The job market’s gone through a lot of growing pains in the last few years. Economic fluctuations and pandemic responses have impacted people worldwide and inspired many to reconsider their priorities and interests.
Most people spend 1/3 of their lives working, so it makes sense this introspection affected the population’s attitude toward work. In 2020, 37% of American workers lost or changed jobs. This career crisis led to the Great Resignation, which companies are still experiencing in 2023.
If you’re one of the 65% of Americans actively seeking new employment, don’t fret — shifting careers doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even if you’re considering a career change at 50.
Should you change careers at 50?
At 50, there’s still a lot of time between you and retirement age — approximately 16 years, actually. And pursuing multiple careers over a lifetime isn’t novel.
In Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott’s seminal book “The 100-Year Life,” they examine what to expect now that lifespans are increasing, discussing how people will likely change careers increasingly often as our lifespans expand.
People change careers for several reasons, like being furloughed, lacking motivation at a current position, or wanting a routine shake-up. But several barriers cause people to resist switching careers, like finances, uncertainty about what to do, lacking qualifications, and age limitations.
But you can’t forget the toll your current — unsatisfying — career takes on your mental and physical health. Lacking purpose and belonging or being too sedentary might be reason enough to face your fears and throw barriers to the wayside to start a new career.
How to change careers at 50 with no degree
Education concerns are the second highest reason people resist career shifts. Going back to school can feel intimidating and time-consuming, but you don’t have to commit to a new degree to make a career change.
Here are a few pointers for finding a new career without a degree:
- Choose an industry: Review job and industry descriptions to identify the required skills and technology familiarity necessary to excel in a role that piques your interest. Consider transferable skills you’ve developed over your career and how you can use them in your new job, too.
- List abilities you’re missing: After noting skills you do have, list qualifications you’re missing and research how to attain these skills, like through certifications or self-learning.
- Upskill: You might have outdated transferable skills that need a refresh to meet current industry standards, so upskill or reskill to prepare for your new role.
- Volunteer or try an internship: A great way to enter an industry without formal education is through volunteer work and internships. You’ll figure out whether you’re a good match for the position and potentially land an interview when networking.
4 types of career changes
Career changes take many forms — from full to part-time and vice versa or complete industry changes. Here are four of the most common changes:
1. Functional career change
This covers working in a new role in the same industry — this could be because of a promotion, department transfer, or simply wanting to move to a new company.
EXAMPLE: Moving from advertising to search engine marketing.
2. Industry career change
This involves changing industries altogether — but you might still retain the same type of role. You’ll likely have to do some research to understand the specific application of your skills in this new industry.
EXAMPLE: Moving from being a marketing director for a publications agency to an information technology company.
3. Entrepreneurial career change
You’re never too old to start your own company. In fact, the most successful startups are those established by middle-aged founders. At 50, you’re 2.8 times more likely to start a successful business than at 25 — even in the tech sector.
If starting a business with other employees isn’t for you, you can still become your own boss through consulting, freelancing, and contracting.
EXAMPLE: Starting work as a freelance accountant preparing taxes for several private clients.
4. Double career change
This covers switching roles and industries, so there’s typically a larger learning curve. But you’ll likely already have many hard and soft skills you can provide to any role and industry.
EXAMPLE: Becoming a voice actor after years of working as an attorney.
Pros and cons of changing careers at 50
Sure, changing careers is possible — that doesn’t mean there aren’t valid concerns. But the positives usually make it worthwhile if it’s something you dream of doing.
Here are some of the most important pros and cons to consider before taking the leap:
Pros of changing careers
1. Improved mental health
A career change can give you a better work-life balance, reducing stress levels and freeing time to participate in hobbies that fuel your zest for life. And if you’re facing a mental health challenge, like burnout, leaving a demanding role for one with a less toxic work culture and more personal satisfaction may improve your overall well-being.
2. New learning opportunities
If you have a growth mindset, learning new skills and expanding qualifications is exciting. Learning new things also improves concentration and memory, leading to better cognitive functioning later in life.
Developing new capacities also improves self-esteem, giving you confidence when attending job interviews.
3. Enjoying passionate work
Changing careers is a prime opportunity to follow your passions and love what you do. Plus, this enthusiasm is attractive to employers, so you might land a job quicker.
4. Getting a fresh start
Starting a new career is a great way to shake the cobwebs from your routine and reinvent yourself. It’s an exciting challenge that’ll reinvigorate your perspective and excite you to get up and go to work in the morning.
Cons of changing careers
1. Reduced income
Changing careers can have an impact on your take-home pay. You may work reduced hours by transitioning from full to part-time, or your new position might be more junior, resulting in a lower salary.
2. Training and education
You might not have the time, energy, or income to return to school — even if it’s just for a one-year certification. Luckily, many new careers — like web design or customer service — have online, at-your-own-pace programs.
3. Overqualification
There are bound to be questions about why you’re choosing to pursue a position junior to the ones you’ve had previously. Employers might worry that being overqualified for a job means you aren’t truly committed to the switch or that you’ll butt heads with team members.
5 jobs to consider when changing careers at 50
For those looking for a faster path toward a new career, these jobs either don’t require significant schooling or likely use existing skills developed in earlier positions:
- Writing: Put your experience and education into words by writing blog posts and articles based on your areas of expertise. As a freelance writer, you’ll enjoy flexible work you can do from anywhere.
- Administration: If you love project management and organization, an administrative role might be perfect. You could work in nearly any industry and would delegate tasks, schedule meetings, book travel, and more.
- Education and training: Put your experience to good use by mentoring a new generation. Consider working as a tutor, adjunct lecturer, or consider coaching. You could even create a digital course available through an online training platform like Udemy or Skillshare.
- Real estate: While this field requires state certification, once you acquire them, you have a career that’s quite lucrative and lets you work as much as you want. You could also purchase property and become a landlord to avoid formal education.
- Healthcare: Enjoy fulfilling work without tons of formal training by taking on one of the following healthcare roles: medical transcription, coding, or billing. If you prefer more patient interactions, work in a doctor’s office managing appointment scheduling.
6 tips for changing careers
You’ve decided to take the plunge — congrats! Here are some final tips to help you succeed in your new career:
1. Consider your options
This significant life change affects many things — your family, income, and overall health. Journal about your options to be intentional about your decisions while considering everything thoroughly, using critical thinking to illuminate pros and cons you mightn’t have noticed at first glance.
Talk to friends and loved ones to gain fresh perspectives and let them voice any personal concerns.
2. Update your resume
You’ll need an eye-catching resume tailored to your career, so start reviewing job listings and making your skills and qualifications reflect their language.
And provide a custom cover letter for each application so employers know you’ve done your research and can apply your unique capabilities to their vacant role.
3. Rebrand yourself
Starting a new career means you get to rebrand yourself for a new role or industry. Take new headshots, update your LinkedIn profile, and learn the industry vocabulary.
It will help to network by participating in relevant online discussions where you can learn more about companies and industry trends. You’ll learn a lot about the field, chat with like-minded individuals, and increase the chance you’re hired through one of these connections.
4. Maintain a realistic outlook
Trusting your gut is great for deciding what you want, but you’ll be more successful using reliable information from people in your field to create a realistic action plan. Use this career-change plan to prepare for financial struggles and potential roadblocks so you’re ready for success.
5. Be true to yourself
Every transition is a chance to be your most authentic self — you get to learn from mistakes, look inside to figure out what you want your future to look like, and move forward valuing these needs.
Don’t choose a role just because others recommend it or it’s the most practical — stay true to yourself to feel good about this decision.
6. Take rejections in stride
No job search is without its disappointments. You may not get the job you thought you’d be perfect for, and that’s OK. Learning to handle rejection is essential to moving forward and remaining resilient.
Surround yourself with positive people who provide encouragement, and keep your self-talk positive. A career switch takes time, so be kind to yourself. You’ll get there.
Enjoy the personal growth
It takes courage to start over in life and embrace a career change at 50. But scary steps offer the most personal growth. If you remain in your comfort zone, you can’t learn anything new, expand your skills, and embrace fresh perspectives.
Enjoy all this growth while feeling better about your work and making new, meaningful connections — that’s what big life changes are all about.
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