Considering a Change?
The good news is that there is always time to pursue your passion and embark on a new career journey. This comprehensive guide walks you through the steps to successfully navigate a career change at 40.
Explore the best industries for starting anew, and share inspiring real-life success stories. So, let's dive in and discover the exciting opportunities that await you in your new career chapter!
How to Change Careers at 40 or Any Age
Whatever the age, but particularly if you're considering a new career path at 40, you should always consider these key factors:
Assess your current job, is it a career, or could it be? Ask yourself, are you on the right path? Do you need a new job? A career switch, or can you reinvent yourself? Think about why you're unhappy - are you missing out on work-life balance? Is your job affecting your mental health?
Seeking a career transition is not unreasonable because everyone wants to be on the right career path at different times. The trick is not changing job titles too often and appearing flighty.
Getting excited about the possibilities is part of professional life, or at least it should be. Professional growth only happens with change.
So let's start assessing your career options, put together a successful career pivot, and decide if you need to upskill to get a lucrative career.
Analyzing Your Current Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction is crucial for your happiness and well-being, especially as you juggle family and financial responsibilities.
According to a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) study, 48% of employees cited job satisfaction as the most critical factor in their decision to change careers. To assess your job satisfaction and understand if you are in the wrong career, consider the following questions:
Does your current position make you happy, and can you fulfil your family obligations?
Do you feel valued and appreciated at work, or are your efforts going unnoticed?
Are you passionate about your job, or has it become monotonous and unfulfilling?
Are there opportunities for growth and advancement in your current role that can lead to increased financial stability?
Do your current skills boost your mental health? Is your professional life promoting your sense of well-being?
If you answer "no" to most of these questions, it might be time to consider that you're in the wrong career and that changing careers to suit your evolving priorities could solve your problems.
Identifying Your Skills and Interests
When contemplating a successful career change, it's essential to identify your current skills and interests to ensure a smooth transition into a new field that aligns with your preferences. Reflect on your past experiences and achievements, and consider the following:
What are your strongest skills, and how can they be applied to a new career or even your own business that offers better opportunities with more responsibilities and financial stability?
What are your interests and passions outside of work, and how can they be incorporated into a job search?
Are any industries or job roles aligning with your skills, interests, and priorities?
For example, suppose you have strong communication and problem-solving skills from your current role as a project manager. In that case, consider transitioning into a consulting or training position in a different industry that offers more flexibility and higher earning potential and considers your desired retirement age.
Recognizing the need for a midlife career change
A midlife career change can be daunting, but it's essential to recognize when it's time to make a move that better aligns with your current priorities. In a study written by the American Institute for Economic Research, 82% of respondents who made a midlife career change reported being happier in their new roles - Here are some signs that it might be time for a different career:
Feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your current role, with no room for growth or increased income
Experiencing burnout or chronic stress from work, affecting your personal life and family relationships
A desire for more flexibility to accommodate family obligations or personal passions, and achieve a better work-life balance
A lack of growth or advancement opportunities in your current industry, hindering your financial stability
If you resonate with these signs, it's worth exploring the possibility of making a career change or considering changing jobs that better suit your transferable skills.
IU International University of Applied Sciences offers 50+ career-transforming Bachelor's, Master's and MBA degrees in IT, business, marketing, social & healthcare and psychology.
How to Make a Successful Career Change at 40
Embarking on a career change at 40 can be exciting and challenging, especially in today's economy with rising inflation and shifting job markets. However, with the right approach, you can successfully transition into a new career that meets your evolving needs and priorities. Here are some practical steps to help you make the switch.
Researching the Best Second Careers After 40
The first step in switching careers from your current career is researching potential new jobs that align with your skills, interests, and priorities. Consider industries with solid growth potential, higher earning opportunities, and flexibility to accommodate your personal and family life.
For example, the tech industry is booming and offers various roles with competitive salaries and remote work options. Similarly, healthcare is a stable and rewarding field with numerous opportunities for career growth.
To identify the best second career in a newly chosen industry, explore job boards, read industry reports, speak with professionals, contact a business analyst in your desired field to gain insights into job prospects' salary expectations, and discover whether your skills will be in high demand read our guide on how to choose a career.
Networking and Building Connections in Your Desired Field
As the saying goes, "It's not what you know, but who you know." Networking is a critical component of successfully switching your career. Building connections in your desired field can open doors to job opportunities, provide valuable insights, help you gain credibility as a newcomer, and promote career transition possibilities.
Building a digital Rolodex is part of having professional adult responsibilities and is critical if you want to change jobs - the difference between making those make mortgage payments and not is a call away.
Here are some ways to expand your professional network:
Attend industry events...
...conferences, and workshops to meet like-minded professionals and learn about the latest trends. For instance, if you're interested in transitioning into the tech industry, consider attending events like TechCrunch Disrupt, Web Summit, or local meetups organized by your city's tech community.
Join online forums...
...social media groups, and professional associations related to your desired field. For example, LinkedIn is a treasure trove of industry-specific groups, such as "Healthcare IT Networking & Innovation" or "Global Project Management Network," where you can engage with professionals, share your experiences, and learn from others.
Contact your existing network...
...and inform them about your career change plans. They might know someone in your desired field who can provide guidance or job leads.
Gaining new skills and education for your new career
To successfully transition into a new career at 40, you may need to acquire new skills or further your education. This increases your employability and demonstrates your commitment to your new career path.
Consider the following options to enhance your skillset; education is never wasted when you're changing careers:
online courses
Enroll in online courses or certification programs related to your desired field. Many reputable institutions, like IU International, offer flexible learning options for working adults.
additional education
Undertake additional education, and consider an advanced degree, such as a Master's or MBA, to increase your earning potential and credibility in your new field.
freelance projects
Volunteer or undertake freelance projects in your desired field to gain practical experience and showcase your new skills.
Get Informed
Watch TED talks, listen to podcasts, read, and gather information about careers at 40. Know who the big players in your chosen industry are to help you achieve your career goals.
Mentoring
Find a mentor to help you with the career transition because changing careers isn't easy at any age - mentors want to help and may hold the key to your midlife career change.
Are you still unsure how to make a career change at 40? Our insightful video guide provides key tips and strategies for successfully navigating this significant transition. View on to discover how to assess your skills, research new industries, and leverage your transferable experiences for a seamless career shift.
With our on-campus learning model in Germany, you can seamlessly combine online studies with in-person learning—truly experiencing the best of both worlds.
Best Careers to Start at 40
If you're considering a career change, exploring industries that align with your skills, interests, and priorities is essential. Here are the top sectors with promising career prospects for those seeking new careers at 40.
Tech: A Growing Demand for Experienced Professionals
The tech industry thrives, offering some of the best second careers after 40. With various roles available, there's likely a position that suits your skills and interests.
The demand for experienced professionals in software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis and all areas of data science is high, ensuring long-term job prospects and competitive salaries.
For example, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 667,600 new jobs in tech presents an excellent opportunity for those seeking the best careers in the tech industry at 40.
Start your career changes with a bachelor's in computer science or top elevate your career paths with a master's degree. These courses are designed to bring you up to speed with the latest developments in the tech industry and increase your chances of a new job.
Data Science is another growth area; careers in Data Science are always in high demand. Applied AI is developing so fast that new jobs appear with specialist companies daily.
Cyber Security is a rich industry that will need new people to keep up with ever increasing threats to national security and data security.
Healthcare: A Stable and Rewarding Industry
Healthcare is another industry that offers some of the best careers and places to start your job search. It's a stable and rewarding field with numerous opportunities, ranging from nursing and medical technology to healthcare administration and allied health professions.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that healthcare occupations will grow 16% from 2020 to 2030, adding 2.6 million new jobs - these stats make healthcare a promising industry for those seeking a fulfilling and stable career change.
With an MBA in healthcare management, you can get more responsibilities that come with additional education and enhance your well-being and those around you - career transitions have never looked so promising.
Business and Management for Talented Leaders
If you have a knack for leadership and strategic thinking, a career in business and management could be an ideal choice when considering the best second careers after 40. This industry offers a wide range of roles and opportunities for growth, such as project management, human resources, marketing, and finance.
According to the World Economic Forum report, leadership and social influence are among the top skills in demand for 2025, showcasing the value of talented leaders in the evolving business landscape. As an experienced professional, you can leverage your skills and expertise to excel in a new career in business and management at 40.
An MBA in business administration or one year MBA can fast-track you into management, while an MBA in human resources could be your new career path - companies always need resourceful HR managers.
IU International University of Applied Sciences offers 50+ career-transforming Bachelor's, Master's and MBA degrees in IT, business, marketing, social & healthcare and psychology.
Bachelor'sMaster'sMBA'sAlternative Paths to Success
No formal degree? Don't let that hold you back from pursuing your chosen career path. With alternative ways to success that leverage your work experience and offer flexible learning options, you can still achieve your career goals and transition into a fulfilling new role.
Consider, if finances allow, a grown-up apprenticeship or internship - career path changes often mean you have to think differently.
Recognition of prior learning: Capitalize on your work experience
Your years of hard work shouldn't go unnoticed. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process that values your work experience, skills, and knowledge acquired outside of formal education.
This is especially advantageous for those changing careers at 40, as RPL allows you to capitalize on your experience and potentially earn a Master's or MBA without a Bachelor's degree
At IU International we understand the worth of your professional background, offering RPL programs for individuals with at least six years of work experience. This allows you to climb the career ladder without starting from the bottom!
Blended degrees and certifications: Tailored education for busy lives
As a busy professional contemplating a career change at 40, you require an educational solution that aligns with your demanding life. IU’s blended degrees offer flexibility through a combination of independent online learning and on-campus tutorials. This model allows you to seamlessly balance your education with your current job and personal commitments.
At IU, we provide a variety of degree programmes across fields like tech, business, and healthcare, right from our campus in Germany. Our tailored, accredited programmes equip you with the qualifications necessary to successfully embark on a new career path at 40, even if you lack a prior degree.
The diversity of our offerings allows you to leverage your transferable skills and make a career switch, transforming monotonous roles into inspiring new opportunities.
Apprenticeships and on-the-job training
For those starting a career at 40 without a degree, apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs open doors to valuable hands-on experience. These programs combine real-world work experience with classroom instruction, enabling you to learn while gaining practical skills in your chosen field.
Various industries, including skilled trades, healthcare, and technology, offer apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities for individuals seeking a career change.
By participating in these programs, you can demonstrate your commitment to learning and showcase your practical, transferable skills to potential employers, elevating your chances of success in your new career.
With apprenticeships and internships, while these may seem tailored to young people, not so, employers love those with enough grit to change careers and look at getting the best job - making a career change in midlife shows well-developed emotional intelligence and resilience.
Four Advantages of a Career Change at 40
Promoted professional growth for a better personal life.
Meeting your life and career goals enhances your entire life.
Upgrading your current skills and responsibilities often means more money.
Switching careers will give you a career pivot that will pay dividends by retirement age.
Seize the Opportunity for a Fulfilling Career Change at 40 at IU!
As you contemplate a career change at 40, remember that it's never too late to pursue your dreams and redefine your professional path. IU is here to support you with tools, resources, and educational programmes that cater to your unique needs and aspirations.
At IU, we believe in expertise, inclusion, diversification, advocacy, collaboration, and transparency. We aim to create an empowering environment that welcomes individuals seeking new opportunities and growth, regardless of their career stage.
By enrolling in our flexible blended courses or degree programmes, you can prepare for a rewarding career change tailored to your personal and professional goals. Our model seamlessly integrates learning convenience with campus value—allowing balance across your education, work, and family commitments with ease.
Why wait? Explore the transformative blended learning opportunities at IU and take charge of your future. Reach your career change aspirations and start a fulfilling, exciting professional journey at any age—because it’s never too late to start anew.
Career Change at 40
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