Changing Careers in Your 40’s

Changing careers can be a daunting prospect at any age, but if you’re in your 40's, it can come with particular challenges. People in their 40's are likely to have more responsibilities than they did previously, which means that changing careers requires careful planning and consideration. Many people start down the career-change path and stop, because thinking about everything involved in the change can be stressful and uncomfortable. Here are a few common experiences that hold people back from making a career shift in their 40’s.

Fear of the unknown

Changing careers in your 40’s can be a scary proposition, as it often involves stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking a risk in doing something new and unfamiliar. For people who have been in the same workplace for years, it can feel overwhelming to think about starting over and building new relationships in a new workplace.

Loss of identity

After spending years building a career, you may feel a strong sense of identity tied to your current role. Making a career change can feel like losing a part of your identity and can be emotionally challenging. Consider the identities you'd like to explore and see how it feels to try those on for a few minutes. 

Self-doubt

Many people may wonder if they have what it takes to succeed in a new field, or if they are too old to start over. If you’re feeling this way too, know that you are not alone, and don’t let this fear keep you from exploring new opportunities. Identify a specific challenge you've overcome in your life that now feels far behind you, and use this as a reminder of your ability to work through difficult situations.

Guilt

If changing careers requires taking time away from family or other obligations, you may experience feelings of guilt and anxiety about putting your needs first. Know that in the long-run, it’s good for everyone if you’re in a job that you truly enjoy. Think about how your relationships may grow stronger as you are happier.

Financial stress

Making a career change can be financially stressful, particularly if it involves taking a pay cut or starting at a lower level in a new field. Acknowledging and working through these feelings is important, because it can help you sustain momentum throughout the inevitable ups and downs of a career transition.

Additionally, as you’re thinking about what’s next, here are some areas that may be helpful to consider:

Transferable skills

People in their 40's have likely developed many transferable skills over the course of their career. When considering a new career path, it's important to be able to name these skills and leverage them to make the transition as smooth as possible. Here's a list to get you started.

Work-life balance

We’re not the same people we were in our 20’s and 30’s, when we started our careers. Many people in their 40's are juggling multiple responsibilities, such as family, a mortgage, and other financial obligations. When considering a new career, it's important to ensure that it will allow for a healthy work-life balance that fits with your personal priorities. Ask yourself: how many hours do I want to be working each week? Will I really be able to leave work when I go home?

Education and training

Depending on the field you want to transition into, it may be helpful to consider getting additional education or training to make the switch. This can be an added challenge, especially if you have other commitments, but it may ultimately pay off in the long run. Before committing to anything big, make sure that the educational investment aligns with what’s needed in the field and is something you have the capacity to take on.

Self-reflection and self-awareness

Take the time to reflect on your personal goals and priorities, and how a new career might fit into those aspirations. A job isn’t the entirety of your life, and it’s important that any job fits into the whole picture of your life. Consider that a career change can be a chance to pursue a long-held passion, or to find a better balance between work and life. If you’re feeling unsure, a career coach can help guide your reflections and help you make the choices that feel right for you, in the current stage of your life.

By taking a thoughtful and strategic approach, people in their 40's can successfully navigate the transition and build a fulfilling career that aligns with their personal and professional goals.