You're a 45 + person with an established career and years of solid work experience. You may be more financially secure and if you have children, they may be off your hands a little more now so you may time to devote to your career. Then one day, someone tries to tell you to that because you're 45+ your career is at a stand still? Sound familiar?

The world of work and life in Australia is changing. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics; the labour force is projected to age dramatically with over 80% of the labour force growth occurring in the 45 years and over age group.

With our ageing population, declining birth and workforce participation rates, its good news in the labour market for those in their 40's. So what do you do if you feel you've hit a career snag?

Depending on your individual circumstances, you might like to consider talking with your Manager first. If possible;

• Identify positions or other roles within the company that interest you. Is there a role that you always wanted to do but you never quite made it down that career path? Have you let people know?

• Discuss with your Manager what roles he/she feels may suit your current skills, experience, strengths and work style.

• Discuss with your Manager or Human Resource Representative what you need to do to position yourself for a new role/career path and how you are going to get there.

• Consider exploring a variety of career development options with your Manager.

• Consider any possible obstacles or challenges that may prevent you from heading down a particular career path.

• Talk to someone about your career- A career coach, human resource or internal recruitment representative may be able to assist you or give you advice about how to overcome any possible career obstacles.

• Update your current skills or acquire new skills (IT, technical or interpersonal). Consider if you need to undertake study or additional units in your degree.

• Consider if there is an option to transfer or relocate internally to another state or country that will give you new career and life experiences.

• Consider finding a mentor or business coach who may be able to assist you with career or business guidance.

• Consider learning new things and moving out your career comfort zone.

• Continue to drive your career and maintain your networks.

• Keep up with the latest developments in your profession.

• Consider a career assessment- Do you know what motivates you, what skills you prefer to use, what environments you really like to work in and what your perceived career barriers may be?

• Look at the perception that you may create to others. Is there anything that you can do to change the perception that people may have of you?

• Look at your health and wellbeing. Do you feel older or look older than your years? Are you in good physical shape? Are you maintaining your personal presentation in workplace?

• Continue to be open minded to change and display this approach in the workplace.

• If you life is all work and no play, consider if it is time to purse other interests or hobbies as well.

In life there will always be people who display bias towards others because of certain factors, and for some its age. The truth is that in Australia retirement figures are set to escalate over the next 5 to 10, so for the 40 something's you just might find that age is on your side.