Making a Career Change at 40: A Complete Guide

Approaching the age of 40 and considering a career change? You’re in good company. Many professionals at this stage start to reevaluate their career trajectories.

Seasoned professionals often question whether or not there’s still time to make a career pivot. Rest assured, there is. Your 40s can be a pivotal time for professional reinvention. With several decades of experience behind you and potential opportunities ahead, now might be the ideal moment to transition.

This guide is crafted specifically for you if you’re considering building a new career at 40 or over. Explore some roles that might be an excellent fit for a career change in your 40s.

How to Make a Career Change at 40

A new career at 40 is about more than just finding a new job. It’s about finding a better fit for where you are now in your life, both personally and professionally. Let’s break down some steps to help you confidently navigate this transition.

1. Take Your Time

Get out of the mindset that you must hurry up with your decision before you “get any older.” Take time to discover what you want and how to get it. You may still enjoy what you do but would welcome changes, such as the ability to work remotely or a schedule more conducive to work-life balance. Or, you may conclude that a different field is the answer.

Learn as much as possible about a potential new career by researching the qualifications, salary, and market. Talk to people in the profession to get a vivid and realistic picture of what the work is like, how career paths typically unfold, and what professional skills you need for your resume.

As a caveat though, remember that your years of experience won’t necessarily translate directly to years in a new industry. You might be starting over at the bottom of the pay scale, so ensure you have a financial plan in place until your salary matures again.

2. Promote Your Strengths

Since you’re changing careers at 40 (and not in your 20s), you likely have transferable skills that new employers will find valuable. Take pride in your background, and demonstrate a willingness to learn what you don’t know.

Another bonus of being “seasoned” is that you’ve likely built a substantial network. Use these connections to your advantage when seeking employment opportunities in your new area of interest.

Look for others who have made similar career changes and seek out informational interviews with them. Ask them what skills they highlighted to showcase their job fit and any tips they used to facilitate an efficient move.

3. Accelerate Your Learning

Starting fresh in a new career at 40 often means picking up some new skills. Don’t be daunted; remember, regardless of age, we’re always capable of learning. Consider, for instance, people who don’t obtain a degree until later in life. They’re proof that it’s never too late to learn something new and make a change.

Jumping into learning mode now can give you an edge. Whether it’s new software, a certification, or understanding industry jargon, learning is all about staying relevant. Plus, you’ll feel more confident stepping into that next role.

Note the latest buzz in the industry and devote time to learning about it so you can speak knowledgeably about it. That way, you’ll show the hiring manager that you stay current and relevant as the industry evolves.

4. Don’t Make Age an Issue

It’s common to think your age is a hindrance, but let’s flip the script. Your years bring experience, wisdom, and a unique perspective that younger peers might not have. It’s an asset, not a liability.

Focus on what you bring to the table, rather than the number of candles on your last birthday cake. Confidence in your skills and experiences will shine through in interviews, and employers will notice that value over your birth date.

Acknowledge that there may be unconscious bias on the part of the hiring manager, but that’s not always the case. Don’t approach your job search with a defensive attitude about your age. Try to assume positive intent and work in mentions of how much you enjoy working on a diverse team.

5. Get Up to Speed

The job landscape is constantly evolving, especially when it comes to how companies hire. Familiarize yourself with the latest job search tips, tools, and technologies. Digital platforms and networking methods might be different than you remember, but you’ve got this.

When updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, ensure they reflect your skills—not just your years. For example, suppose you’re a graphic designer with 20 years of experience. Instead of highlighting your two decades working with print media, showcase your proficiency in modern design software and display your latest achievements first.

Always remember, a midlife career change doesn’t mean you’re behind the newcomers in your field—it just means you’ve got a wealth of experience to use as a foundation as you learn emerging technologies and industry practices.

10 New Careers to Start at 40

To help you jump-start your midlife career change, we’ve compiled 10 fields where your skills and experience can shine. Each offers a unique opportunity to make a fulfilling career pivot at or after 40. Dive in and explore!

1. Business Development Jobs

Have a knack for spotting opportunities and forging connections? Business development roles are all about growth, relationship-building, and strategic thinking. Your accumulated knowledge and network can be invaluable here, setting the stage for company expansion and success.