Even with years of experience under their belts, individuals over 40 can still fall into certain traps that hinder their professional growth. These mistakes, often overlooked, can have significant consequences on their career trajectory and overall success. In this article, we explore common missteps that people in this age group tend to make, shedding light on how to avoid them and continue thriving in their careers.
Avoiding Career Change
The tendency to become a creature of habit becomes greater when you get into your 40s. Instead of changing careers when their current one no longer suits their needs, people over 40 tend to try to stick it out even when this causes them great suffering.
Inappropriate Social Media Profiles
Many people over 40 forget that their online profile is being scrutinized when they go for a job interview. GetResponse admits that “your online personal reputation is the perception people have of you when they find you online.” So, if your social media profiles are inappropriate, you’re unlikely to get hired.
Failing to Grow
People in their 40s who have already been in their job position for a number of years are often reluctant to keep exerting themselves. They know that they could reach out for a high position, but they don’t put themselves forward and never reach their full potential.
Working Too Much
According to a poll, says Time Magazine, “52 percent of full-time workers report working more than 40 hours a week, 39 percent work at least 50 hours a week, and 18 percent work at least 60.” Many people over 40 are working overtime and are not getting paid for it.
Not Adopting New Methods
Many people in their 40s have been in their line of work for years now and are comfortable with the method they use to get things done. When new methods are rolled out, they are not often received well, and they try to avoid putting them into place.
Ignoring Younger Colleagues
People in their 40s have a wealth of experience in their careers because they have been at them for a long time. So when someone younger comes along and recommends a new way of doing things, they are hesitant to listen and potentially improve their work methods.
Failing to Network
Networking by building on and maintaining professional relationships is an essential part of growing in your field of work. Without networking, it is hard to find new job opportunities and to transfer to different lines of work. Some people in their 40s become complacent in their jobs and neglect networking.
Reluctancy With Risk-Taking
People over 40 tend to be more reluctant to take risks. They are comfortable with their jobs just the way they are and don’t want to do anything to rock the boat. Even when doing something could bring positive results, many still won’t take the risk.
Learning From Others
If someone in their 40s has been in their line of work for a number of years, they may think they know it all and feel reluctant to listen to and learn from others. When other people tell them how to do something, they might reject the help.
Fearing Failure
Workers in their 40s might hesitate to put themselves forward for new roles or changes in their role because of fear of failure. They do not want to become learners again and only want to do what they know how to do well. They don’t want to risk failing, making mistakes, or feeling embarrassed.
Leaving Work At Work
Many people over 40 struggle to find the balance between work, rest, and time with their families. They work overtime, and then when they are at home, they take work calls and do work-related admin from their computers. They find it hard to leave work at work.
Ignoring Future Planning
Someone who puts off planning for their retirement until they are in their 40s is really leaving it too late. In order to secure your future, retirement planning should begin when you start your career, not halfway through it. Putting it off can lead to financial trouble later in life.
Neglecting Health
Many people in their 40s forget or fail to take seriously the importance of looking after their health. Because of this, they are more likely to suffer from sudden health scares because of a lack of regular medical attention. Getting regular well-being checkups is essential.
Ignoring Training
People in their 40s tend to think that they already know everything there is to know about their jobs. Because of this, they do not take staff training days seriously. This can actually make their work life harder, as they are not adapting to improved ways of doing things.
Putting Off Studying
The statistics from the Education Data Initiative show that only “1.69% of 40- to 49-year-olds are enrolled” in post-secondary education. Although adults over 40 are aware that returning to college to study would help them with their careers, too many are reluctant to do so, concluding that it’s just too late.
Neglecting to Learn New Technology
According to a recent European study, “in 2021, almost nine out of 10 employed adults used computer devices to do their work.” Although computer use is becoming almost essential for many jobs, some people over 40 are not keen to learn to use new technology or programs.
Not Listening to Younger Managers
Zippia says that “the average manager age is 44 years old”, and managers at this age are usually well respected. However, when younger managers come on the scene, some people in their 40s are reluctant to listen to them because they fear they lack experience. This often causes friction in the workplace.
Lack of Personal Profile
Many people in their 40s don’t see the importance of having an online personal profile. But Resume.io states that a “personal profile is the best way to tell the hiring manager a bit about you and give them a glimpse into what value you could bring to their organization.”