We discuss our top 5 job opportunities for over 50s who are looking to make a career change.
Many workers over 50 have been in the same career for over 30 years and are now looking at their options. The problem is that older workers often don’t know what to do next when changing careers, which can be a difficult transition.
If this sounds like a problem you’re having, then don’t worry. In this article, you’ll find 5 examples of careers for over 50s and why they could be great options to consider.
Top 5 Job Opportunities for Over 50s
Here’s our shortlist of career options for over 50s to give you a better idea of what’s out there when considering a career change.
1. Teachers
You could put your knowledge of a particular industry to great use by turning to teaching. And you wouldn’t be alone, as there are a growing number of people in their 50s and 60s going back to retrain as teachers.
Here are just some of the reasons why:
- Holidays – Most schools also have extended time off several times during the academic year, and you would be a beneficiary of this.
- Consistent schedule – You have timetables, and lesson plans and can more or less plan out what your days and weeks will look like.
- Making a difference – You have the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives. You will be using your skills and talents to give something back to society.
- Job stability – Teaching is a career with long-term prospects. There is always a need for teachers, meaning they are in demand, which brings job security.
👉 No experience? Not to worry! You can find lots of teaching assistant jobs with no experience out there.
2. Driving Instructor
If you’re confident behind the wheel and would love to help others feel the same, then why not retrain as a Driving Instructor? There are plenty of benefits that come with switching to a career as a driving instructor, such as:
- Becoming your own boss – As a driving instructor, you have the opportunity to build your own client base and take control of your business. As such, you can work with whomever you want, whenever you want. It can be an ideal path for those looking to have greater control over their career.
- Earning potential – The good news is that the average driving lesson is £25-£30 per hour. A driving instructor can expect to earn between £30,000 and £35,000 a year.
- Job security – As a driving instructor, you run your own business, which means your job isn’t dependent on other people; your job security is in your own hands.
- Job satisfaction – Driving instructors have the opportunity to meet new people and help them achieve their goals. It can be hugely gratifying when you help your students pass their driving tests.
👉 You might also consider driving jobs for the NHS.
3. Childcare
If you love being around children, then this could be a good option for you. Setting up your own childminding business can be hugely rewarding both financially and emotionally. It can also be a great career move.
Here are just some of the many benefits of becoming a childminder:
- Spending time with your own children/grandchildren – Many people go into childminding so they can spend time at home with their own children while they are still young. As a childminder, you can look after your own kids/grandkids alongside other children, allowing you to spend quality time with the little ones you love.
- Set your own working hours – You are free to set your own working days and hours, meaning you can take time off to spend with your own family. Providing you are available to match parents’ childcare needs, a specific timetable doesn’t bind you.
- Financially rewarding – As a childminder, you’re largely in control of your finances. Your earnings depend on how often you work, and you get paid per child, per hour.
- Working from home – Working from home saves you time and money that you’d waste commuting to and from work.
4. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants are becoming more and more popular as more companies move online. If you’re looking to try something new, you might want to consider becoming a virtual assistant for these reasons:
- Minimal costs – Starting a virtual assistant business is very affordable. You only need a few basic tools to begin, but you can always invest in courses or additional equipment if you choose.
- Unlimited earning potential – As a virtual assistant, you set your own rates. There’s no fixed hourly pay, so your earnings depend entirely on the amount of work you take on.
- Flexibility – You decide which services to offer your clients. There’s no set list of tasks you must provide, giving you the freedom to focus on the work you enjoy and skip the tasks you don’t.
- Freedom – Being a virtual assistant gives you almost complete control over your schedule. As long as the work is done, you can work whenever it suits you.
5. Retail Roles
Even with the rise in popularity of online shopping, positions as sales associates within retail are still readily available. You may have overlooked this type of job before, but there are many reasons why you might reconsider:
- Physical activity – Office jobs often lead to issues like muscle weakness, back pain, and lower energy levels due to prolonged sitting. In contrast, retail work keeps you active throughout the day, helping to reduce the risk of these problems.
- Employee discounts – Working for a retailer whose products you already enjoy means you can take advantage of employee discounts, making those deals even more satisfying.
- Career growth – It’s not uncommon for sales associates to be promoted to assistant manager within a year or two. Starting in retail could be the first step towards a management career.
- Interpersonal skills – Retail work offers plenty of opportunities to interact with people. If you’re an extrovert, you’ll enjoy meeting and talking to new customers, while introverts can use it as a chance to improve their communication skills.
👉 Browse retail jobs in Edinburgh.
Conclusion: Job Opportunities for Over 50s
Changing careers in your 50s can feel daunting, but there are plenty of rewarding opportunities available. Whatever your interests, these job opportunities for over 50s show that it’s never too late to embark on a new and fulfilling career path.
To learn more about how we can help you refresh your career, visit our Career Change Support Hub. It’s packed with advice and guidance for older workers looking to switch up their careers and start afresh.
Feel free to contact us for more information. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter below for all the latest news and job opportunities for over 50s with Refreshing a Career.