The thought of changing careers at 40 can feel daunting. Perhaps you’ve got financial commitments like a mortgage or monthly bills, or personal responsibilities such as caring for children or elderly relatives. A career change at 40 might seem intimidating if you missed out on higher education earlier in life. However, if you’ve hit forty and found yourself stuck in a job that’s not making you happy, there are numerous opportunities to make a significant and lasting change.
In this article we answer the questions:
- Why Change Careers?
- How Do I Decide on a New Career?
- What are the Popular Roles for 40+ Career Changers?
- What are Some Concrete Steps to Change My Career?
Why Change Careers?
We all have different reasons for making major life changes, and changing your career is no different. Perhaps dissatisfaction with your current role is pushing you towards something new, or a change in circumstances is prompting you to find something that better suits your new routine or responsibilities.
More Money
Earning more money remains a major driver for those looking to establish a new career. You may have reached the height of your earning potential in your current job, or you’re working more hours than you can manage just to make ends meet. A different career can offer a higher average monthly rate with more opportunities for promotion, bonuses, or overtime that aren’t currently available.
Better Work-Life Balance
As professionals approach 40, we look for different things in our working lives. If you have children or caring responsibilities, you might want to work fewer hours or have more flexibility. The modern workplace increasingly values professionals who can demonstrate adaptability and seek meaningful work that fits around personal commitments.
Pursue Lifelong Interests
Many professionals harbour interests outside their current working life. Sometimes it takes the confidence and experience that comes with age to consider pursuing these passions as a paid career. Consider that you might be working well into your late sixties – that’s a long time to be in a role that doesn’t truly motivate you.
Reduce Stress
Workplace stress is a significant concern for many. If you’re considering changing careers to reduce stress, make a detailed list of what you find challenging in your current job. Understanding exactly what you want to avoid will help you make a more informed career transition.
Develop New Skills
You may feel that you’ve done everything you can in your current role, industry, or career, and you’re excited about learning something new. Developing new skills through retraining and joining a different industry may be just the challenge you’ve been missing in your working life up to this point.
How Do I Decide on a New Career?
We’ve rounded up some of most important questions you might want to consider before researching the types of roles or careers you would like to retrain in.
How Much Money Do You Need to Make?
Keep a detailed note of your expenses for a couple of months to understand exactly how much you need to earn. Be honest and include extras like:
- Holidays
- Regular Expenses
- Rent/Mortgage Repayments
- Childcare
- Bills
- Insurance
Websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary.com provide average salaries for junior, mid-career, and senior-level positions, helping you understand your potential earnings trajectory.
Do You Want to Stay in the Same Industry?
Consider whether you want:
- A new role in the same industry
- A similar role in a different industry
- A completely different role in a new area
Your choice will determine your transferable skills, chances of landing a senior position, and the amount of retraining required.
Are You Able to Spend Time Retraining?
Retraining comes in many forms. With part-time, online, and blended learning options, there are classes for every learning style and commitment level. Be realistic about the time you can commit to retraining.
What Are Your Key Skills and Strengths?
Assess your talents:
- Working with people
- Team leadership
- Numerical abilities
- Problem-solving skills
You’ll be surprised how many of your current skills can be utilised in a new career.
What Do You Like and Dislike About Your Current Role?
Understanding your current job’s positives and negatives will help you find a more fulfilling career. Are you feeling unchallenged? Is the work too physically demanding? Would you like something more rewarding?
What are the Popular Roles for 40+ Career Changers?
If you’re unsure exactly what career you’d like to pursue, consider these promising options for professionals making a mid-life career shift:
Accounting
An accountant is responsible for keeping and interpreting financial records. They use numbers and financial statements to analyse and report on the health of companies, organisations, or individuals. Many institutions now offer accounting and bookkeeping courses that can be completed in a relatively short period.
Accounting Is a Great Career Choice For:
Accounting is an excellent career choice for those who enjoy problem-solving, working with puzzles, and collaborating in team environments. Crucially, accountants need to be skilled at explaining complex financial ideas in simple language to those with little financial education. Excellent interpersonal skills are absolutely essential.
Teaching
Teaching offers a versatile career path working with young people and adults in schools, colleges, and educational environments. Teachers provide instruction across various subjects and levels, expected to encourage, inform, motivate, and nurture students while preparing them for future educational and career opportunities.
Teaching Is a Great Career Choice For:
This profession is ideal for strong communicators with exceptional listening skills. Those with empathy, adaptability, patience, and a genuine passion for learning will find teaching incredibly rewarding. Your life experience becomes a significant asset in this role, particularly when working with diverse student groups.
Web Developer
Web development continues to be in high demand across Ireland, offering attractive starting salaries and substantial career growth opportunities. Many companies no longer require traditional degrees when hiring web developers, making it an accessible field for career changers.
Web Development Is a Great Career Choice For:
You can upskill through online courses, bootcamps, or comprehensive web development training programs in a relatively short time. Critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and a keen eye for design are crucial attributes. An insatiable curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning are key personality traits of successful web developers.
Dental Hygiene / Dental Assistant
A career in dental hygiene or as a dental assistant offers a varied and rewarding professional path. The role involves greeting patients, scheduling appointments, managing enquiries, and processing new patient information.
Dental Hygiene Is a Great Career Choice For:
Ideal candidates are patient, quick-thinking, disciplined, and diplomatic. Those who enjoy working with the public will find this role requires a balance of strong interpersonal skills and technical training.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants provide remote professional administrative, technical, or creative support to clients and companies. With minimal administrative and software training, you can launch a career in this growing field in as little as five weeks.
Virtual Assistance Is a Great Career Choice For:
Perfect for self-starters with exceptional organisational skills and a love of people, virtual assistance offers remarkable flexibility. The remote nature of the work allows for adaptable hours and numerous freelancing opportunities.
Information Technology
IT skills open doors to numerous careers across various industries. From app and website development to systems and security analytics, the scope of opportunities continues to expand due to increasing digital transformation.
Information Technology Is a Great Career Choice For:
Professionals who enjoy solving complex problems, building user-focused applications, and troubleshooting issues will thrive in this field. With the right skills and proper training, you can expect competitive starting salaries in a sector experiencing unprecedented demand.
What are Some Concrete Steps to Change My Career?
To help you launch your new career, we’ve put together some simple, practical steps that you can start today.
- Brainstorm potential career choices:
Speak to family and friends about their work. Create a mind map of potential career ideas, keeping in mind what you like and dislike about your current role. - Look at the job market:
Research skills shortages in your area. You might be well-positioned to land a sought-after role after undertaking relevant training. - Do your research:
Be realistic about what you can achieve. Research different careers to understand the training required and the learning period’s length and scope. - Retrain:
Once you’ve decided on a career choice, look into retraining. Identify your learning style and consider:- Do you enjoy group learning?
- Do you thrive in one-to-one settings?
- Do you prefer independent study?
- Get practical experience
Seek hands-on experience through:- Internships
- Volunteering
- Job shadowing Taking on relevant tasks in your current role Freelancing
Remember: The Only One Holding You Back is You
A career change at 40 is not just possible—it’s a strategic life decision. By asking yourself hard questions, conducting thorough research, and committing to retraining, that sought-after role can become a reality.
Your age and experience are distinct advantages in the job market. Be proud of the steps you’ve taken and confident in the skills you’ve acquired. When your experience, commitment, and previous skills combine with the right education, you’ll have the full package to launch a vibrant and fulfilling new career.
Pitman Training has helped thousands of adults in their forties and beyond upskill and re-enter the job market successfully. If you’re interested in learning about our renowned training programmes, contact us today or locate a centre near you.
