Career Change at 40 Whilst it may feel like a strange time to change career at 40, it can actually be a great option to switch. There are a whole host of reasons you could be switching, and no single cause is right or wrong. Whether it’s a difficult boss, not feeling valued or having a passion for something different, there are always alternatives to your current role.
In fact, according to Quadmark 70% of UK employees considered a career change in 2022
Don’t forget, many people go into careers in their late teens and early 20s. Simply because of what you chose at a young age, does not mean it is set in stone for the rest of your life. With 34% of UK adult workforce
If you require guidance on career change and advice for next steps, contact us today. Call Sheridan Hughes Career Consultant on 020 8769 5737 or fill in our contact form .
Is it Possible to Change Your Career at 40? Yes, of course it’s possible to change your career at 40! Whilst changing careers might only seem possible at a young age when you have lower expenses and more time to train, it’s never too late to change. The first step in changing your career is to assess your own situation.
You need to evaluate what’s important to you and where your passions lie. Is your career change just a fleeting thought, or do you have an idea of what you want to achieve and end up doing after the next few years. Ultimately, after your career change, what will make it a successful choice. Changing careers is easy but if you don’t have a plan together for where you want to end up, you could end up in the exact same spot you were desperate to leave.
Whether you need to speak to consultants or upskill in your spare time, it’s important to identify where your gaps are and how to plug them. By taking free courses through platforms such as LinkedIn
Advantages of a Career Change We understand career change at 40 is not something to be taken lightly. This is a big decision and we are always happy to support you with guidance. However, there are still a number of huge advantages to changing careers, even at an older age.
Time to change:
At 40, if you plan to retire at 66 or later (state pension age
Learn from experience:
Not only will many of the skills you learn in previous roles and industries be transferable to a new job role, but you also have experience on your side when it comes to making future decisions. Making decisions at a young age will not always be perfect. Nobody gets it right the first time, but you can absolutely learn from what you’ve experienced and work out the best option for yourself going forward.
Mental health benefits
There are a huge number of benefits to your life that stem from enjoying your job. People who enjoy their job tend to be more optimistic, motivated and it is proven to have a positive impact on your mental health. They are also more likely to learn faster, make fewer mistakes and make better decisions, which can massively reduce stress levels that come with a job.
Disadvantages of a Career Change Although the advantages may outweigh the disadvantages, there are definitely some things to consider before making a career change. Depending on your circumstances, they may not all be relevant to you, making it an easier decision. However, it is worth contemplating.
Income
When changing career or the industry you are working in, a switch could mean a lower salary if you have worked in your current role for a long period and accrued pay rises or loyalty bonuses.
Family
If you have family who are dependant on you, switching careers which leads to a lower income could mean a difficult period for the initial period whilst you settle in, earn less money and put time into upskilling and learn your new role. It’s important to not make a hasty decision and ensure the job you loom to go into is definitely what you want to do. This way, the likelihood of staying in the role is much better.
Self-doubt
Perhaps the biggest hurdle to overcome, is self-doubt going into a new role or industry which you have little experience in. Confidence is key and as long as you have passion for what you are looking to do, there is nothing holding you back. Believing in yourself is essential to finding opportunities and making those opportunities to work. Attitude goes a long way towards employers and can often mean more than experience for junior and learner roles where skillset might be mixed.
For career change advice, call Sheridan Hughes Career Consultant on 020 8769 5737 or fill in our contact form .
Career Change at 40 Ideas So, where to start? For many people looking for a career change at 40, you may already have an idea in your head of where you want to go. However, for those who simply aren't enjoying their role right now and are looking to explore what changes are available, there are plenty of ideas to get started with and see if it’s right for you. Some careers require qualifications such as degrees, A-Levels and Level 3 diplomas, whereas others simply want people who are interested and excited by the industry.
Freelance
One of the most suitable options at 40 is freelance. Whilst you might not have the expertise in a particular industry, going freelance in the digital age can lead to a lot of opportunities. Whether this is in your current industry as you don’t like your workplace, or learning a new skill such as photography, massaging, or marketing, you can work as a freelancer or consultant and generate your own leads and income.
Sales
Depending on what industries and jobs you’ve done in the past, sales might be the last thing on your mind. However, it can offer fantastic salaries dependant on commission and on-target-earnings for a range of different industries. Sales is also spread across lots of different industries and if you have a passion for something, finding a job in sales for that specific industry could be ideal.
Finance
Whether it’s a love for numbers or of the opportunity to help businesses flourish with cost saving and financial planning, finance is a role that will always be necessary, and comes with a good salary, even for junior roles. You can begin completing accounting qualifications without a role, or looking for a job who will support you on your journey.
Digital Marketing
Social Media has become a new craze and jobs in digital marketing are constantly growing. If you love working with social media campaigns and identifying opportunities for brand awareness, roles in digital marketing could be a great option for you.
HR
It may seem like one of the more boring roles, but this is a false narrative! HR can be extremely fun, whilst also giving you a lot of leadership within a company. If you like creating a happy working environment and looking after colleagues, HR is a wonderful option.
Volunteering
For those who are looking to fill their free time, rather than enter a new career, volunteering can be a great option. Whether it’s a local kitchen, shelter or hospital, support is always needed and volunteering can be a great way to help out.
Begin your journey to a happier working life and explore job roles and career change with Sheridan Hughes Career Consultant. Call us on 020 8769 5737 or fill in our contact form .
How to Change Career at 40 There are many options to changing careers at 40 but finding them and making the most of them is not always easy. Before beginning to change careers. There are several different factors to think about to give yourself the best opportunity.
Upskilling
Upskilling is one of the best things you can do to increase your chances of finding a role in the industry you want. Whilst it may not be ideal, it can be more difficult finding a job for a specific skill set if you have n’t got any qualifications such as a degree, A-Levels or industry qualifications. If you know what type of role you want to do, the best thing to do is identify what qualifications and courses you can complete prior to applying for the job, demonstrating your passion and eagerness to work in the industry.
Personal Brand
Looking after your personal brand is essential with how easy it is to find people online, whether that's LinkedIn or Instagram. Make sure that you are giving off the right message with your social profiles, and utilise the features LinkedIn has available. Jobs are always available to apply for on LinkedIn and making yourself #opentowork can lead to a lot of opportunities.
Updating Your CV
Perhaps the most obvious of all, you have to update your CV and put yourself out there. Recruiters can help with your CV. You are also able to add your CV to many websites and upload to job applications, making it even easier to apply. If you’re unsure on how to structure your CV, career consultants assist to set you up in the best possible way for any job interview or interview process.
Career Change Advice & Support If you’re still struggling with where to start or how to find the right jobs, getting advice on a career change can make the process seem so much simpler and a lot less stressful. With so many career change options, you should never feel underappreciated, lethargic or burned out working in your current role.
Speaking to Sheridan Hughes Career Consultant 020 8769 5737 contact form