You can be good at your job and still want to leave it. By 40, you might have spent years building a career, only to find yourself wondering whether it's what you want to do for the next twenty.
The hours could be wearing you down, or you might have lost interest in the work and want to do something for yourself. But, with bills to pay and people depending on you, the idea of starting again can feel like taking a big risk.
So, how do you change careers at 40 without turning your life upside down? Here's what to consider, how to explore your options, and how to make the move work financially.
Is 40 too old to change careers?
Not at all. There isn't an age limit when it comes to learning new skills. Being 40 doesn't stop you training for a different profession, even if you've spent your working life in a completely unrelated industry.
On top of this, you've also got years of experience behind you. Whether you've managed a team, worked with customers, or handled difficult situations, you've developed all kinds of skills that could prove valuable in a new profession.
Of course, changing careers in your 40s can mean getting used to being a beginner again. You might need new qualifications or have to accept a lower starting salary while gaining experience. Understanding what's involved beforehand will help you decide whether the move makes sense.
David's story: A career change after 17 years in policing
After 17 years as a Metropolitan Police officer, David Kay was ready for a change. The demanding hours were taking their toll on his family life, and he'd always dreamed of running his own business.
In 2019, while in his 40s, he decided to pursue a new career as an electrician with Access Training. Here's the full story:
How to change careers at 40
Start by working out what you'd like to change about your working life. Once you know what you're looking for, you can explore which careers might suit you and what it would take to get started.
What do you want from your next career?
What's making you unhappy in your current job? Try and be specific about what you'd like to change. If you're tired of unpredictable shifts, then having more control over your hours might matter more than a higher salary. However, if it's your employer rather than the work itself that's making you unhappy, then moving to another company might be the right call.
Your existing experience might also help you decide where to go next. Someone who's comfortable dealing with customers, for example, might enjoy a trade that involves visiting people's homes. Experience managing projects could come in handy when organising jobs or eventually running a business.
Not sure where your strengths lie? Try the National Careers Service skills assessment for some ideas.
How can you find a career that suits you?
Once you have an idea of what you're looking for, research the work itself.
Imagine an ordinary working day in the career you're considering. For example, if you're interested in a skilled trade, would you enjoy travelling between customers' properties, working on construction sites or getting to grips with unfamiliar technical problems?
Have a look at jobs being advertised in your area. You might find that a role you like requires a particular qualification or experience you haven't got yet. Vacancies can also give you an idea of starting salaries, while the National Careers Service job profiles offer a broader picture of what different jobs involve.
If possible, having a chat with someone already doing the job will give you valuable first-hand insights. Ask them what their typical day involves, as well as which parts they enjoy and parts they find most challenging.
Will you need to retrain at 40?
That depends on where you want to go next. Some career changes are possible using your existing experience, while others require technical training and recognised qualifications.
For example, if you're considering electrical, plumbing or gas engineering, you'll need to understand the training pathway and the practical experience required to become qualified.
Completing a course doesn't necessarily mean you're ready to work independently. Electrical and plumbing qualifications can involve workplace evidence and further assessment, while gas engineering has specific supervised experience and registration requirements.
When comparing training providers, ask which qualifications are included, what happens after the course and how you can fit training around your existing job.
If you're still deciding between the trades, our guide to choosing the right trade course can help.
How will you manage the transition?
It's worth getting the calculator out to see how much income you'll need to cover your monthly essentials. Then you can look at how much you'll realistically earn when entering your chosen career (allowing for the possibility that you'll start on less than you're currently earning).
Training comes with its own costs, so factor in course fees, travel and any time you might need away from work. MoneyHelper's budget planner is a great tool to see how all these numbers add up.
Another factor to consider is that you might be able to start retraining without leaving your current job. At Access Training, we combine flexible online learning with practical sessions at training centres, and we provide a range of learner finance options to help you spread the cost.
Once you've worked out what's affordable, and how this will impact your current work, you can start planning when to train and how you'll gain the experience needed for your new career.
Want to talk through your options?
If you're thinking about a career change but aren't sure where to begin, we're here to help.
Our friendly course advisors take the time to understand what you're hoping to achieve, talk through your concerns, and help you find a course that fits around your existing commitments.
PAGE UPDATED 28 OCTOBER 2026