Are you singing “I can’t get any satisfaction” when it comes to your job? Do you find yourself daydreaming about a career change? Are you feeling bored, dissatisfied, or exhausted? Got the burnout blues? Or have you recently lost your job or retired and want to keep working but want to change direction?

You’re not alone. Many baby boomers feel the same way. A career change can be scary. Perhaps financial worries, fear of failure, or an unenthusiastic spouse have kept you out of your comfort zone until now. But keep in mind that the greatest rewards come from taking the greatest risks, says life coach Caroline Adams Miller, author of Creating Your Best Life. “Otherwise, you may feel full of regret at the end of your life, and that perspective will help put steel in your spine,” he says.

Studies show that up to 80 percent of baby boomers plan to do some kind of paid work until age 70 to stay mentally sharp, stay socially engaged, and achieve financial security in retirement. That leaves a couple of decades after 50 to work. Perhaps this is why more and more boomers are contemplating an “encore career” to pursue their passions and create a fulfilling life that they can enjoy.

But is it really possible? Definitely!

The American Institute for Economic Research looked at people who changed or tried to change jobs after age 45 and found that 82% of people 47 and older who took up new careers in the past two years were successful, and the half of them made more money. .

“Don’t consider your age or experience a burden. It is a benefit for companies to have a multigenerational workforce,” says Oriana Vogel, vice president of global talent acquisition at American Express. “One of our goals … is to hire employees who can bring a variety of different perspectives and experiences.” Age doesn’t come into consideration when it comes to hiring the best people, he says.

A report from the Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement found that “boomers are as likely or more likely to participate in their work as younger Generation X or Millennials.”

So yes, it is possible to find a different career that you like after age 50. But what job will make you the happiest? To help you decide and perhaps limit your options, I did a little research on America’s happiest and unhappiest jobs:

THE HAPPEST JOBS

Kununu created a “Career Happiness Index,” which analyzes nearly 200,000 employee reviews from 2016 to name three of the happiest industries in the country in 2016.

The civil service topped the list, perhaps because government employees enjoy great benefits, hours, vacation policies, job security, and management support. Additionally, employees felt they were working for the common good, serving the public, the study noted.

Consulting is a booming industry with a projected growth rate of 18%. The workers found their work challenging and enjoyed working with others.

Interestingly for me, since I work as a writer, the arts and entertainment industry made the top three. Creative activities may not make you rich, but they could help you be happier.

In another study, CareerBliss created a ranking of the happiest and unhappiest jobs in 2016 and listed recruiters as the happiest employees. “Finding good jobs for other people creates a happy work environment for recruiters … many recruiters find joy in helping others find work and earn bonuses for doing so,” said CareerBliss CEO Heidi Golledge.

A USA Today article listed jobs related to caring for, teaching, and protecting others, as well as creative pursuits, as the most satisfying.

Research published by NORC at the University of Chicago listed the top five job satisfaction positions, in ascending order, clergy, physical therapists, firefighters, educational administrators, and artists.

THE MOST UNFELLOWING JOBS

You may want to steer clear of jobs where people don’t jump for joy. What careers seem to make people grumpy and miserable?

According to kununu’s data, healthcare / pharmaceutical, legal advice, and real estate / facility management professionals scored the lowest for happiness.

CareerBliss listed the sales account manager as the most unhappy job. Rounding out the last five are the security officer, the merchant, the cashier, and the driver.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A NEW CAREER

A word of caution. Remember, an encore career that brings you happiness is not just about pursuing your passions. As the research above shows, when considering your options, be sure to consider practical employment issues such as job security, salary, benefits, work-life balance, and the office environment.

For example, just because you like a hobby doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy it once you add the stress of making a living. Believe me, I chose to write professionally, and I don’t regret it, but it wasn’t as fun and carefree as when writing was something I did for my own pleasure.

CONSIDER STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Another option? Many boomers approaching retirement choose to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. They want to keep working, but on their own terms.

In fact, a new study from Gallop showed that adults over 50 are one of the fastest growing groups of entrepreneurs in the U.S. An overwhelming majority, 83%, say their top reason for launching a business it was a lifestyle choice or to increase your income. This survey suggests that boomers seek independence, a flexible schedule that leaves room for volunteering and travel. And they want to pursue their interests and passions before it’s too late.

Keep your mind open and be creative. Consider wearing more than one hat and find a custom solution that puts you in control of your life. For example, you can combine writing, speaking, teaching, and consulting. The internet has opened up new opportunities for freelance work.

The good news? Despite the hard work and dedication required to start and run a small business, 94 percent of American entrepreneurs are happy to be small business owners, according to a new survey by the online small business community, Manta.

POSSIBLE MISTAKES

Don’t rush into decisions or immediately quit your job. Get ready and take it one step at a time.

Depending on your financial situation, “you may have to [a career change] gradually, “says Kerry Hannon, author of Great Jobs for Everyone 50-Plus.” You need a job that pays the bills now. Then, in addition, take the classes you need, develop the skills you need, “he suggests.

Do the necessary research. Learn about the new career you’re interested in, including salary, job satisfaction, and trends in the industry, as well as the skills, qualifications, certifications, and credentials you’ll need. Make strategic contacts with people in the field. Keep your skills up to date and use LinkedIn and other social media sites.

Internships and volunteer work can help you gain practical experience and try out a new career before leaving a job.

Keep these tips in mind and you can confidently move on to reinvent your life and start that new career!