When you choose a suitable career path that aligns with your experience and interest can be very rewarding because it would help you succeed in your 40s and beyond. However, when there is a need for a career change for you, it can be a turning point to help you assess your work-life balance, identify potential roles that fit your passion, or simply try something innovative.
The options available for you to start a new career at age 40 may be based on your qualifications, experience, and interests. Some careers favor those who want a more fulfilling career, prioritizing job satisfaction over income status, while others favor those who want jobs that offer direction or stability.
In some cases, external factors beyond the individual’s control may be the reason behind the career change. Such external factors could include the need to relocate, company downsizing, one’s state of health not conducive to career status, unsuited for available jobs, ineffective leadership on the job, need to improve working life, etc. However, there may be more personal or internal reasons for wanting to start on a clean note.
- Regularly feeling drained, exhausted, and broken while working on your current career. If you feel emotionally, mentally, and physically drained in your career, it means that the demand for the work you do is greater than the personal gain. Here, you pray that the weekend is coming soon so that you can escape from work. You are constantly thinking about your career or considering a career change. When this happens, you certainly need a second run.
- Your current job is not what you want to be in for the rest of your life. You may be excellent at your job, but you don’t get a sense of satisfaction while doing it. It means that you are using your skills and ability to do a job for which you are not prepared. It doesn’t matter how good you are at work; all you feel is a void that needs to be filled.
- The remuneration for the current career is good but it doesn’t take away the emptiness and boredom you feel. Most people hate their job, but because the pay is not only satisfying but it offers a great life, they may want to stay. If this is the case for you, you may need to reevaluate your gain and consider your happiness. If the money you earn no longer makes up for your happiness, the truth is simple: you deserve a second career.
- You feel that your skills and competencies could have a greater impact in another career. You know yourself better and understand how underrated you feel about your skills and abilities while doing what you’re currently doing, it’s best to look for a second career where your impact will be offset by the input.
- Years. This may sound strange, but many people are reluctant to embark on a new career due to their age. They feel they are too old to make a career change and possibly a career advancement. They have everything they need to start over, but the age factor limits them. They get no satisfaction from getting up early in the morning to get to the same office and do the same job. They like the pay but not the work. They have an inner yearning to step up and get out, but they ignore it due to the limiting factor of age. If you’re in this category, don’t be afraid to change careers. Lots of people started over at 40 and you wouldn’t be the first.
Tips on how to find an exciting career you love in your 40s
What’s the next step after finding out you’re ready for a career change? The following will guide you on how to find a fulfilling career:
- Be practical with your decision: To start your career on a new note, you will need to improve your skills and abilities or, better yet, find new ones. To accomplish this, you could take a few classes that will help you gain the training and direction you need to move into the new professional role you want to take on.
- Have a mental picture of how to achieve your new career goal: This will give you the correct address you need. You will focus, knowing that the picture you have painted about your career is always in front of you.
- do some research: You don’t just start a new career; You need to understand the exciting offerings in the industry you want to venture into. This will give you a clue as to what you should train for. It wouldn’t be tempting to train for jobs that are becoming redundant in your new career field. You will end up not being hired by anyone, which will lead to frustrations.
- Know that your first salary may not be attractive: Starting a new career may mean you’re starting out with an entry-level job. It means that your previous pay scale could be higher than what you currently have to accept. But it doesn’t matter, you will recover in no time if you are consistent and keep abreast of the relevant skills that are required of you.
What to consider before changing careers at 40
Making a career change at age 40 can be a bit difficult. However, if you feel you need to transition, find exciting ways to do it. It may take a bit longer than it would have taken assuming you are in your 20s or 30s. Since it will take some time to achieve, you will have to take some time to choose what is right for you.
It will also be necessary to carry out a self-assessment to better understand your interests, personality type, aptitudes and values associated with work. Take the time to explore the list of jobs you have and consider taking up some formal education or an adult internship.
At age 40, you need to understand that you’re not only looking for a career that matches your traits, but you’ll need to consider other factors like your financial responsibility. With your family to take care of or even a mortgage to pay, spending a large part of your time studying may not be what you need right now.
You may also decide to use the transferable skills you gained in your previous professional roles for your transition. He will allow you to make the transition easily because, at this age, he may want to limit the financial, time, and energy expenditure. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t opt for formal training if you need to, but it’s nice to have a choice.
Gather information about career options available to you. We’ll list a few below, however, you may consider learning more about the job at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) web page. Once you have the right information about it, you can evaluate them to decide the job that best suits you, taking into account your age. Make sure any job you choose has a salary outlook that covers your expenses, allows you to do the things you enjoy, and saves or invests some money.
The 10 Most Exciting Careers You Can Start At 40
Some careers are better for the transition at age 40 than others for a few reasons that may include a short time frame for training. A bachelor’s or associate’s degree will do for a start, but it could keep getting better. No age is too old for education. In any case, what matters most is job satisfaction. If you’re in mid-life career reset mode, below is a list of the top ten careers you can venture into and still keep your sanity:
- Business manager
A career in business administration is ideal for those who want to transition into business. It gives space for entry level management and practical training in business law. You can earn a degree in business administration to prepare you for the tasks that the job demands. You will be able to fill certain roles such as human resources administration, assistant manager, team leader, or you could own and run your own business.
Median salary: $61,153 per year
- Information Technology (IT) Specialist
If you love working with computer hardware or software, you might consider information technology. This requires you to fix some problems associated with the computer and make sure that everything is running efficiently.
Median salary: $61,717 per year
- business manager
With a career in business administration, you can work in various settings and industries like finance, computer systems, banking, healthcare, oil and gas, etc. He can receive training in management, leadership and communication to further his career.
Median salary: $44,305 per year
- Translator
It turned out that you needed to learn a second language because you wanted to travel abroad. Now, you can polish that language and put it to use while charging for it. You may work as a translator in healthcare or other fields that have a large number of foreigners coming for business.
Median salary: $45,732 per year
- Dietary
If you have the right skill, becoming a dietitian and helping people plan their meals could be a career of a lifetime for you to start in your 40s. You must be detail oriented and enthusiastic about the ever-evolving science of nutrition. Getting a degree in dietetics and nutrition could be a good start. The median salary is $58,000.
- cyber security
The median age for the cybersecurity field is 42 and only 20% of the workforce is under 35. You have great chances to succeed in this field. What else? It is one of the most sought after and lucrative professions with an average salary of $116,000.
- Therapist
Older workers are mostly favored by this work. Why? Some jobs are better with some experience that comes with age. Would you love to meet a therapist just out of college or someone of a more advanced age? This job position also offers great satisfaction.
Average salary: $64,641 per year
- online tutor
As a 40 year old, you may not like the idea of moving from one place to another. Why not consider an online job where you can offer training in the comfort of your own home? Most of the professions are moving their positioning online and would like to reach a wider audience where distance would never be a barrier. You might consider applying for positions for which you have the skills. You can also create your own online courses and offer your training on your terms and conditions.
Median salary: $44,954 per year
- Independent contractor
Yes, you could call it ‘autonomous’ and that is exactly what it is. Wouldn’t you like to enjoy the freedom that comes with being your own boss and setting your own working conditions? The flexibility of the job is perfect for a senior and has great earning potential, although you will have to work harder to earn more.
Median salary: $48,177 per year
- Event planner
Having strong organizational and people skills, with excellent time management will help you excel in this career. He is also responsible for managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and managing a team. If you have experience managing supplier and customer relationships, this could be an added advantage for you. If not, a degree or other qualifications in hospitality, public relations or a relevant field will apply, although this is not always ideal.
Average salary: $40,509 per year. Starting a career at age 40 can be an exciting decision if you do it the right way. Don’t be intimidated by the challenges you may encounter. This decision could become his biggest breakthrough, you never know.