Changing jobs around 40 may seem scary or impossible to many. However, some leave their jobs after many years to pursue their passion or long-term dreams. Changing careers at such an age is complex, and many things must be considered. If you have such intention, it is better to read this article till the end.
Why are some looking for a job change at the age of 40?
1. Your current job does not satisfy you
Maybe your current job does not satisfy you and make you happy as it should; perhaps it wasn’t the job you dreamed of, and you only continued it because of financial issues or other necessities until now.
2. Your work environment is toxic
A toxic work environment can harm the mental and physical health of any individual. They don’t value your hard work, mistreat you, or know your strengths in such an environment.
3. You need more control over your life
It is possible that it is not for any of the above reasons that you thought of changing your career path at 40. Maybe you want to start your own business or do something that gives you more control over your life. Perhaps necessities such as your spouse’s illness, the death of your children or their migration, or any other reason have caused you to need more free time.
4. Artificial intelligence has put your future career at risk
With the advent of artificial intelligence, many people risk losing their jobs. If you belong to this category, you must consider changing your job.
5. Are you looking for a more meaningful job?
When they reach 40, some people feel they have fewer years of life ahead of them. Therefore, they want to do something that will change the meaning of their lives and leave something for those around them to remember. Maybe it’s a profound philosophical reason you want to change your career at this age.
Benefits of changing jobs at 40 years old
It may be easier for you to change careers than when you were young for the following reasons.
1. You have enough experience and knowledge
If you started working at 20, you have accumulated a lot of knowledge and experience for 20 years. A lot of work experience makes you an attractive option for employers. Also, if you intend to be an entrepreneur, you can still count on your experience.
2. You still have a lot of time
If we assume you want to continue working until age 65, you have another 25 years at your disposal. So you still have much time to try yourself in a new job and direction.
3. You improve your mental health
If you have been unhappy with your job for years, now is the time to change. When we work for a long time in a profession that we are unsatisfied with, its negative effect on our mental and even physical health shows itself. Now that there is still time, why not change the situation?
4. You follow your interests
Job dissatisfaction is related to life dissatisfaction. Maybe it’s time to go after our dreams, dreams that we have long lost in the daily routine of our jobs. According to research, we will be happier if we follow our passion. So, seeking change before it is too late for a more comfortable and meaningful life is better.
The challenges of changing jobs at the age of 40
Changing jobs at 40 is not easy, despite its advantages, and we may face many challenges along the way, of which we have introduced four below.
1. You have more responsibilities
Now that you have celebrated your 40th birthday and are thinking about your dreams, you should know you have more responsibilities. Your spouse and children are also an essential part of your life. You cannot change your job selfishly without considering their needs.
2. You have more expenses
Maybe you have a decent income at 40 years old, but you have more expenses. If you want to change your job, you must set aside some of your income. You may even face financial challenges. Do you have the necessary preparation?
3. You should also pay attention to the opinions of others and their wishes
At 20, it was easy to jump from one job to another. But now, you need your partner’s approval and support to cope with the challenges of change. You may not be able to convince him. He may not be able to cope with the challenges of your career change. So it would be best if you satisfied them first.
4. Do you doubt yourself?
Sometimes, the only factor that prevents us from changing is ourselves. Doubts about our abilities may be the only challenge we have to overcome.
Solutions to overcome the challenges of changing jobs at the age of 40
If you are considering changing your career at 40, read the following tips and advice. This is not an overnight decision.
1. Accept that you can’t go for some jobs
The reality is that no matter how lively and fresh you look, you are too old for some jobs. You cannot become a professional athlete or a fighter jet pilot at 40. Organizations and institutions in charge of such jobs will not attract you. Jobs that require a lot of time and knowledge may not be suitable options. For example, can you state your goal to become a surgeon at 40 without medical education?
2. Evaluate yourself completely
Before any action, you should get to know yourself, your interests and talents, and your strengths and weaknesses. It would be best not to step on this path without adequately understanding where you are, what you want, and what you must sacrifice to get what you want. Achieving self-awareness is a prerequisite for changing direction at the age of 40.
3. Get advice from trusted people
We cannot know ourselves alone. Others may see some aspects hidden from our eyes. So, talk to trusted people with similar experiences about the upcoming change before deciding.
4. Prepare yourself for difficulties and start from scratch
With the right attitude and self-confidence, you can go for more realistic options that may be related to your previous job. Don’t forget that you may need to work as an intern for a few months in your new job. So, age should not make you feel you do not require such a thing.
5. Determine your goals
After getting the necessary preparation, draw your goals and dreams. The dream means not drowning in fantasies and illusions but designing a path and a road map. In determining the goal, you should specify the jobs available, the time frame to settle into the new job, the challenges you face, and what you expect.
6. Choose a job that is more compatible with you
What do you want to do? Interest is only one component in the career choice equation. It would be best to consider other variables such as the work environment’s conditions, salary amount, and risks. Also, consider your experience and skills. Of course, a better option is choosing a job closer to your previous experiences or increasing the possibility of using your transferable skills in a new job.
7. Get help from your network
You can use your communication network to find a new job position. You have met and worked with different people over the years. You can ask them to introduce you to people you want to work with. Also, using the capacity of communication in virtual space is an option. Talk about your intentions and ask others for guidance. For example, update your LinkedIn page.
8. Identify your transferable skills
Some of your skills are relevant to your current job. Others are skills that apply to all jobs. For example, teamwork, speaking, and analytical abilities are among the skills that can be transferred to a new job. List them. Emphasize them in your resume update and maneuver them in the job interview.
9. Revive the spirit of learning
If you have long been used to everyday life, you have a more challenging job ahead of you to change your career. Every new job requires acquiring new skills or improving existing skills. So, it would be best to revive the spirit of continuous learning. Signing up for a few workshops or taking an optional internship might be better.
Do you have the experience of changing jobs at the age of 40?
If you have experiences that will help our audience or those considering a career change, please share them with us.
