Proven Tips for Changing Careers at 50+

Many professionals and entrepreneurs have considered changing careers at 50 or older but stopped either from not knowing where to start or from the stigma associated with learning later in life. Read on to discover where to begin your career change, how to spot age discrimination, and why changing careers at 50 is easier than you think. 

Can I Change Careers After 50?

Changing careers at 50 years or older is possible and arguably more accessible in today's market than ever before. Studies show that later life career changes with positive outcomes have increased throughout the past decade and specifically increased due to the market changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reasons for changing careers after 50 range from workplace fatigue to seeking more dependable retirement benefits and more. 

Most industries are currently enduring both a talent shortage and a skills gap. While there are positions out there waiting to be filled, many employers only seek candidates with specific skills to fill them. For these reasons, you must be proactive and ready to learn when changing careers, which may mean finding new ways to communicate your skills and taking online courses in your desired industry.

How to Change Careers at 50

Many people see changing careers at 50 as a serious risk, and they're not entirely wrong. There are always risks and benefits when making career changes, so it's important to assess your situation before making any decisions. Whether starting your own business or switching industries, consult a financial expert to determine the best approach. If plans go wrong, aspiring entrepreneurs will likely need to find ways to protect their assets, such as mortgages and retirement funds.

No matter where you're shifting your career, it's imperative that you are open-minded and humble. Especially in today's constantly changing market, there can be a lot to learn. Employers are looking for talented candidates with the versatility to fill skill gaps and grow with the company. Seeking out technical skill training via online courses is a great way to demonstrate to prospective employers, partners, and investors that you are willing to learn and grow with the rest of the industry.

Maintaining an online presence is the best way to start your career journey in today's technological market. LinkedIn is a fantastic tool for networking, branding, and seeing what experts in your desired industry have to say. While it's imperative to have a social media presence elsewhere, especially for entrepreneurs, LinkedIn is the most vital online profile to keep up-to-date with your professional skills and career changes. 

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How to Combat Ageism in Your Job Search

It's been over 50 years since the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) was made effective. Despite this, ageism in the workplace remains an unfortunate barrier for many professionals over the age of 50, especially those seeking new careers. For example, This discrimination impacts the candidates, their families, the organizations losing experienced perspectives, and the economy as a whole. An average of 10,000 baby boomers retire every day, but many members of this generation are not financially ready to retire due to the lack of well-paying job opportunities. 

Age discrimination can appear at any point in the job search process, with examples including:

• Age-biased language (such as "new," "young," "digital native," and "recent graduate")
• Targeted interview questions
• Salary differentiation or resistance to negotiating pay
• Unfounded assumptions about your skillset and abilities

Knowing how to spot age discrimination is crucial to change careers at 50 successfully, but awareness isn't enough. You must be vigilant and weigh the pros and cons of applying to specific, potentially ageist organizations. 

Every state in the United States except for South Dakota currently prohibits workplace age discrimination, so the law is on your side. Speaking up against and reporting age discrimination helps everyone and is crucial to combatting ageism, but it can be a double-edged sword. After all, working for a company that didn't want to hire you may not help your career advance. 

Finding an employer or organization that doesn't discriminate by age in some form can be difficult, depending on your industry. The best thing you can do for yourself is properly brand your skillset, be aware of discrimination when you see it, firmly advocate for yourself, and report ageism to the organization's leadership if it goes unchecked. 

Resources for Changing Careers At 50

Changing careers at 50 years or older offers a unique opportunity to take control of your career, but it's not without obstacles. To succeed in the modern, changing market, you'll need to network with professionals in your industry, be aware of new advances and demands, and seek additional training or education.

For additional advice, enroll in iHire's Masterclass: Overcoming Ageism in Your Job Search.