Gone are the days when people choose a career and stick with it until retirement. In the coming years, it will be a rarity for someone to work in the same job, let alone the same company, for the entirety of their career.
Today it’s common for people to change careers, and many do it around or after they turn 40. People change jobs for many reasons:
- Burnout and fatigue
- Health issues
- To follow a passion
- Discovery of a new interest
Here we talk about the best careers to consider for a midlife change, how to find the right career for you, and tips for making the transition.
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What Is the Best Career to Start at 40?
Ultimately, the best career is the one that you will find fulfilling, enjoyable, and successful. Here are some of the best careers to consider:
- Consultant: You already have years of expert knowledge in your field. Put it to use in a different way and offer your services as a consultant.
- Technology: Technology is taking over all industries. How can you leverage new technology developments and combine them with your professional experience?
- Project management: Take on a bigger and more challenging role in your current industry or a new one.
- Sales and marketing: Apply what you know from your industry and shift into the sales and marketing space for a fresh opportunity.
- Teaching/educator: Use your expertise to educate the next generation of professionals.
How to Find the Right Career for You
Finding the right career for you requires some internal reflection. Ask yourself:
- If money weren’t a consideration, what would you do with your life?
- What are you great at doing? What are your main strengths?
- What are you passionate about?
- What things do you despise doing?
- When was the last time you took a risk or went outside of your comfort zone?
- What is holding you back from making a career change?
- What was your dream job when you were younger?
Asking yourself these questions can help you start to develop an idea of the career you want to pursue.
Tips for Changing Careers
Making a career change at 40 is a big decision. It can impact your family, financial stability, and many other aspects of your life. So, if you are going to do it, you need to commit. Here are some tips to successfully change careers:
- Be practical: You need to be practical about which career you want to pursue. Some roles just don’t make sense because of extensive training or academic requirements. For example, if you work in marketing, becoming a surgeon isn’t a practical option for many reasons. But, if you have a passion for healthcare, doing marketing for a hospital is more realistic.
- Consider education upgrades: Most career changes will require some education upgrades. Make a list of the courses, programs, and certifications you will need. Can you work on them part-time now and work toward your new career while you keep your current job?
- Don’t settle: You want to make a career change that will see you through until retirement. So, if you are going to make a change, don’t settle for anything less than your best opportunity. Do what you want to do.
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