The good thing about following your passion in a new career at midlife: your wisdom of experience gives you an advantage. You know enough to control the things you can during your transition from your old job to the job of your dreams.
Print our checklist and keep it handy. It can help you stay on track.
Keep your dreams up to date with sites like Encore.org, a nonprofit network for people pursuing second-act careers for the greater good.
Send coffee invites to anyone who may be a good contact — or know of one — who has followed their own passion. Their stories may help you on your own path.
Give yourself a crash course of relevant skills for your new career. Try online courses like Coursera.com or Lynda.com, or classes offered in your area.
If you’re taking a pay cut to follow your dreams, a budget worksheet can help you identify areas where you can cut back. Our downloadable budget worksheet can get you started.
If you’re giving up benefits, research independent coverage for yourself and your family.
Before you leave your old job, make sure you use up your FSA (flexible spending account). If you leave a balance, you won’t be able to use those funds.
If you had a 401(k) plan with your previous employer, you need to decide what to do with that money.
You may want to update or rebalance your portfolio allocations. Talk to your financial professional about the best next steps.
If you need to fill out new paperwork, you may need to name beneficiaries. Have Social Security numbers handy.
You’re not in it alone. Make sure you’ve got the right team of professionals to help you create the life that you want.
About us
Learn about Capital Group and find resources to get you started.
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Who we are
One of the world's largest investment managers, we've helped investors succeed by remaining true to our values and approach. We believe in a distinctive way of managing money, an emphasis on research, a long-term view and the recognition of the power of relationships.
What we do
Capital Group offers a variety of investment options to help you pursue your objectives — including American Funds, one of the largest mutual fund families in the U.S.
Where to find our funds
Your financial professional can tell you more about American Funds. Or, you can purchase our funds yourself through an online broker.
Important questions to consider
Whether you are collaborating with a financial professional or figuring out your own finances, these questions can help get you started.
What is the best way to manage my money during a career transition?
Should I adjust my investment strategy with this career change?
Will a change in employee benefits impact my long-term goals?
The value of guidance
A financial professional can work with you to define your goals and create a plan to help make them a reality. From establishing a budget to selecting investments to riding out market shifts, an advisor can help you make decisions based on your specific situation.
Looking for a financial professional?
Our locator tool can help you find professionals in your area.
Check the background of these investment professionals on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.
Return to Pursuing my passion
Investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so they may lose value.
Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other important information is contained in the fund prospectuses and summary prospectuses, which can be obtained from a financial professional and should be read carefully before investing.
Statements attributed to an individual represent the opinions of that individual as of the date published and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Capital Group or its affiliates. This information is intended to highlight issues and should not be considered advice, an endorsement or a recommendation.
All Capital Group trademarks mentioned are owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc., an affiliated company or fund. All other company and product names mentioned are the property of their respective companies.
Use of this website is intended for U.S. residents only.
American Funds Distributors, Inc., member FINRA.
This content, developed by Capital Group, home of American Funds, should not be used as a primary basis for investment decisions and is not intended to serve as impartial investment or fiduciary advice.