Published 18 Dec 2020
Changing Careers Over 50: The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make
A career change is daunting at any age, and especially when you hit 50. Even more so when you’ve already got a successful career. But with transferable skills, work and life experience, and a life of career development, switching careers may be easier than you think!
Table of Contents
- 1 Your skillset is already established
- 2 There are several incentives for older workers
- 3 Age discrimination is illegal
- 4 Midlife career change tips
- 5 New challenges are new opportunities
- 6 It’s never been so easy to get new qualifications
- 7 Midlife job changes are common in several job markets
- 8 Consider starting your own business
- 9 Sources
Your skillset is already established
Unlike younger people, you’ve already had years to hone and practice skills that your new job will appreciate. This is of huge benefit to a new role, and something you can really highlight in your job search, where hiring managers will come across lots of job seekers straight out of university who only have theoretical knowledge.
Your current skills can set you apart 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.
Almost a quarter of Australians aged 45
and above are expecting to continue to work past
age 0
There are several incentives for older workers
The government has what is called a restart incentive for employers, whereby they receive a monetary bonus for hiring and retaining workers over 50. This means that 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.
Age discrimination is illegal
While previously companies could have specific people in mind for a job, it is now illegal to discriminate against job candidates because of age. This means that while there may be residual ageism hanging around, you can’t be actively discriminated against.
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.
Midlife career change tips
Be practical
To change into a new career, you will most likely need to update your skills and knowledge. Gaining a qualification before you enter into your second career will provide you with the necessary training, education and direction that is required in order to begin your journey in your new career.
Research before you job search
Scope out the job market and see which positions are available in your future industry. Look at job advertisements on SEEK or LinkedIn, and notice what skills and qualifications they list. This will give you an idea of what training or qualification you will need to break into this new industry.
Remain flexible about salary
When you begin in a new career field, this typically means that you will have an entry-level salary.
Take baby steps to begin with
Don’t expect to dive in and be an expert in your new field. If possible, find someone who is advanced in your new industry area and pick their brain – this will help you. It’s often a good idea to find a career coach who has knowledge in your new industry.
Sue Ellson
Independent LinkedIn Specialist and Career Development Specialist based in Melbourne
There is never a time to rest on your laurels and assume that you know all that you need to know about your area of expertise. Make an effort to learn something new on a regular basis. If you go to a course, seminar or conference related to your specialty area, you should always be able to learn at least one new thing and share your knowledge with the other participants.
If people see you both online and in-person in the ‘marketplace’ you are much more likely to be perceived as current and up to date rather that stuck in the past and collecting dust!
New challenges are new opportunities
It may seem like new challenges are the last thing you want to be dealing with. But it’s important for our wellbeing that we continue to learn and grow, and a new role can force us to 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 as much of a chance to develop face to face communication skills, or vice versa. It may also mean you have the chance to learn new life skills, like using social media.
It’s never been so easy to get new qualifications
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, international schools and Australian TAFE providers.
So 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.
Mature age women participating in the workforce
has more than doubled since
0
Midlife job changes are common in several job markets
There are a few industries where job changes are common at an older age, especially teaching. Teaching offers a number of positive career management options.
First, the hours are more suited to those who have outside of work commitments, especially family commitments. Secondly, a career in teaching doesn’t have to be full time. Many teachers work as substitute teachers or part-time teachers, or alternatively, you can teach adults at university or TAFE, which may only require a limited number of hours.
However, while teaching is one of the most common options, it’s certainly not the only option. Retail jobs are also popular because so many of them are part-time or casual, and other jobs that tend to attract over 50 years olds include the clergy, counsellors, and administrative assistants.
Anna Marie Greco
founder of SkinClinica
I was an expert in my field and working in an influential role for a global power brand. But my heart and values were no longer aligning with those of the corporates I had worked with for so many years. I decided to do my fifth qualification so that I could pursue my skincare passion and launch my own business, Skin Clinica.
It has been the most challenging work experience in my life, especially with COVID in 2020, but it has also been the most amazing learning and growth opportunity.
Don’t let others define you by your age. “Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been”. Keep smiling and know that you have earned them.
Consider starting your own business
If you’ve got a flair for entrepreneurship or you’ve always dreamed of starting a business, this could be the perfect time. Over 50s 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!
There has never been a better time to be a mature age career shifter. There are incentives for businesses to hire older workers. Plus, training and short courses are available all over Australia, and there’s increasing recognition of the skills that baby boomers and above can bring to the workforce. So companies and individuals are keen to hire employees who are over 50!
Seeking a career change but unsure of which direction you’d like to go in? Start exploring and find your niche with Ulleo, an e-learning platform with a huge range of micro-courses. Learn anything from botany to business administration in twenty minutes.
Sources
U.S. News The 8 Most Enjoyable Jobs for Older Workers
Australian Bureau of Statistics Economic Participation of Older Australians (aged 65 and over) With and Without Disability
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