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Making a career change in your 40s (or beyond) can feel daunting, overwhelming and, at times, impossible. I know this firsthand – back in 2015, I found myself in the middle of a career crisis that left me burned out, lost and unsure of what to do next. Yet, through taking deliberate steps, I transitioned from being a self-employed life coach to an employment and career coach in the non-profit sector. Today, I support others going through similar transitions.
If you’re standing at a crossroads in your career, here are the key steps that helped me – and can help you – navigate a successful mid-life career change.
1. Acknowledge and accept when it’s time for change
The first step in creating meaningful change is recognizing when something no longer feels right. Burnout, anxiety and dissatisfaction are often signals inviting you to pause and reassess.
In mid-life, it’s natural to reflect on how deeply your career has shaped your identity, yet it’s important to remember that your self-worth isn’t defined by your job title or achievements. It’s grounded in the choices you make, the values you live by and the meaning you create beyond work. This season of life offers a powerful opportunity to realign with what truly matters and intentionally craft a future that reflects your authentic self.
Ask yourself: Am I fulfilled by this work? Is my career giving me energy – or draining it?
2. Clarify what you want (and don’t want)
In mid-life, you bring years of work and life experience that can help you better understand your priorities. I knew I wanted stability, balance and fulfilment. Even if you don’t know your exact next step, getting clear on your values and non-negotiables can guide your decisions.
Try journalling or reflecting on: What matters most to me at this stage of my life and career?
3. Be willing to reinvent yourself
Reinvention often requires stepping into the unknown. For me, this meant going back to school at age 40, despite having only a high school diploma and already carrying debt. I chose an accelerated diploma in human services, which allowed me to shift into a new field aligned with my passion for helping people.
Consider: What new skills, certifications or education would expand my opportunities?
4. Take calculated risks
Change often comes with risk – financial, personal or emotional. I took out a student loan to make school possible. It was scary, but it was also an investment in my future. The key is to weigh your risks and make intentional choices that move you forward.
Ask: What is one bold step I can take that will bring me closer to my desired career?
5. Build a support system
Making a career change can feel isolating. Surround yourself with people who encourage and support you – mentors, coaches, peers or friends who believe in your ability to succeed. Hope and encouragement are often the fuel needed to keep going. If you don’t have a support network, consider exploring ways to connect within your community.
Ask: What avenues can I explore that can help me build a support system?
6. Take action before you have all the answers
When I started my career transition, I didn’t know exactly what my next career would look like. Clarity came by walking the path – researching, upgrading my skills and saying yes to opportunities. Progress creates momentum.
Remember: You don’t need to have it all figured out before you begin.
7. Focus on your core motivation
At the heart of my need to change was the desire to have a career where I could have more time, money and energy to pursue personal interests rather than just focusing on building my business. When I accepted my true desire, the motivation to take bold steps toward building a career that could fuel the life I wanted became second nature. Your motivation – whether it’s stability, freedom, contribution or growth – will carry you through the hard days and keep you moving forward.
Ask: What is driving me to make this change now?
8. Celebrate progress and possibility
Within a year of going back to school, I landed my first job as an Employment Placement Specialist, helping people with barriers to employment with work and job search skills. That leap turned into a fulfilling new career path that has enabled me to build my coaching skills and my ability to assist people from all walks of life.
Every forward step is a success – whether completing a course, landing an interview or discovering a new interest. A mid-life career change is not just about finding a new job; it’s about building a more fulfilling chapter of your life.
Reflect on your journey: What skills and interests have you discovered or rediscovered about yourself through this journey of exploring a new career?
Final thoughts
Changing careers after 40 is not only possible – it can be one of the most rewarding decisions of your life. By acknowledging when it’s time to pivot, clarifying your priorities, investing in growth and taking intentional steps forward, you can create a career that aligns with who you are today.
The question to keep asking yourself is: What is important to me at this stage of my career and life?” Allow your true desires to fuel the decisions that will help you build a new career and a new life. Looking back, what once felt like a crisis became a blessing that manifested into a rewarding and fruitful career. Every small step forward matters, and it’s proof that it’s never too late to start again.
