, I might target hospital or clinic administration, opening a health food franchise or marketing health care products on the Internet as an independent distributor. My goal here is to identify a realistic secondary career option which provides gratification similar to my first choice. Once fully defined, this back-up position becomes my primary transition target."

Richards strongly urges mid-career job changers to place themselves squarely in charge of their own search by first defining in precise detail the position they seek. The next stage is to continually imagine themselves occupying the targeted position which over time will cause them to think and act like an incumbent. As actual employment possibilities arise, anyone with a precisely defined target can evaluate each opportunity against the ideal. He or she also will be prepared mentally to fully engage a potential employer or financial sponsor. Richards promises next week to share advice on the ultimate key to success: establishing and sustaining a positive mindset throughout an extended, often frustrating career transition.

Founded in 2008, Middle Age Renewal Training (MART) offers motivational books, one-on-one coaching and business consulting centered on renewal of all aspects of life for middle-aged individuals and businesses. To contact Roy Richards or to review his books or services, visit the MART web site www.middleagerenewal.com.

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