If you’re thinking about a career change after 50, then you should know that it presents a unique set of challenges than those you encountered earlier in life.
So, if you’re asking yourself, “How is making a career change after 50 different?” then this post is for you.
Making a Career Change at 50 Is The New Normal
Funny how you thought it would be easier once you reached a certain age. Well, that didn’t happen.
Many of us had the idea that after we’d settled in on a career that we’d stay with it until we retired.
But for most of us, it didn’t work out that way.
Now here you are carrying a ton of responsibility, you’re worn out, trying to keep the bills paid, and you need to find something that better fits you and your situation.
Unfortunately, making a career change after 50 while also going through personal, economic, and social changes is now commonplace.
Fact is, we all have a story. Each one is unique, but most of them have a common thread::
- I was laid off or fired
- My job was eliminated or outsourced
- My 401K took a big hit, and I can’t retire
- I’m buried in medical bills the insurance didn’t cover
- I became a caregiver to an aging parent
- I’ve gone through a tough separation or divorce
- Health issues won’t allow me to work any longer
- My kids came back to live with me
- I’m raising my grandkids
- Covid killed my job
But let’s look at the bright side. You’ve still got your expert knowledge, and you’ve developed a whole cluster of marketable skills.
So, now’s the time for you to consider taking a job you previously felt unqualified of doing.
A Career Change After 50 Affects Your Relationships
Remember that a career change after 50 is more than just having a different job in a different location. It not only affects you, but it also affects those closest to you.
Changing jobs means a change in your income. So, you’ll want to be sure to sit down and go over your finances before you make a switch.
Plus, no matter how wonderful the job might seem, there’s always a learning curve that can create a lot of stress. So, you’ll want to think ahead of how you’ll manage your emotions and stress level.
If you’re seriously thinking of making a career change after 50, then you’ll need to look at your relationships too.
So, for example, there’s a distinct group of considerations for someone single than for someone with a spouse or significant other.
Naturally, you’ll want to discuss this with those directly affected by your choices.
But what about other relationships and responsibilities?
Have your children come home because they can’t find a job? Are they going through a separation or divorce? Have you wound up raising your grandchildren? Or, are you taking care of an aging parent, or soon will be?
If any of these are true, then you’ll need to figure this into changing jobs when you’re 50 plus.
Changing careers means a change in your schedule, income, and stress level, too.
So, before taking a new job, be sure to talk about your plans with everyone in your household. I’m not saying that these are the decision-makers, but they should at least be aware of your goals. And, you’ll want to go over how a career change may affect your availability, financial capabilities, and your emotions.
Remember You May Have Some Physical Limitations
You could probably pull a double-shift, grab a coffee and donut, and bounce back pretty fast when you were younger. Or work a 60-hour week and still have the energy for your other projects on the weekends.
But most of us felt the effects of getting a little older once we’ve passed the 50-mile marker.
So, if you’re thinking of making a career change after 50, you’ll want to take care of your health and physical well-being as much as possible. That way, you can work longer and enjoy yourself more.
So, I guess the big question is, “How long past 50 do you plan on working”?
You might be as sharp as ever, and feel great, but you’ll need to be brutally honest about your physical abilities (and limitations) and consider how that might change over the next five, ten, or more years.
With all that in mind, you’ll want to explore new career positions that won’t contribute to the wear-and-tear you’ve already experienced.
There’s A Variety Of Employment Options
Believe it or not, you have lots of career choices if you’re over 50.
So, are you looking for full-time or part-time work?
Will you need to learn additional skills to get the job you want? Many are over 50 and back in college, preparing for a new career to stay relevant in the workforce.
If you want to change careers at 50 without a degree, remember that you’ll need to emphasize your life and work experience to potential employers.
Of course, you might be simply looking to hop back into the same type of career you had previously with a traditional 9-5 position. Many people like that because it’s what they’re accustomed to. It has structure and provides them with a moderate amount of security.
Many professionals I’ve dealt with prefer to return to their previous employer and work under a temporary consulting contract. This can sometimes mean a higher pay rate and more flexibility. Just remember that this type of arrangement is usually for a short time only.
And, depending on your skillset, there’s the possibility of working as a self-employed freelancer. I have known many who prefer this approach since it provides a lot of freedom and flexibility.
Plus, with the availability of high-speed internet, the remote career possibilities are endless.
So, consider working remotely full-time for a major brand from the comforts of home.
You’ve Got Baggage
Now, by this time in your life, you’ve accumulated all kinds of baggage. You’ve got relationships of various sorts, financial investments to consider, personal possessions, and perhaps some health issues.
Frankly, when you think about all this stuff and how changing careers may affect them, you can become paralyzed with doubt and fear.
But don’t let that happen.
Own your stuff… don’t let your stuff own you.
Here again, you’ll need to consider what’s most important to YOU!
To have a better life you’ll have to deal with risks and rewards.
For example:
- Taking a new job or being a part of a startup may mean you’ll have to sell your home and move away.
- You may need to take a different type of job than you’re accustomed to because of health issues.
- You might have to return to school and retrain for a new career at 50 plus to get the credentials you need.
- If you’re thinking of starting your own business, you may invest money that you’ll never recover.
Keep this in mind when you’re considering a career change after 50.
Things Can Change Quickly – Learn To Pivot
By now, you’ve learned that “change is the only thing that never changes.” So, regardless of your decision, remember that job security is a myth. Develop the mindset and skills to do a career pivot at 50+.
To put it bluntly, it’s a matter of survival.
Making a career change after 50 isn’t a “once-and-done” thing. So, you’ll want to revisit this topic every year or two.
Are there any changes in your health or that of your spouse looming on the horizon?
What about the potential of becoming a caregiver to an aging parent? Are there other foreseeable issues that you may have to deal with in the next few years? If so, these are things for you to consider as well.
Your mental and physical abilities and your willingness to stay in the workforce can change drastically over the next 10 to 20 years.
Look at your current health and your career plans for your 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Are you willing to go back to school and complete a degree so you can work in that field for 5-15 more years?
Keep sharpening your transferable skills so you can remain a contender in the job market.
Whether you’d like to work as long as you can because it gives you purpose or it’s a matter of survival, learning to pivot quickly from one career to another will serve you well in the future.
At 50+ Now’s The Time To Change Careers
Life takes all kinds of twists and turns. Like many of us, you probably made choices that were based on expectations of others, pressures from employers, friends, family, and finances.
You never dreamed that you’d be where you are at this stage in your life. Few of us ever did.
There’s nothing you can do about the past; it’s gone!
And there’s no way you can know what the future holds. All you have is today!
Yes, making a career change after 50 is different. You can now make choices based on what best fits your needs.
Discover more from Midlife Career and Life Reinvention Coaching
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
