Changing Career at 40: The Essential Do’s and Don’ts

It can be hard changing career at 40. Maybe you don’t think you’re as sharp as you used to be. Or perhaps you question whether or not your skills are up to date with the changing job market. But there is good news: changing career at 40 is normal.

While 31 is the most common age for making a career change, 40 is not far off. And it makes sense. What’s been called the “ten-year itch” takes place after people have been in the same role or at the same company for a decade. It first happens in your early thirties and is common again in your early forties. It’s normal for people to seek new fulfilment or adjust to life changes

If you’re considering a career change at 40, here are our do’s and don’ts to help you plan a smooth transition.

Why Change Career Over 40?

Changing careers later in life is no longer rare. In fact, people are moving jobs more frequently than ever before, with a recent PwC report finding that 25% of UK workers are expected to change careers in the next 12 months. Common reasons for changing careers often include the availability of flexible work options, new career paths, or more purposeful work.

At Refreshing a Career, we support jobseekers over 40 with valuable resources, including job listings and guidance on upskilling for today’s job market.

Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Changing Career at 40

To help you find your new career, we’ve put together a few top tips for changing careers over the age of 40:

The Do’s

1. Embrace lifelong learning
   The job market evolves quickly, so stay updated on new technologies, business trends, and industry insights. Online courses or workshops can give you the skills you need to stay competitive. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Open University offer accessible courses to strengthen your knowledge.
2. Leverage your network
   Networking is vital. Attend industry events, connect with former colleagues, and join professional groups on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to job leads and mentorship.
3. Focus on transferable skills
   Your existing skills are an asset. Communication, problem-solving, project management, and technical expertise are often in demand across various industries. Highlight these in your CV and cover letter to show potential employers the value you bring.
4. Prepare a standout CV and LinkedIn profile
   Refresh your LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills, achievements, and career aspirations. Employers often review candidates’ online profiles, so a well-maintained presence can increase your visibility. Don’t miss our guide on Social Media For Mature Professionals: The Ultimate Guide
5. Stay open to new experiences
   Consider all options, from temporary contracts to part-time roles, as these can provide valuable experience. Be willing to adapt, as even a lateral move can bring growth opportunities and enrich your CV.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t limit your search by location
   Flexibility is key. Remote work and hybrid roles are more common, allowing you to broaden your job search beyond your immediate area.
2. Don’t fear a pay cut
   While salary is important, be open to roles with slightly lower pay if they offer career growth, skill development, or fulfilment. Gaining relevant experience can pay off in the long term.
3. Don’t rush decisions
   Take the time to explore different fields and assess whether they match your skills and interests. A hastily made decision can lead to dissatisfaction, so ensure that your next career aligns with your goals.
4. Don’t forget your online presence
   Don’t overlook your LinkedIn profile or personal branding. A current, well-documented profile is essential for networking and applying to roles.

Make Your Career Change at 40 Today!

Finding your dream job can take time, so it’s worthwhile to get a headstart! The Refreshing a Career jobs board is the perfect tool to get started on your career change job hunt at 40. It’s regularly updated with the latest opportunities for over 40s looking to make a career change.

Our Career Change Support Hub is packed with advice and guidance for anyone thinking about switching careers. From advice for new parents to choosing the right career for you, we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. And finally, be sure to sign up for our newsletter below for all the latest news and career change at 40 opportunities.

Are you an employer?

We offer a range of services for employers of career changers. Our team of experts at Refreshing a Career can help you invest in your people while continuing to grow your business.

Here’s what we offer:

• Advice and support – Our website is packed with guides for employers, including advice on attracting career changers, building a diverse work environment, and more. Find the latest industry insights on our blog. 
• Attract career change talent – Get in touch to advertise your roles on our dedicated career change job board.
• Find diverse talent – Our job advert inclusivity screening tests your ad against our “Inclusive Language Checklist” to remove potentially discriminatory language.
• Advertise your business – Our talented team of writers works with you to create a company profile that documents your efforts as a top employer of professionals who want to make a career change.

For more information, email us at info@refreshingacareer.com or give us a call at 0345 872 4501. We’d be more than happy to offer guidance on advertising career change jobs with us.