How to make a midlife career change & 9 best career options

Have you reached a crossroads in your career? Perhaps you’ve plateaued in your current role, or maybe you want to finally pursue your passions. Whatever the reason, making a midlife career change can allow you to redefine your path and find more fulfillment in your work. With careful thought and planning, a successful midlife career change is within your reach.

What is the most common age to change careers?

Millennials change jobs more than any other generation, according to recent Gallup research. In fact, over 20 percent of people in this age group (born between 1980 and 1996) have changed jobs within the last year. They also have less attachment to their employers than other generations.

It’s common for people to change careers in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. As people get older, they have a better understanding of what matters to them. Some people may want to find more meaningful work, while others may want a better work-life balance. Many mid-career professionals want to make a change so that they can advance into higher roles.

Regardless of your motivations, making a midlife career change is extremely common. But pursuing a new field comes with its share of challenges. There are several steps you should take before deciding to change careers at this point of your life.

What to consider before making a midlife career change

Before you make a major career decision, take some time to reflect on your goals and plan your professional path. Here are six factors to consider as you plan for a midlife career change:

1. Your skills

By the midpoint of your career, you’ve already built many skills that you can likely use in a new role. Identify your transferable skills, or the abilities and qualities you’ve developed that are valuable across jobs and industries. For example, communication skills are essential in many roles, whether you’re applying to be a marketing coordinator, a customer service representative, or a project manager.

As you consider the transferable skills you have, also take time to assess the skills you need to develop for a new role. Think about how you can build those skills. For example, if you want to become a software developer, you can start by taking a coding class.

2. Your goals

After doing a skills assessment, think about the goals you have for your career. What do you want to be doing in five years? Ten years? Write down your professional goals and consider the path you can take to achieve them.

Ultimately, your current skills and goals paint a picture of what you want your career to look like in the future. From there, you can make a roadmap to your destination.

3. Your finances

While you may be ready for a career change, you also need to consider if you’re ready for a financial change. When starting in a new field, you might need to take a lower level or even entry-level job before you can work your way up. This transition may come with a decrease in salary. Know your compensation expectations and determine whether you can adjust.

Other financial costs associated with changing careers could include a lapse or decrease in benefits, changes to retirement accounts, and fewer vacation days. Make sure you consider these potential changes before jumping into a new career.

4. Your risk tolerance

All career transitions come with their share of risks, and the process will push you out of your comfort zone. Along with financial risks, a new career may come with other mental and emotional challenges. Determine your level of risk tolerance.

To help you assess your risk tolerance, ask yourself these questions:

• How do I typically handle uncertainty or major changes in my life?

• Am I open to learning new skills or taking on new challenges?

• How important is job stability to me?

• How quickly do I adapt or pivot if something doesn’t work out right away?

Be honest with yourself as you answer these questions. Commit to being adaptable as you begin a new chapter.

5. Your personal life

Think about the effects a career change will have on your personal life. Making a midlife career change often comes with sacrifices as you learn your new job and integrate into the new working environment. It may affect your ability to participate in personal activities like family events for a while, which is something to consider before making a change.

If you have a spouse, partner, children, or others who depend on you, have conversations with them about your career plans. Getting your loved ones on board with your decision can give you the support you need to move forward.

6. The job market

Finally, research the job market before making a midlife career change. Take some time to discover what jobs are growing in demand and what jobs are more competitive. Choose a job market that fits with your skill set and your desired timeline for making a transition. Going into a highly competitive job market, for example, might mean it takes you longer to make the switch.

How to make a midlife career change

With your skills and goals in front of you, it’s time to think about what type of new job you’d like to get. Follow these four tips to choose your new career:

1. Research your options

Make a list of jobs you’re interested in doing. Consider how these positions fit with your current skill set and long-term goals. 

You should also ask the following questions:

• What types of jobs are available in the field?

• What’s the growth potential in this role?

• What’s the salary range for this job?

It’s helpful to speak with people who work in the industry you’re considering. Learn about the type of work they do and what skills have made them successful. They can give you valuable insights for making a career transition into their field.

2. Create a plan

Once you’ve decided on the job you want, it’s time to make a midlife career change plan. Think about the skills you need to develop and determine whether you need to complete additional training for the new role. In some cases, you may need to take classes, earn a certification, or even get a degree before you can apply for the new job.

Your plan should have a timeline that includes when you’ll complete certain tasks, such as updating your resume or obtaining a certification. You should also set a date for when you plan to start searching for this new job.

3. Grow your network

Part of changing careers involves expanding your professional network. In your plan, specify how you will do this. You can join a professional organization, attend industry conferences, or make connections online.

While it’s helpful to grow your network, don’t discount the connections you already have. Ask your friends, family members, and former colleagues if they know about opportunities that align with your new career goals.

4. Develop a contingency plan

Having a career contingency plan can better prepare you to face challenges on your path to finding a new career. 

Here are four elements to include in your contingency plan:

• Potential risks. Some risks you may face include unexpected life events, job market fluctuations, and financial instability. Identify ways to minimize their impact on your transition into your new role.

• Alternative jobs. Even with careful planning, it may be difficult to secure the job you want. Some factors, such as the economy and job market, are outside of your control. For this reason, choose some alternative jobs you can pursue while you continue working toward your ultimate career goal. Freelance work may be another option if you aren’t able to find a full-time position right away.

• Education. While you can make a midlife career change with no degree, formal education may help with the transition. Gather information about the education you may need, including the timeline and costs.

• Support. The final piece of your contingency plan should be information about your support system. Who will you ask for midlife career change advice? Who are your mentors? Remember, you don’t have to walk the career change journey alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those who can help.

9 Best midlife career change options

Not sure what you want to do next? Consider these nine in-demand and well-paying midlife career change ideas:

1. Teacher

• Average annual salary: $59,132

Teaching is a rewarding career that allows you to apply your hard-earned experiences in a new way, teaching students skills and knowledge gained in your previous job. If you want a complete change, you can also teach subjects you’re passionate about, such as history or literature.

Public school teachers typically need a bachelor’s degree in education and a state-issued license. However, most states offer alternative pathways for teaching certification, making this career attainable for midlife professionals.

2. Medical records specialist

• Average annual salary: $48,780

If you have experience in bookkeeping or invoicing, you might thrive as a medical records specialist. These professionals process patient records in hospitals and other medical facilities. They also use medical codes to bill patients for services.

Unlike other healthcare positions, most medical records jobs only require a postsecondary certificate or associate degree. In these programs, you learn about medical terminology, coding systems, and health information administration.

3. Data scientist

• Average annual salary: $108,020

Data scientist positions vary widely, making this an accessible option for midlife career changers. Most data scientists collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns. They may also design databases, predictive models, or machine learning algorithms.

Many employers require data scientists to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a similar field. If going back to school isn’t an option, you can enroll in a certification program or bootcamp to learn analytics and software skills.

4. Social media manager

• Average annual salary: $118,770

A social media manager oversees a company’s presence on social media platforms. They develop strategies to increase followers, engagement, and brand awareness. It can be a great career path if you have strong communication skills and enjoy creating content online.

Some companies prefer to hire social media managers with a bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications. You can often gain experience in entry-level social media positions without a degree, then advance into a management role.

5. Software engineer

• Average annual salary: $132,270

Software engineers develop applications for computers and mobile devices using programming languages, such as Java, Python, or C++, to design software. If you enjoy solving problems and working with technology, this may be a good midlife career change option for you.

Many software engineering jobs require a bachelor’s degree, but some entry-level roles prioritize programming knowledge over formal education. Complete a coding course or bootcamp to build your skills and seek jobs requiring experience with specific languages.

6. Marketing manager

• Average annual salary: $131,870

A background in public relations, sales, or advertising may translate to a marketing manager position. These professionals plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. They also use analytical skills to assess campaign performance.

This role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or similar. However, some employers may hire candidates with related work experience in another field. You can also look for entry-level marketing positions, such as a marketing assistant, to gain experience.

7. HR manager

• Average annual salary: $136,350

If you have strong people skills, you might make a good human resources (HR) manager. An HR manager’s role can depend on the company. They’re commonly responsible for hiring and onboarding new employees, creating workplace policies, administering benefits, and resolving employee conflicts.

A bachelor’s degree in human resources or business is usually a requirement for this role. You can also pursue a certification in human resources to expand your knowledge.

8. Project manager

• Average annual salary: $98,580

Project managers oversee projects and coordinate teams to deliver successful outcomes. Many companies and industries hire project managers, including construction firms, technology companies, and marketing agencies.

Many project manager roles require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. However, companies often hire project managers from a wide range of academic backgrounds. When applying for this role, highlight your experience with projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and producing deliverables.

9. Technical writer

• Average annual salary: $80,050

Technical writers draft copy and documentation, including white papers, how-to guides, and instruction manuals, in technical industries like science, engineering, manufacturing, and healthcare. If you have strong writing skills and extensive knowledge of a technical field, you can be successful in this career.

When applying for technical writer positions, prioritize your industry expertise. Explain the education or work experience that makes you qualified for the role. You should also emphasize your research, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Are you ready to make a midlife career change, but don’t know where to start? Our Career Exploration tool can help you plan your journey!

Key takeaways

• Many people make midlife career transitions successfully, so don’t be afraid to set new goals for yourself.

• Before you make a midlife career change, assess your skills, clarify your goals, evaluate the risks, and consider the impacts on your personal life.

• Develop a career change plan that outlines a timeline for making the transition and the challenges you might face.

• Many fields offer opportunities for mid-career professionals looking for a change, including education, healthcare, technology, human resources, and communications.