How to Make a Career Change at 40: Steps and Job Ideas

The following are steps you can take to ensure your career change at 40 is as successful as possible:

1. Know what you want to do

Before you can change careers, you must first know what it is you want to do. If you’re unsure of what you want to do, consider the following questions:

• What are you good at?
• What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
• What gets you motivated?
• What are you passionate about?
• What work-related skills do you have?
• What areas are you not skilled in?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?

These questions should give you a better understanding of what you’re truly interested in.

2. Define your goal

Once you know what you want to do, get clear about your goals in relation to your new career. Are you willing to move for a new job, or do you need to stay where you are? How much money do you want to earn on an annual basis? Are you willing to pursue further education or training to accommodate the requirements of a new career? Set goals that are actionable and specific rather than vague to avoid making decisions you ultimately aren’t okay with.

3. Determine your resources

Changing careers may require you to accept a lower salary, go back to school, or invest in training or certifications. It’s important to know what resources you have available before deciding to change careers to ensure you can accommodate any monetary requirements that a new career will entail.

4. Do some research

Spend time getting familiar with the requirements for the career you want to pursue. For example, do you need more education? Do you need a particular certification? Doing research will equip you with the information you need to successfully change jobs and prepare you for your next career.

5. Network

When you’re ready to start applying for jobs, consider networking with contacts you already have to see if there are any job openings in the field you wish to pursue. Getting a recommendation may make it easier to attract the attention of a hiring manager than simply applying online.

6. Accept an offer

Changing careers at 40 can mean it takes more time to actually find and get a job offer, but putting in the work will ultimately pay off. Celebrate any offers you receive and accept an offer if it meets your needs.

Here are a few jobs to consider when making a career change at 40:

Cosmetologist

Average base pay: $30,342 per year

If you’ve ever been interested in hair and have a natural eye for style, a career as a cosmetologist may be for you. This career requires a certificate that typically takes a year to two years to complete.

Bookkeeper

Average base pay: $30,875 per year

Bookkeepers are responsible for processing and recording transactions for an organization. No degree is required to be a bookkeeper, but you will need to be proficient with bookkeeping software like QuickBooks.

Veterinary technician

Average base pay: $32,426 per year

Veterinarian technicians need licensure and training, but both of these require less time than pursuing a degree. Responsibilities of vet techs include assisting veterinarians during examinations and procedures, taking animal vital signs, and administering medications and vaccines.

Personal trainer

Average base pay: $37,222 per year

Personal trainers are professionals who help individuals develop and follow through on a physical fitness plan. Some trainers provide nutrition advice as well. All that’s needed to be a personal trainer is a certification that can be completed in as little as 12 weeks, making this a great job choice for switching careers at 40.

Dental assistant

Average base pay: $37,727 per year

To become a dental assistant, you’ll need a diploma or associate’s degree. Dental assistants are responsible for preparing patients for dental cleanings and procedures, helping dentists during patient procedures, and performing office work.

Massage therapist

Average base pay: $40,881 per year

Massage therapists require a certificate that can typically be completed in a year or two, making it a good career option for changing careers mid-life. Massage therapists provide therapeutic massage services to individuals.

Therapist

Average base pay: $45,355 per year

Therapists diagnose and treat mental health disorders as well as create and implement patient treatment plans. Becoming a therapist requires a master’s degree in mental health counseling or a related field.

Social worker

Average base pay: $49,450 per year

If you enjoy working with others, a career as a social worker is a good option. This position does require a master’s degree in social work as well as licensure in your specific state.

Event planner

Average base pay: $49,696 per year

Event planners plan events for individuals and organizations and are responsible for handling the budget, contracts, and event teams. Most event planner positions do not require a degree, but higher education may help you stand out among candidates.

Dietitian

Average base pay: $51,291 per year

Dietitians help others with nutrition and create meal plans and oversee patient progress following those plans. You’ll need a degree in dietetics or a related area, so this is a job that does require additional education.

Project manager

Average base pay: $66,137 per year

If you have previous experience in project management, this is a good career option, as experience is often preferred over higher education. Responsibilities include overseeing various aspects of a project in the workplace.

Web developer

Average base pay: $68,524 per year

If you’re interested in web development and have strong creative abilities, a web developer position may of be interest to you. Responsibilities include coding, creating, and launching websites.