According to research conducted by Zippia, the average age for making a career change is 39. In this article, we’ll breakdown reasons for why you should consider this shift and give you ideas about roles you can pursue.
Contents:
- Can I Change Careers at 40?
- Are There Any Benefits to a Career Change Later in Life?
- 5 Midlife Career Change Ideas
- How to Take the Plunge and Change Careers at 40
- FAQs
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Can I Change Careers at 40?
Absolutely, a career change at 40 isn’t too late and you wouldn’t be the first to consider the move. According to TechReport, 21% of workers aged 40 to 49 have considered a career change.
In fact, it’s an ideal point in your life to make a change as you’ll have a better sense of self, including what professional goals you want to achieve and what sectors interest you. This will make the jump less intimidating, as you’ll be pursuing a position that genuinely interests you.
From your previous career you’ll also have plenty of transferable skills, including:
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Communication
- Project Management
Prior interview experience will also greatly benefit you, as you’ll have a better understanding of what employers are looking for and how to remain calm during the process.
Are There Any Benefits to a Career Change Later in Life?
Research has shown people making later-life career shifts had less stress, increased emotional well-being, and were likely to say they ‘felt like a new person’. While we understand a career change at 40 may seem overwhelming, there are plenty of benefits to starting a new job later in life and we’ll break some of these down:
#1 You Can Find a Role That Aligns with Your Lifestyle and Goals
Many people change careers as a stepping stone towards a larger professional goal, for example, they may have an interest or hobby that they wish to pursue.
A great example of this is the health and fitness industry, as enthusiasts often become interested enough to make a career out of their passion. This is often because of how much it aligns with their lifestyle and becomes a large part of it.
If you’re spending most of your time engaging in an interest, why not turn it into your career?
#2 A Career Change Can Renew Your Passion
Changing your career can reignite your enthusiasm in a particular past interest that has been lost with your current job role. Changing your career allows you to pursue work that aligns much more with your current lifestyle, values, and goals, allowing for a fresh start with new challenges and learning opportunities.
#3 You Can Earn More Money
A career change at 40 can also be financially rewarding, for example you could earn additional qualifications that increase your job opportunities and earning prospects.
Additionally, you could also decide to pursue freelance / self-employed work and set your own prices. With an uncapped earning potential, you can earn a significantly higher wage than your previous contracted role.
Does being your own boss interest you? Take a look at our article ‘How to Become a Self-Employed Personal Trainer’ to find out more.
5 Midlife Career Change Ideas
When it comes to deciding on your dream career, you should focus on what you enjoy doing the most. Although you may be interested in the highest paying jobs, you should prioritise a job that will make you happy.
1 – HR Manager
A Head of Resources or HR Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping an organisation’s culture, driving talent management, and ensuring regulatory compliance. They also manage recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance evaluations. Key responsibilities include cultivating a positive work environment, resolving conflicts, and maintaining policies that support both employee satisfaction and productivity.
Qualifications: Generally, there are no formal qualifications necessary to become a HR Manager, the requirements can differ depending on the employer. However, experience is often the most important requirement. On average employers typically ask for at least 3 – 5 years of experience in a general HR role such as a HR Specialist or HR Assistant.
Average Salary: According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a HR Manager is £42,707 per year. However, these salaries will vary according to where the company is located as well as the specific industry the company is a part of.
2 – Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agents act as a facilitator in property transactions, representing buyers, sellers, or sometimes both in the process of buying, selling, or renting properties. They also provide expertise on market trends and property values.. Real estate agents also handle negotiations, paperwork, and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Many real estate agents set their own schedules, making the role much more flexible. As this career follows a commission-based income, there is a high earning potential, especially for top performers.
Qualifications: Although there are no set qualifications to become a real estate agent, certain ones may make you more desirable over other candidates. For example, it may help if you have a degree or national diploma in a subject such as business studies or property development or management. You can also become a real estate agent through an apprenticeship.
Average Salary: Starting salary of £20,000 rising to £40,000 for those who are more experienced. As real estate agents work on commission, they have a basic salary as well as a percentage of the rental or sale price of any property they sell or rent.
3 – Personal Trainer
If you’re considering a career change at 40 and have a passion for fitness, why not become a personal trainer. This role involves creating and delivering bespoke training programmes to individual clients and small groups, helping clients to achieve specific health and fitness goals
Helping clients achieve their fitness goals and improve both physically and mentally will provide you with immense job satisfaction. Even better, you’ll be staying fit and healthy while you work!
Qualifications: To become a personal trainer in the UK you need to hold a Level 3 Personal Training Diploma. This is a minimum requirement that will need to be completed before any reputable employer considers you.
Average Salary: According to Glassdoor, personal trainers in the UK can earn anywhere between £20,000 to £38,000. However, this figure varies depending on location and whether you’re in contracted employment, work freelance, or are self employed.
For more information on this, check out our article: Personal Trainer Salary Explained.
4 – Copywriter
Copywriters are responsible for creating persuasive, engaging, and clear content across various platforms to promote either a brand, product, or service. This role involves writing advertisements, website copy, and social media posts. You will help ensure the messaging aligns with the brand’s voice and appeals to the target audience.
Not only is this a career change where you can express your creativity but there are also plenty of opportunities for freelance work, meaning you can increase your earning potential.
Qualifications: Although a specific degree isn’t mandatory, many copywriters have a bachelor’s in subjects such as English, Communications, Marketing, or Journalism. It’s also crucial you have strong writing skills, some familiarity with marketing principles and understand basic SEO.
Average Salary: According to Indeed, the average salary of a copywriter is £29,702. However, this figure varies depending on location and the company you work for. You can also choose to go freelance, meaning you can take on more work and increase your earning potential.
5 – Yoga Instructor
If you choose to become a yoga instructor, you will lead classes that guide students through physical poses, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices. Their role involves demonstrating and instructing yoga postures, assisting with correct alignment, and creating a safe, inclusive environment for participants to explore their practice.
Not only does this career change at 40 mean you’ll be helping others both physically and mentally, you’ll also be improving your own body and mind through your own practice.
Qualifications: You will need the minimum of a Level 3 Diploma in Yoga. As this is an entry level course, you don’t need any prior qualifications or experience to enrol. Most employers will require applicants to have completed a certain number of guided training hours.
Average Salary: The salary of a yoga instructor varies depending on factors such as location and type of employment. However, Glassdoor gives the average yearly salary as £27,493. This can vary anywhere between £21,000 – £36,000.
If you want to learn more, check out our article: Yoga Teacher Salary Explained.
How to Take the Plunge and Change Careers at 40
According to the American Institute for Economic Research, 90% of career changes reported feeling happier, less stressed, and successful overall.
To chase this bright future, you can start by assessing your current skill set to determine which ones are transferable to the careers you’re interested in. This will help you decide if you’re right for the position.
It’s also important to consider contacting people you know have made a career change later in life. You can see them as mentors who can provide you with advice and help you transition smoothly into the next stage of your life. Speaking to others who have done something similar will give you the confidence to take the plunge!
If you can afford to take a pay cut, don’t be afraid of doing so either. When thinking about a career change at 40, it’s important to be aware you may need to make some sacrifices.
Starting fresh at an entry level position in your chosen career means you will likely be on less money than your current career. However, getting your foot in the door of your dream job is the most important thing.
FAQs
1 – Are There Any Challenges When Changing Careers In Your 40s?
Changing careers in your 40s can present challenges such as adapting to a new work environment, competing with younger candidates, and potentially starting at a lower level or salary.
However, as mentioned above, many people successfully transition by leveraging their existing skills, gaining new qualifications, and networking strategically. You will work out your own way of overcoming these obstacles.
2 – Will I Experience Age Bias?
You may encounter some age bias when switching to a career. However, you should be aware that under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal to discriminate against a person because of their age.
Many employers will actually prefer a seasoned candidate with plenty of transferable skills and experience, highlighting how your maturity is an asset.
For example, in the health and fitness sector there is a growing demand for fitness professionals who cater to older demographics. In this situation, you can emphasise your age when marketing your service.
3 – What If I Have Young Children?
Although changing careers at 40 with young children may seem daunting, it can be achieved with careful planning. You should consider career options that offer flexibility, remote work, or a hybrid model, allowing you to balance family needs.
You can also look at freelance work as this offers plenty of flexibility and allows you to be your own boss. For some inspiration, check out our article on the ‘How to Become a Freelance Personal Trainer’.
It’s also important to build a support network for childcare and also evaluate finances to ensure stability during the transition. Many find that this change can ultimately lead to greater fulfilment, which benefits both you and your family in the long term.
Before You Go!
Now you know the steps to embark on a career change at 40, what are you waiting for? Get started today and follow your dream!
If you’re looking to kickstart a new career in fitness our entry-level Personal Trainer Diploma can see you qualified in as little as 4 weeks. Alternatively, by downloading our FREE course prospectus you can learn about all of OriGym’s award winning training.
