Finding a New Challenge in Your 50s: A Four Step Guide to Changing Your Career

It may have been some time since you browsed new job roles or filled out an application, so it’s best to take things step by step. 

Our guide covers everything you need to know from rediscovering your passions and celebrating your skills, to the power of networking.

1. Why Start a New Career?

If you’ve broached starting anew with family and friends, they may have asked – “why now?”

Entering your late 50s or 60s tends to trigger assumptions that retirement is around the corner. But with 56% of over 50s eager to continue working well into their 60s, it’s time this assumption changed. 

Our goals and ambitions don’t automatically end in midlife, so why should our careers? 

For those ready to start something new, a better understanding of why you want to make this change will inform the kind of role you want to move in to. Here are a few of the key reasons to help you explore your thinking:

You Need a New Challenge

You may have been at your job for many years. It’s possible that you started in a junior position, and climbed the ranks to achieve your career goals. 

Work life at the top may have felt rewarding, and you could have inspired lots of people in the process. Conversely, you may have felt undervalued, lacking flexibility or without a sense of purpose. Either way, you may feel it’s time to focus on your own path again. 

This is a completely understandable emotion. We all want to feel like we’re growing and contributing our very best in life. So, if you’re ready to rediscover your Monday motivation, embark on a new challenge.

Needing a new challenge is also a great reason for employers to hire you. People don’t want employees with a “been there, done that” attitude, they want staff that feel enlivened in their role, eager to put their best foot forward every day. 

This bright-eyed and bushy-tailed attitude isn’t reserved for the 18-24 year-olds out there. Keep in mind that an enthusiastic individual with the added advantage of experience on their side is likely to fare better than those with only one of these qualities.

Your Priorities Have Shifted

As we grow in life, our priorities inevitably shift. This is a totally natural human experience, so it doesn’t make sense that our jobs should remain rigid. You may want to move on from your current role simply because your life doesn’t look the same as it did 10 or 20 years ago.

Whether you want to spend more time raising your family, travelling to your favourite destinations or throwing yourself into a new 9-5 now the kids have flown the nest – kicking off a new career could be exactly what you need.

Reassessing your priorities in your wider life is a great step to take when working out what your priorities are with work. Wanting to spend more time on travel and less hours in the office will mean you’re going to prioritise applying to jobs that offer a flexible work schedule and remote working, for example.

You Have New Career Goals

As with our priorities in life, our overall career goals change with time. You may want to become CEO of a brand you know you could take to the next level, or it could be that your values no longer align with your current company. 

Perhaps, over the years, you’ve noticed that your employer is not age-inclusive. As many as 62% of workers say they consider diversity, equity and inclusion to be key driving factors for a company’s success.

If you’re tired of seeing the same individuals getting the role or promotion, and a lack of life experience and perspective is abundantly clear in team meetings, find an employer that values variety in their team. Our platform, Jobs/Redefined, is a great way to find thousands of roles with age-inclusive employers – browse our jobs library to find your new dream role.

2. Find What You Love

Before you begin your job search, you need to know what you want out of your new career. 

Whether you’re looking to open a pilates studio or manage a skincare brand, ask yourself these guiding questions as a step towards finding your inspiring new role:

• What do I spend most of my free time doing?
• What elements of my current role do I enjoy?
• What elements of my current role could I do without?
• Could I turn my hobby into a career?
• What makes me excited to start the day?

Starting anew can be daunting, so shaking up the narrative and looking at your new role with your passions in mind can help you see this change as an exciting adventure led by what you enjoy in life.

If you’re focused on finding your purpose, our Purpose Finder can help you on your way to redefining your journey.

3. What Are Your Options?

Your options for starting a new career at 50 will in part come down to your skillset, financial situation and qualifications. Here’s a look at how those factors are likely to impact your job search.

How Do Your Skills Set You Apart From Others?

Your options will depend on the skills you can offer new employers. Employers will look for candidates with a broad range of soft skills combined with unique or technical skills. 

First, think about what transferable traits you can apply to a new role.

Whether it’s your ability to lead a team under pressure, communicate your ideas clearly, think creatively or problem-solve – taking the time to reflect will help unearth skills relevant to the roles you’re looking at.

Next, think about your technical skills. Do you have experience in interior design, accounting or teaching? Whatever your technical ability, apply it to the criteria your potential job is asking of you.

Finally, make note of how your past experiences have enhanced your skills. For example, has working in a design studio enabled you to think more creatively? Has working in a school enabled you to approach others with compassion and understanding?

Remember that employers want to see how your key qualifications and skills have played out in the real world of work, so make sure you have examples.

How Will Your Financial Situation Affect Your Options?

You’ll also need to consider how your finances will affect your choice of career. It may be that you’ve made enough to sustain a change of pace career-wise. Perhaps you want to spend your hard-earned cash on a second home that you’re able to work from flexibly in the summer. 

Alternatively, you may have felt underappreciated and have come to realise that your skills and experience deserve a wage that matches the value you bring. In this case, you’ll need to search for a job that you feel matches this.

Your personal life may have affected your finances. Whether you’ve been impacted by the cost of living crisis, or you have more family members that you’re financially responsible for, a career change with the income to support this will relieve some pressures.

However, try not to pursue a career that’s solely based on the pay packet. You’ll need a more holistic picture of the day-to-day running of your potential new company, as well as an understanding of the team, clients and other job demands to ensure that your mental well-being is prioritised and that you feel happy in your new role.

Do You Have the Right Qualifications?

In some cases, your career options will depend on having the necessary qualifications. Decide first whether you’re set on upskilling in the same industry for example, or going into something totally new. 

If you’re keen to upskill, are there internal examinations within your company that you’ll need to prepare for? Are there courses you need to take before applying for a new role? 

If you want a completely fresh start, you might look at changing sectors or industries. Research whether this will entail retraining or even returning to university. For more information about retraining at 50, our article offers some insightful advice.

4. The Practical Steps

Now that you’ve done the background work to determine the direction you want your career to take, you’ll need to prioritise the practical steps to starting a new career at 50.

Give Your CV a Refresh

Your CV is likely in need of a refresh if you’ve worked in the same role for a number of years. First, start by researching what employers today expect from a CV. 

Our article, how to write a CV for today's workplace when you’re over 50, explains what you should include, advises on layout, and discusses how some employers are using Artificial Intelligence to check for relevant keywords in your CV and cover letter.

Create a LinkedIn Account

Most employers today will search for your LinkedIn profile if they’re interested in interviewing you. It’s a social media platform for professionals where you can showcase your experience, interests and follow accounts that you feel are relevant to your profile. You’re also able to join groups and meet people with the same professional interests as you. 

For more information on how to make the most out of your LinkedIn profile when job searching, read our article.

The Interview

With a number of years in the game, the interview process may no longer phase you but, for those feeling a little out of practice, there are some steps to help you prep:

• Research the company: You can never do too much research for a job interview. Check out the company’s website, social media and even connect with some employees on LinkedIn where appropriate to really get a feel for what it could be like to work there.
• Rise above ageism: The unfortunate reality of our society is that ageism does exist in the workplace. If you feel you’re being judged for being a midlifer as soon as you enter the room, hold your own. Speak about how your experience has equipped you with a unique set of skills, which offers an alternative perspective to their existing team, and outline your career goals.
• If your interview is virtual: Be prepared! We’ve all experienced a glitchy Zoom call by now, so check your background set up and internet connection the day before.
• Prepare a list of questions: Whilst the interview will be centred on you, you want to know how the company can benefit you as well. Writing a few questions to bring up at the end will answer any thoughts you may have whilst demonstrating that you have a real interest in the company, and you’ve done your research.

Read our article, job interview skills for the over 50s, for more insight into how to smash your interview.

Utilise Your Network

So, you’ve figured out what your passions are, you’re set on your goals, and you have taken a few courses to increase your chances of success in your new career – it’s high time you made some new connections.

Whilst we may have some long-standing, valued professional connections, it’s also important to meet new people and gain alternative perspectives. 

Networking events can be a great opportunity not only to meet like-minded people, but also to assess options for entering a new industry. It’s also worth attending webinars and talks if you’re undecided about taking the plunge and exploring a new sector. 

A key advantage of being a professional in your 50s is your network. Whether it’s old colleagues, clients or suppliers, you’re bound to have built a web of possibilities when it comes to new job opportunities, just by drawing on the people you know. To learn more about networking in your 50s, read our useful article.

Though it may seem daunting at first, reaching out for a casual coffee with a former client or brand you’ve always admired could be the start of a bright new future. 

Remember, you don’t have to dive head first into starting your new career. Accept that it’s a big adjustment that may take time to slot into your life as it is now, and take the aforementioned steps at your own pace to ensure you make a choice that works for you.