Dear Annie: At age 45, I recently made a big career shift from a stable job in finance to a more creative position in graphic design, which has always been my passion. I’m excited about the change, but also nervous about competing with younger, more tech-savvy designers.
I’m working late almost every night to learn new tools and techniques, which is having a negative impact on my personal life and overall health. Do you have any advice for navigating this new chapter in my life without burning out? — Midlife Career Change
To those considering a career change: Congratulations on taking the bold decision to pursue your passion. Consider setting realistic learning goals instead of trying to master everything at once. Maybe you can allocate a specific amount of time each week for skill development so that you can maintain a steady pace without pushing yourself too hard. Online courses, workshops, and tutorials can help you improve your skills at a manageable pace. Remember that this won’t last forever. Your skills and efficiency will improve every day.
Questions for Annie Lane? [email protected].
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