Five Myths About Landing a Good Job Later in Life

Many people get their big break relatively early on in life, especially when it comes to fields like entertainment and finance. However, there are many people who have made their wealth by landing a good job later in life.

The problem is that our society seems to have a huge stigma against "late bloomers" and, sadly, that includes people who make it by landing a good job later in life. Some even say it "just doesn't happen," or that you're "washed up" past a certain age.

There are so many myths about landing a good job later in life circulating the net, it's worth debunking at least some of them. Here are a few of the biggest offenders you might even believe in.

Myth #1: It just doesn't happen anymore.

This couldn't be further from the truth. Baby Boomers, in particular, are re-entering the workforce in droves. Right now, people over the age of 50 make up 33 percent of the workforce. They also are getting better jobs, with higher status, and higher pay than their more youthful counterparts.

Around 40 percent of all people who retire tend to re-enter the workforce these days, often within two years of doing so. So, it's never too late to find a good job — even if you're old enough to retire.

You absolutely can get a fulfilling job past a certain age, so give it a shot.

Myth #2: The only way you're going to be landing a good job later in life is a part-time gig that pays.

Also not true. Recruiters will not unceremoniously hoist you out the door after a certain age, despite what disgruntled job seekers may tell you. Landing a good job at an older age is very possible; in fact, it's very probable.

Cordant Wealth showed that the number of older people who have full time jobs has tripled since 1995. This means that being a part-timer doesn't have to be what you settle for — unless, of course, you just want a part-time paycheck.

Myth #3: You can be too old to start up a new business or be a successful entrepreneur.

This is another one of those massive misnomers people tend to believe about landing a good job later in life. In the minds of many people, there's this magical "entrepreneurship train" that picks up a handful of young people, then drives off — never to be seen again.

Who's to say that you can't make your own great job?

This is just not true. Around 26 percent of all new entrepreneurs are 50 years old or older today. This means that you're never too young or too old to start a business. As long as you have a means, you can make it happen and make your money work for you.

At 50, you have gained enough work experience to recognize what works and what does not. Now would be the time to make sure you have a new business that works.

Myth #4: Landing a good job later in life means you won't be able to do as much as you once could have.

You know which famous historical figure only became known and loved after landing a good job later in life? Winston Churchill. He was known for being "so dull as a boy, his father doubted he'd be able to make a living in England."

Imagine that!

Nowadays, we know Churchill as one of the greatest leaders the UK has ever seen, and for his insanely witty quips. He made an impact, and so can you — even if it means doing so later on in life.

The thing is that older people will have more life experience and work experience than younger people. This means they often will be able to advise much better than their younger counterparts in difficult times.

If Churchill can do it, you can do it too.

Myth #5: People won't take older people seriously in the workplace.

Much of learning how to work at a dynamic company is learning how to recognize talent. Good recruiters will recognize talent, work experience, and stick-to-it-iveness, regardless of age.

The key to landing a good job later in life is to seek out companies that acknowledge your talents, regardless of age. You wouldn't have a good job at a company that doesn't acknowledge you, so don't approach companies that are potentially bad for you.

Just like with any other career choice, it's all about fit. You either fit or you don't, and thankfully, the age you have allows for you to figure out which companies would be the best in your life.