Changing careers at 40 can be a daunting decision, but it’s never too late to explore a different path and transition into a new field. In fact, at 40 years old you probably have the perfect balance of experience and self-awareness that can set the stage for a fulfilling new professional chapter.
At Access Training, we have been helping people make meaningful midlife career changes for over 20 years. In that time, we have delivered over 35,000 trade courses to adult students from all sorts of different backgrounds – so you can trust us to give the best advice on changing careers later in life.
If you’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your current role, this blog will guide you through the stages of a midlife career change so that you can successfully transition into the career of your dreams!
How to Change Careers at 40
1. Assess Your Current Situation
Before diving into a new career, first take some time to evaluate your current situation. What about your current role do you like or dislike? What are some non-negotiables for a new role? What things excite you? What are your best skills? What skills do you want to improve? What would you enjoy doing every day?
Understanding what you’re looking for and why you want a career change will help you make an informed decision when choosing your next role.
2. Consider Your Transferable Skills
One of the best things about a midlife career change is that throughout your lifetime, you will have acquired a wide range of transferable skills. You may have strong communication and leadership skills, or perhaps you’re good at problem solving or working in a team. You can then frame these skills in a way that aligns with your new field.
For example, if you’re good at critical thinking and problem-solving, you may be a good fit for a career in the trades where encountering unexpected issues and challenges that needs fixing is a common part of the job.
3. Research, Research, Research!
Once you have created a list of your top skills, start researching how they can be applied in a new field. This will also help you to identify whether you need to acquire new skills or credentials.
Consider enrolling on courses or workshops to gain additional experience in your new field. At Access Training, we have helped thousands of students get qualified and find work in the trades, so if a trade career sounds appealing to you, browse our trade courses today. Don’t forget: a short-term investment into your learning can pay off in a long-term satisfying career.
4. Prepare for Financial Changes
Changing careers, particularly later in life, can involve a temporary dip in earnings, so you should ensure you are prepared for this period of financial adjustment. Consider how much money you will need to train in your chosen career and how you will supplement your income through other means while you gain experience in your new field.
Having savings put to one side to help support you while retraining can help to reduce the stress associated with a career change and give you more freedom to focus on your goals.
5. Believe in Yourself
A midlife career change can be challenging, and you may experience setbacks and doubts along the way. However, at 40 years old, you have the advantage of maturity and life experience on your side that many younger professionals do not have. Stay resilient and trust that the skills and experience you have built up over the years are valuable.
You may even discover new strengths and interests that you never knew you had. So stay dedicated and believe in your ability to thrive in a new field – it’s never too late to pursue your dreams!
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To learn more about midlife career changes to the trades, check out our blog Career Change at 30.