If you’re in your 40s, you still have roughly twenty working years ahead of you. So, if you’re unhappy, it’s a long time to white-knuckle it through to retirement. Life is short, and it’s never too late to learn something new. As it happens, later-stage career change is attractive to many employers who value your wealth of experience and transferable skills, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving and adaptability.
Whether you’re feeling burnt out, looking for better work-life balance, returning to the workplace, or simply looking for a new challenge, a career change at 40 could be the perfect time to pivot!
Why Career Change at 40?
It’s important to understand why you’re considering a career change at 40. So, before you update your resume or enrol in a course, ask yourself the following questions to get clarity.
Do I want more meaningful work?
If what’s missing in your current career is doing meaningful work, make sure your career change leads to a more fulfilling occupation. Do you want to help people, protect the environment, educate, care for animals or contribute to your community? Understanding what gives you a sense of purpose can help you choose a career you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Am I looking for greater flexibility?
If you’re looking for greater flexibility in your career, make sure your next move is a job that values work-life balance or flexible work options. An Australian report on industries rated highly for getting the work-life balance right included human resources, real estate, consulting, marketing and communications, insurance and superannuation.
Do I want better pay?
If earning a higher income is your goal, research careers with strong salary potential before deciding to change careers. Consider your starting salary in this new career but also future earning opportunities, demand for skilled professionals and potential for quick career progression. Look for roles in growing industries to help ensure higher-paying roles over time.
Am I unhappy in my current role?
If you’ve lost interest in your work, try to identify what’s changed. Is it the role itself, your employer, the industry or simply that you’ve changed and need a new opportunity? When you understand the reason behind your dissatisfaction, you’ll be better prepared to choose a new career that better matches your interests, strengths and long-term goals.
Don’t Think of It as Starting Over
One of the biggest myths about a career change at 40 is that you’ll have to start from scratch, which simply isn’t true. The reality is, you’re bringing years of valuable experience with you, so make sure you are aware of all the transferable skills you’ll bring to a new career.
Transferable skills include:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Customer service
- Time management
- Project management
- Problem-solving
- Digital literacy
- Emotional intelligence
These employability skills are often overlooked but are valuable across almost every industry. So, make an inventory and learn how to demonstrate them on your resume and in interviews to give yourself the best opportunity to make a smooth career change at 40.
Industries That Value Mature Professionals
Some careers value experience and life skills just as much as technical knowledge. Employers in these industries often appreciate professionals who bring extensive life experience, such as advanced communication skills, emotional maturity, reliability and practical workplace experience.
Many employers appreciate mature workers because they often bring:
- Professionalism
- Reliability
- Resilience
- Emotional maturity
- Strong work ethic
- Excellent communication
- Mentoring ability
If you’re changing careers later in life, your experience may be one of your greatest strengths rather than a disadvantage in the following industries:
- Community Services
- Education & Teaching
- Business Administration & Management
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Aged Care
- Disability Support
- Mental Health Support
- Digital Marketing
- Animal Care
If one of these industries interests you, consider exploring it through a professional development course to improve your confidence, gain industry knowledge and discover whether this new career is the right fit for you.
Professional Development as a Pathway to a New Career
You don’t necessarily need a university degree to start a new career, especially in fields where practical skills, industry knowledge and transferable experience are highly valued. You might be surprised to discover that professional development courses can help you secure an entry-level position in a completely different industry.
A professional development course can help you:
- Gain relevant industry knowledge
- Build on your existing skills
- Increase your confidence
- Demonstrate commitment to employers
- Explore a new career before (or without) making a major financial investment
Professional development offers a practical, flexible and affordable way to explore new opportunities, build job-ready skills and take the next step towards a career you’ll enjoy.
Prepare Financially
Changing careers doesn’t always mean taking a pay cut, but it is important to plan for any expenses you may encounter on your career change journey, including study costs, reduced work hours while training or a temporary adjustment to your income.
Consider:
- Savings
- Study costs
- A potential transition period
- Part-time study while working
- Realistic salary expectations in your new industry
- A budget that takes a new financial situation into consideration
When you plan in advance, you reduce the potential for financial stress, which allows you to focus on gaining the skills and confidence you need to make a successful career change.
Your Network Is More Valuable Than Ever
After years in the workplace, you’ve likely built relationships with people who will be more than willing to help you with a career change at 40. If possible, reach out to and reconnect with anyone in the industry you’re wanting to explore and ask if they’d be willing to share their advice on how to transition.
Consider a conversation with:
- Friends/family
- Former colleagues
- Managers
- Clients
- LinkedIn contacts
- Industry groups
Many career opportunities come through casual conversations rather than job advertisements, so don’t be afraid to reach out and take advantage of the network you’ve worked hard to establish.
The reality is, changing careers in your 40s doesn’t always mean starting over. Your experience, education, transferable skills and professional maturity are powerful assets that all help you transition to a career that better suits your new interests and goals.
Can we help you find a professional development course that will help you find your new direction? Simply contact one of our friendly Course Consultants on 1300 76 2221, via Live Chat, or visit our website for more information.
