Who doesn’t love a good plot twist? The idea of making a career change in your 50s might seem daunting, but it could be the perfect time to reinvent yourself professionally. With decades of experience under your belt and potentially fewer family obligations, you may find yourself in an ideal position to pursue new horizons.
It’s Never Too Late, Or Too Soon
I started contemplating a career change in my mid-forties. After nearly twenty years working in advertising agencies, I was physically and mentally depleted. When I finished up a contract abroad, I couldn’t face going back into another office. Well before the pandemic, I opted to go freelance and work from the comfort of my jammies. I took a hit financially, but the payoffs were worth it; lower stress levels, better sleep, more time with the fur babies.
Of course, freelance isn’t without its own drawbacks. The smaller paycheck and unpredictable workflow meant cutting back, living with less, and embracing the lifestyle changes that come with that (I haven’t seen the inside of a Nordstrom in at least five years.) But, to me, it was less of a choice and more of a survival tactic to get off the corporate hamster wheel.
And now, in my fifties, it’s exciting to be launching this blog and scratching that creative itch of writing in my own voice instead of Tony the Tiger’s. (If you want to read more about this venture, check out blog post #1.)
Why Your Fifties Could Be the Perfect Time for Change
Maybe you’re experiencing empty nest syndrome (hello, eerily quiet house), or perhaps you’ve mastered your job so thoroughly that you could do it in your sleep (and sometimes do). Your fifties might be the perfect time to transition to a role that offers better work-life balance or gives you that sense of fulfillment you’ve been missing.
If you have children and they’ve gone off to college or moved out to start their own career, that empty nest may feel a little sad at first, but can you also smell the opportunity? No more juggling school schedules or pretending to understand high school calculus homework. That free time gives you flexibility to fit in some classes you’ve been thinking about or starting a fun side hustle.
Or maybe after decades in the same field, you’re experiencing a case of professional “been there, done that, got the coffee mug.” But here’s the silver lining: whether in an office or in the home, you’ve accumulated more skills than a Swiss Army knife: project management, leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal abilities that can serve as building blocks for a new career path. Skills you didn’t necessarily have in your twenties when you were starting out.
Look Before You Launch
Before you dramatically delete your LinkedIn profile and buy a food truck, let’s talk strategy for your Second Act.
There are several crucial factors to consider before a successful career change. Your financial situation should be at the top of the list – consider your retirement savings, potential pension impacts, and how a career switch might affect your long-term financial goals. Can you afford a potential temporary decrease in income during the transition?
Time is another critical factor. How many years do you want to work before retiring? Will you have enough time to build a new career and make it worthwhile? Consider whether your new path requires extensive training or education and factor that into your timeline. Know that a big transition like this could take six to eighteen months to get off the ground.
Location and travel requirements deserve careful thought. Are you willing to relocate for a new opportunity? How much travel can you handle at this stage of life? Some career changes might offer more flexibility with remote work options, while others might demand more mobility.
Most importantly, do your research. Once you’ve identified a new career field, deep dive into hiring trends, industry requirements, and start to network with others who might offer their insights and expertise.
Let the Evolution Begin
Starting a career transition doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Taking online career aptitude tests is a quick way to discover possibilities that align with your interests and skills. These assessments might surprise you with options you hadn’t considered. There are a lot of free online aptitude tests to check out like this one from The Princeton Review.
Maybe you have a green thumb; turn those succulents into dollars and cents. Your hobbies and interests could be an obvious way into potential career paths. Start small – dabbling with a side project or part-time venture while maintaining your current job allows you to test the waters without risking financial stability.
Consider formal education or training programs. There’s no shame in being the greyest kid in the class. Your life experience can actually make you a better student. Many institutions offer accelerated or online programs designed for career changers.
If you enjoy your current field but want a change, consider repositioning yourself as a consultant or freelancer. Your extensive experience could be valuable to multiple clients, offering both flexibility and potential financial rewards.
Be prepared to adjust your lifestyle. A career change might mean living on less initially, but it could lead to a more satisfying path toward retirement. Think of it as gearing down professionally while gearing up personally.
Timing Your Transition
Maybe now doesn’t feel like the right time. Then again, maybe there’s no such thing as ‘the right time.’ Remember, a midlife career switch isn’t just about changing your business card – it’s about writing the next chapter of your professional story. And let’s face it, the best stories always have a few surprise twists in the middle.
Whether you’re considering a complete career overhaul or just a strategic pivot, your fifties can be the perfect time to rewrite your professional narrative. After all, who says the best plot twists can’t come in Act Two?
Quick Questions About Career Changes After 50
Q: Is 50 too old to change careers?
A: No, 50 can be an ideal time for a career change, with accumulated experience and fewer family obligations.
Q: How long does a midlife career transition take?
A: Typically 6-18 months, depending on your new field and required training or education.
Q: What are the best second careers after 50?
A: Popular options include consulting, teaching, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit work.
Q: How do I start a career change at 50?
A: Begin with self-assessment, research new fields, network, and consider starting part-time while maintaining your current job.
