marketThe urge to switch careers can strike older workers for a variety of reasons—an unexpected job loss, fear about dimming prospects in their current industry, or simply a yen for change—but there are pitfalls of which to be wary.

Certainly, one mistake is to rush the decision. If you have the luxury of time—that is to say, a current job—consider taking three years to plan. Depending on your financial situation, “you might have to do it incrementally,” said Kerry Hannon, a Washington-based career expert and author of “Great Jobs for Everyone 50+.”

“You need a job that pays the bills now. Then, on the side, take the classes you need, build those skills you need,” she said.

“I’ve interviewed hundreds and hundreds of these folks,” Hannon added. “Anyone who has had at least three years of planning—they’re not unemployed those three years, but they’re planning for what they want to do—all of them succeeded if they gave themselves that much time.”

Those who did it faster? Often, they “never got that traction,” she said.

If your new career entails starting a new business, check out these 10 tips for boomers to become entrepreneurs.

Here are eight mistakes to avoid when trying to switch careers:

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By Andrea Coombes

 

 

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