It's Never Too Late to Follow Your Dreams

By Francine L. Huff
Learning & Life Columnist

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The days of punching in a time clock at the same company for 30 years are over! Maybe you're ready to express your creativity or start your own business. Whatever your particular interests, now is the time to put your plans into action. With a little additional education and your wealth of experience, you can quickly be on your way.

You, Inc.

Perhaps you've been thinking of starting your own business but aren't sure where to begin. Chances are your years of work and/or parenting experience have already given you a good foundation for becoming an entrepreneur. Taking business courses online or in an evening program at a university can help you learn business basics, and an MBA degree program will develop your management skills.

Creative Jobs

If the artist in you has been itching to get out but you don't want to give up a steady paycheck, then maybe you should consider a job in web, graphic or interior design. Not only can you take courses online and part-time, but you also can get some work experience in these areas while continuing in your current job.

Of the design occupations, graphic designers are expected to have the most new jobs through 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and having Web design skills will really increase your marketability. You'll need a bachelor's degree for many design jobs, but an associate's degree may be acceptable for some technical positions. Computer skills are important for web and graphic design jobs, since much of the work is done on computers. Median annual earnings for graphic designers were $38,030 in 2004, according to the BLS.

Interior design training programs can be completed in two to four years, and an apprenticeship is often required before taking a national licensing exam or joining a professional organization. Interior designers had median annual earnings of $40,670 in 2004, according to the BLS. Web, graphic and interior design jobs also can be done on a part-time or freelance basis, so you can test the waters in these fields without giving up a regular job.

Reaching 50 doesn't mean you have to give up on having a rewarding job. You've got time! Enhance your marketability by taking online courses and transferring your existing work experience to your new career.

Source

Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Francine L. Huff is a freelance journalist and the author of The 25-Day Financial Makeover: A Practical Guide for Women. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.

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