Changing Careers Over 50: The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make

Unlike younger people, you’ve already had years to practice and sharpen skills that your new job will appreciate. This is a huge benefit to a new role, and something you can really highlight in your job search. Hiring managers will come across lots of job seekers straight out of university who only have theoretical knowledge, so your previous work experience will set you apart.

Your current skills can differentiate you from other potential workers while also showing employers that you’re quick at learning and picking up on new things.

Plus, you’ve had time to develop interests and passions outside of work. These can help you bring a wider perspective to your next career.

The government has what is called a restart incentive for employers, whereby employers receive a monetary bonus for hiring and retaining workers over 50. When you’re looking for a new job or new career, being nearer to the retirement age is actually beneficial.

There are also career counsellors and career coaches who specialise in workers who are 50 and older. And there are plenty of online resources designed to give you all the tools you need to get back into the workplace.

While companies could previously have younger people in mind for a role, it is now illegal to discriminate against job candidates based on age. Now you can let your skills speak for themselves without worrying if your age is a negative asset to your job search.

If you’re a good match for the company, chances are you’ll at least score a job interview. Then you can prove you have the know-how to start a new career path.

Independent LinkedIn Specialist and Career Specialist based in Melbourne

It may seem like new challenges are the last thing you want to be dealing with. However it’s important for our wellbeing that we continue to learn and grow, and a new role can help us do just that. By changing careers, you’ll learn new skills that you didn’t have the opportunity to discover in your previous job.

Maybe you’ve always worked in IT, so haven’t had much of a chance to develop face to face communication skills, or vice versa. A new role may also mean you have the chance to learn new life skills, like using social media.

Studying new skills throughout life has become much more common, with online courses and micro-credentials gaining respect from employers. There are a huge number of short and longer courses available at local colleges, universities and Australian TAFE providers.

It’s never too late to upskill, reskill, or get a new qualification that will enable you to start in a new industry or a new field.

A midlife career change is ready and waiting for you. You just have to be ready to embrace your new job! 

Find out about short courses to get you started here.

There are a few industries where job changes are common at an older age, particularly teaching. Teaching offers a number of positive career management options.

The hours are more suited to people who have commitments outside of work. A career in teaching doesn’t have to be full-time, many teachers work as substitute teachers or part-time teachers. Alternatively, you can teach adults at university or TAFE, which may only require a limited number of hours.

While teaching is one of the most common job changes, it’s certainly not the only option. Retail jobs are also popular because so many of them are part-time or casual. Other jobs that tend to attract 50-years-olds and above include the clergy, counsellors, and administrative assistants.

Founder of SkinClinica

If you’ve got a flair for entrepreneurship or you’ve always dreamed of starting a business, this could be the perfect time. People over 50 have the discipline, motivation and life skills to see their ideas through.

Got an idea already? All you’ll need is a short small business course and you’ll be ready to roll!