Making a career change no matter what your age is can be hard, but when your 40, making a career change can lead to sleepless nights and stressful days. As you get older you have more responsibilities to consider. Not only is your age a factor, but your level of skills, education, training, family, and finances have to be taken into account  when making a career change.

If you're thinking about making a career change after 40 don't do it alone. You need the support of the people close to you both physically and mentally. When you change careers not only are you changing your job, but your life as well. Having a strong support system will make your career change easier on both you and your family.

Be sure to make a self assessment of your knowledge and skills, or take a career test.  You need to know what your strength's and weakness are and in what areas. This will help you to figure out what areas you need to work on in order to pursue a new career.

After you have completed your self assessment make a list of new jobs and careers that you would be interested in. Include the job description, level of education needed, any requirements, salary, and if there are any advancements available with the job. By comparing your self assessment test to your list of career opportunities you will be able to decide which jobs provide the best career possibilities for you.

Be sure you are making a career change for the right reasons. If you're having problems in other areas of your life, just changing your job or career is not the answer. And don't change careers just because you think you can make more money. If you're new career doesn't work out, you'll find yourself right back where you started.

Choose a career that you have a passion for, one that will motivate and stimulate you. This will help keep your interest up which is necessary in order to learn.

Draw up a plan that you can follow while pursuing your new career. Include your finances, resumes, continuing education, and if you need to maintain a job while making your career change. And remember to make your own health and happiness a priority.

Making a career change after 40 does not have to be as hard and dramatic as you think. More and more people are changing their careers in order to lead a happier, healthier life. If you go about it the right way, changing your career can be not only fun, but gratifying as well.