Lots of seasoned professionals decide to pursue a career change at 40. With two decades of work experience behind you, and another two decades ahead of you, this is the ideal time to reflect and refocus on your career. Do you feel dissatisfied in your current role at work? Perhaps a different career will increase your sense of purpose and productivity. Read on for key tips and strategies for career changers so that you can feel prepared during this transition.

Should you change careers at 40?

Career changes at 40 can seem intimidating. You likely have more financial responsibilities than you did when you were in your 30s and changing careers means stepping outside of your comfort zone. 

Yes, there are likely more financial considerations, such as a mortgage and kids, but remember, you are a seasoned professional with rich employment history and transferable job skills. You have a lot to offer a new industry! 

Instead of worrying about whether or not changing careers is a good idea, start reflecting thoughtfully on ideal careers to start at 40.

Benefits of starting a new career at 40

There are many benefits to starting a new career at 40. Now that you have more experience, you have a much better idea of your likes, dislikes, and talents than you did when you first entered the workforce. You also have a better understanding of your ideal schedule and lifestyle. In short, you know what you want, need, and expect from a job. 

Here are some benefits of starting a new career at 40:

  • Increased work satisfaction
  • A renewed sense of purpose and passion
  • A healthier lifestyle
  • Increased opportunities for personal and professional growth

Your age and work experience will also grant you several advantages. For one, you will have lots of transferable skills and higher levels of confidence. You will also have a mature professional network. 

Never underestimate the potential of networking! Now that you are in your 40s, your colleagues and peers are likely in leadership and decision-making roles. Perhaps they are hiring managers. Use this to your advantage!

Challenges of starting a career at 40

Changes are never easier, especially when it comes to your career. While there are certainly advantages to starting a new career at 40, there are also challenges.

Here are some potential challenges to keep in mind as you consider a midlife career change: 

  • Increased financial responsibilities, such as a mortgage and kids
  • Not having the time or resources to go back to school
  • Having to take time off from work during this transition
  • Having to work full-time or part-time while navigating a career change
  • Self-doubt

What should you know before changing careers at 40

Reflect critically on your current situation. What do you hope to gain from a new career? Could you reach your goals by staying in your current career and making a smaller change, such as seeking an alternative employer? Consider tips on how to stay motivated at work and signs of a toxic work environment as you make your decision. 

The best midlife career changes take lots of factors into account, including transferable job skills, employment history, finances, scheduling, and more. There are plenty of options for new careers at 40. Make sure, however, that you are up for the challenge. Changing careers is challenging but rewarding work. In this article, we will review key strategies and tips for how to change careers in your 40s. 

01

Identify your goals

There are plenty of reasons to want to change careers. Reflect thoughtfully on your reasons. What are your career goals? No career is perfect. Are there ways you can reach your goals without changing careers? Ultimately, what factors are at the root of your decision? Make a detailed list of pros and cons as you focus on finding a new career.

02

Identify transferable skills

If you are starting a new career at 40, you may not necessarily have the time or financial resources to go back to school. This is why it is important to identify transferable job skills. Your transferable skills and work experience may also set you apart so you can focus on applying for more meaningful positions and avoid having to apply to entry-level positions.

Some examples of skill sets include leadership, negotiation, project management, networking, organizational, and communication skills. Other important soft skills include teamwork, patience, and time management.

As a job seeker, when you apply for a new job, tailor your resume and cover letter. Be sure to update your LinkedIn profile and include lots of keywords from each job description. This will help ensure that your resume is optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Also, be sure to stress your existing skillset during job interviews.

03

Get ready for a potential pay cut

Even with years of work experience, you will likely receive a pay cut, at least initially. Be mentally and physically prepared for this. Make sure your finances are in order before a career pivot. This might mean staying in your current position a bit longer as you reflect on your best plan for moving forward.

A potential pay cut is an important factor to reflect on. Be sure to include this on your list of pros and cons as you consider a new career path. Comparing career options can be exciting and liberating, but remember, you have to be realistic. Do your best to make a responsible, grounded decision that takes multiple factors into consideration such as healthcare, mortgage payments, work-life balance, and personal satisfaction.

04

Reflect on your finances

Again, finances are a crucial factor during any job search. Can you afford to change careers right now? Will there be additional expenses? For instance, will you have to go back to school or earn a certification? Does your new career require you to learn new skills?

If you don’t have the money to go back to school, this doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t pursue a new career, especially if you feel like you are currently in the wrong career. Rather, make a plan for yourself. Make a detailed budget, consider additional revenue streams, and come up with a realistic schedule and timeline. Although not ideal, the reality is that you may need to continue working full-time or part-time as you transition from your current job to your dream job. 

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05

Cultivate confidence

Once you make your decision to pursue a new career, it’s important to cultivate confidence! Take this time to expand your professional network and surround yourself with positive, ambitious, innovative people. Use their stories and momentum as inspiration!

For example, if you want to start your own business, seek out other entrepreneurs who’ve started a successful business during their 40s. Ask them for career advice. Networking opportunities are key when building a successful career.

How to change careers at 40: 5-step guide to starting a new career at 40

01

Make the decision

Reflect thoughtfully on your current career and job position. What do you like and dislike about your career? What do you wish was different? Making a career change at 40 is a serious commitment. You need to be certain of your decision. You cannot afford to be indecisive. Take your time making your initial decision, but once you do indeed make your decision, commit fully.

02

Identify possibilities

What jobs interest you? Research your options and reach out to professionals in your prospective field. Schedule informational interviews. An informational interview is when you sit down with a professional and ask them to reflect candidly on their career and offer career advice. You may also consider arranging a job shadow. After all, if you need to commit fully to a new career, you want to be as prepared as possible.

03

Update your resume

Update your resume. Review professional resume templates and resume formats. You may even consider using a professional resume maker. Make sure you use lots of keywords and ensure that your resume is optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Also, be sure to update your LinkedIn profile. Do not underestimate the potential of your online presence. Lots of job recruiters use LinkedIn.

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04

Expand your network

A robust professional network is a powerful tool. Use every available opportunity to network and forge meaningful contacts and connections. This will help you find job opportunities that otherwise may not be available to you. Attend job fairs, conferences, and professional conventions.

05

Practice mock interviews

It’s important to have strong interviewing skills. You need to be able to talk about your career, passions, skill set, and past successes with confidence. Win over potential employers. You likely have a lot to offer a new company and it is crucial to be able to communicate this in a job interview setting. Therefore, take this time to review key job interview questions, strategies, and tips.

25 best careers to start at 40

What is the best career to start at 40? It depends on your interests, passions, and existing job skills. That said, there are lots of popular ideas for new careers at 45 or best second careers after 40.

Below we have listed some of the most popular, best career change jobs at 40 for you to peruse. Take a look and start brainstorming!

  • Real estate agent
  • Proofreader
  • Freelance writer
  • Translator
  • Consultant
  • Job Recruiter
  • Social media manager
  • Project or program manager
  • Administrative assistant
  • Human resources manager
  • Retail or restaurant manager
  • Event planner
  • Entrepreneur
  • Patient care technician
  • Dental assistant
  • Massage therapist
  • Life coach
  • Therapist
  • Personal trainer
  • Online teacher or tutor
  • Hairstylist
  • Esthetician
  • Dietician
  • Yoga teacher
  • Graphic designer

Do any of these job titles catch your eye? Lots of professionals in their 40s have found fulfilling new careers from this list. 

Reflect thoughtfully on your past jobs. What did you like and dislike about each of them? What are some of your talents? 

Now, do any of your answers overlap with these 25 potential careers? If so, start a deep dive and explore each of the careers that piques your interest. 

Final points on making a career change at 40

A career transition is often an exciting time full of change and potential. There are lots of steps and factors to consider. Take every available opportunity to expand your professional network and forge meaningful connections. You may even consider hiring a career coach as you move forward.

FAQs

Still have questions? Below are some frequently asked questions and answers. Review each question and answer below for key takeaways and insights. 

What is an internship for high school students and how does it work?

The basis of an internship is to introduce high school students to a professional work field. This is a great way to gain experience in a particular career you might be interested in. These opportunities are often unpaid. If they are paid, they are normally on the lower end of the pay scale. Keep in mind, that some high school internships are not paid, though. Bringing back the point that internships are solely for you to gain work experience.

Committing your time to an internship can be a lot. Make sure you are clear on the tasks that that company might be offering you. For perspective, they won’t throw you into the deep end. You’ll learn the basic operations of a company before leveling you up to complete more difficult tasks.

There are many different internship opportunities out there for all high school and college students. This is one of the best ways to experience a particular career without having to commit to a full-time job. With this type of experience, you’ll be networking within that career and towards the end of your internship, you may even be able to ask the boss for a letter of recommendation.

Best internships for high school students

Whether you are in high school or college, taking the time to develop good work experience is important. Remember that not all internships are paid, but you may get school credit out of the experience as well. Let’s take a look at the different types of internships that you can gain experience from. 

Medical internships

If you are interested in medical internships, they are a bit more work and harder to come by. Typically if you are a medical intern, you have already completed medical school and have your degree, but you are not yet a licensed physician. You still need to take the proper steps to practice medicine unsupervised. This is a great opportunity if you are interested in a healthcare career.

Law internships

While finding a law internship will have to come with a little more research, there are always law firms looking for fresh eyes in their buildings. Most law internships are designed for you to quickly learn the ins and outs of a law firm. This is yet another way for your to gain great experience in the field that you desire to be in.  

Microsoft internship

At Microsoft, Interns work on real-world projects in collaboration with teams across the world, while having fun along the way. You’ll be empowered to build community, explore your passions and achieve your goals. This is your chance to bring your solutions and ideas to life while working on cutting-edge technology. Their internship is designed not only for you to do great work with the opportunity to learn and grow, but to experience our culture full of diverse community connections, executive engagement, and memorable events.   

Business internship

A business intern is involved in different tasks, including product development, new market development, client search, and negotiation. Business development focuses on a mixture of strategic planning, data analysis, sales, and other marketing tactics. If this is the type of work environment that you are interested in then we suggest applying for a few business internships!

Google internship

If you are interested in a future career with google then you should expect something like this as an intern. They generally start you off by learning how the data center works, how the company functions, and what Google’s goals are as a whole. You will be introduced to all the Googlers and have the opportunity to pick their brain and absorb all the knowledge they offer you.  

Engineering

Interns will typically support one or more experienced engineers in the performance of assignments, spend time shadowing actual operations, and have unique assignments that support larger projects as well as experience the day-to-day workings of engineering. 

Apple

Apple gives interns the opportunity to meet with company executives through a speaker series that runs once every few weeks. The roster includes everyone from CEO Tim Cook to design chief Jony Ive to the people in operations that help manage Apple’s supply chain.

Fashion

A fashion intern’s job responsibilities may encompass fetching food or drinks, answering the phone, managing their supervisor’s emails, locating wardrobe pieces, assisting with photo shoots, and running errands for other people. Though it is important to research the internship that you desire to be a part of. Typically people choose to be with a company that they want to secure a job in.

Writing

The duties of a writing intern vary depending on the employer and the industry. But in general, you can expect tasks like copywriting, editing writing pieces, creating minor pieces, and conducting research.

Finance

Finance interns gain practical experience in the constantly-growing field of finance. Regular duties and responsibilities for finance interns include generating and analyzing reports, taking notes during meetings, preparing statements, entering data, and assisting with audits.

Journaling

Journaling about the internship experience can help with resume writing and interviewing. The answers from the journal can be expressed in a cover letter, resume, and interview. In the internship, students can take the time to journal to help meet their future career goals.

Summer internships ​

Summer internships are typically 40 hours a week over 10 to 12 weeks. Fall and spring internships vary but are almost always part-time. Some are paid. Some are not. We suggest researching different summer internship programs for high school students that you are interested in. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There will typically always be answers available to you.

Internships for 15-year-olds

Internships are typically not allowed for people under the age of 16, legally. If you are a minor working under the age of 18 then you are not permitted to work over 5 hours a day. While there are places that will offer you a position. It will have limited hours and may not be a paid opportunity. This is still a great way for you to find your favored career field. 

How do internships impact high school students?

There is nothing but benefits to getting into an internship while you are still in high school. If you want to continue to excel at what you do, this is a great opportunity. Research internships that are in your area and see if you qualify. Not only are you gaining the experience you need for future jobs, but you are ensuring your professional development. You can also gain incredible leadership skills when stepping out of your comfort zone and applying for an internship. High school juniors and seniors should keep their eye out for internship opportunities. Don’t forget to include all of your professional skills during the application process. 

FAQs

Still curious about how internships work and the best ways to get them? Keep reading through these questions that are asked just as frequently as they’re being answered. 

Key takeaways

An internship is the best way to get ahead with work experience and to get your foot in the door to a career that you want to chase. Take your time choosing the best internship for you and when you are getting ready for your interview, don’t forget to be yourself!

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