Changing Careers with Ticket to Work
According to the Harvard Business Review1, in 2021, nearly 50 million Americans quit their jobs or changed careers. Of the employed adults ages 18 to 29 who said they had quit their job in 2021, 61% shifted their field of work or occupation, while 45% of those ages 30 and over made this shift. This means nearly half of workers over the age of 30 made a career shift and over 60% changed their fields to try something new.
Those who attempted a career change after age 45 found that not only were 82% of career changes successful but that 87% who changed careers were happy that they had made the change.
So how exactly can you be a part of this successful career change wave?
[1] Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2022/06/4-steps-to-making-a-successful-career-change
We’re here to help
Social Security’s Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the service and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.
Your employment team can also support you when thinking about a career change. Connect with a service provider to discuss these tips for exploring a new career.
Meet Rebecca
After going into remission from cancer, Rebecca decided it was time to find a new career. Fortunately, Rebecca had a couple of options: a job at a community college similar to her previous job or a new career at the American Kennel Club (AKC). With support from family and friends, Rebecca decided to be bold and go for the new career with the AKC.
When Rebecca learned about the Ticket Program, she was already training for her new job. She connected with Brenda Umholtz of Umholtz Consulting, an Employment Network, and Brenda helped her understand how earnings from work would affect her benefits. While Rebecca didn’t need help finding a job, the assistance to understand Social Security was invaluable to her.
Are you ready?
To learn more about the Ticket Program, choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, call our TTY at 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask for a list service providers or find providers on your own using the Ticket Program Find Help.
You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.
