Recent events have caused me to reflect on my situation and realize that, whether I like it or not, I’m squarely in midlife. I’ve concluded that I need to make some changes, but is 45 too old to start a different career? Open to advice and encouragement.
– Laurene, Seattle
I started my business at 44. It’s was a major departure from my previous career. I’m now 53 and my small business is 9 years old. It was the right choice for me and I’m very happy. My advice – you have to love whatever the next step will be because it’s hard. But it’s worth it if you can find your passion in it and you can both financially and emotionally afford to be patient.
I’m 44 and can relate. I kind of change jobs every five years or so, not deliberately but just on reflection I’ve noticed around five years is the point I feel the need to change.
I’ve no advice for you I’m afraid other than it’s obviously not too late, especially given we’re living longer (& in a healthier way) you could easily get another 20 years out of a new career.
I often tell my 13 yo daughter that she doesn’t have to be one thing when she grows up, she can change occupation as often as she wants – don’t let others or society determine your future happiness. Good luck.
I’ve noticed I’m the same I work in breast screening and worked in the office for 2 years before funding became available to become a mammographer at 40, I’d been a healthcare assistant on the wards for 23 years prior to joining BTW however Covid hit when I qualified so didn’t screen after qualifying for nearly 10 months , menopause hit , due to the backlog they chucked me straight out with no support which we usually have for 3 months after qualifying, not having done the job for a long period and still being new and dealing with new working ways due to Covid . It’s all become too much and am currently off with stress , we are now expected to cover areas spanning up to 120 mile round trip to help with west that are short , I’m now contemplating that this job is not right for me as it’s put me off work for two months so far and the thought of going back to this is not good. It’s never too late to retrain in anything but my advice is in today’s current climate and dealing with menopause will it benefit or will it make things worse . Good luck
Katie, l can relate to you! l have got a teenage daughter and a 25 year old, divorced for a couple of years now starting a new life at 55. Bought a house for us, am a bit apprehensive to start a new career, even thought l am passionate about baking. Mainly for financial security reasons, been in my current job for 8years. However l have been fourlough since last year working on and off, turned to baking one of my passions my daughters think l should start my own business, but l’m not confident to take the plunge!! ?
l relate to you! l have got a teenage daughter and a 25 year old, divorced for a couple of years now starting a new life at 55. Bought a house for us, am a bit apprehensive to start a new career, even thought l am passionate about baking. Mainly for financial security reasons, been in my current job for 8years. However l have been fourlough since last year working on and off, turned to baking one of my passions my daughters think l should start my own business, but l’m not confident to take the plunge!! ?
Absolutely not! I started a new career at age 51 and was extremely successful at it! Further, I recently quit my very lucrative c-suite job to start my own business at age 56!
Irrespective of what others say, every day on earth teaches you something new and as you gather up more experiences, you’re more able to learn new things… the trick is to make sure to apply your life experiences to your new career and you’ll be off to an amazing start! Good luck!
Gosh, I hope not because I turn 51 next week and am in search of what I want to do next after over 20 years in the same field of work in the same city. My daughters are grown and I divorced their dad. It was a great first story. I figure I have at least 20 years to live a second story!
Also 51 ?????? and am pretty sure I am (voluntarily) heading for a career change myself once we are back to two incomes. Have felt it coming for a bit and it’s both exciting and a little terrifying ??
I love how you summarised your life. I have 2boys who are teenage and beginning to spread their wings. I have divorced their dad recently and have part 2 of my life ahead of me! Scary but exciting too! Have you had any ideas yet?
I am 45 and have just graduated from college with my associates degree in nursing! I worked part time while raising my 5 kids (all boys) and began to see that my season in life was shifting. Many think that I have always wanted to be a nurse but that’s not really the truth. I began to prayerfully consider what would be next and was led in this direction. I will start my BSN degree next month and have to say I am loving my new job as an RN even in this crazy time! I say go for it!
I’m in the last stretch for my Master’s of Divinity (Interfaith) and I’m 50. I was a social worker for many years, took time off, volunteered for hospice and fell in love with end of life care. I plan to become a chaplain at 51. It’s NEVER too late.
I just changed careers/job areas at 41. I was too stressed out and having anxiety attacks. I took a huge pay cut to start, which was totally worth it, but ended up getting a surprise raise. I still make less but the quality of life is so much better.
I think it’s the perfect time! You are old enough to have experience, know what your skills and strengths are. You also know what you want the next phase and direction to be. I think also easier than doing it too much later in case you don’t scratch the itch. Find a coach to guide you. Best wishes!
I inquired into changing my career at 45 and I met a woman who seemed so happy beginning her new profession (and was the same age). She told me, “you are never too old.” I took that advise and have been working towards a doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, which should happen by August of 2021. I am happier when I am engaging in the career change, so I know it will be worth it.
I was 46 when I quit my job of 21 years. I decided the stress and lack of quality leadership, it was time to go. I was always afraid that I wouldn’t find the better fit for me. I started my new job a month after. I’m 48 now and have never been happier and I make more money with less stress. You can do it!!!!
I’m 48 and we’re still young! Only society makes us think we’re old, we’re just starting a new journey going through Menopause. I feel excited by this remarkable change I’m going through. I’m alive!!! I feel like I’m getting younger, not older even if my knees do ache! Anyway…. I’ve been in the same career for 25 years and I’ve been wondering about a change as I was made redundant at the beginning of lockdown. As I really don’t know what else to do I have made the decision to go back to my profession but with purpose – earn the most I can, save up and then go solo travelling round the world for my 50th year – that way I have a purpose to the work I’m not sure I love anymore. I’ll then decide what to do next. Perhaps that may help? Good luck with whatever you do x
What a fabulous plan! (and boo to those dodgy knees ?) xx
You are still young at 45 Laurene. When I was 45 I left my 22 year abusive relationship, taking nothing from our house, but debts. I started a new job, which I was in for 11 years, until lockdown, when I was made redundant. I paid off all the debts and bought a place of my own. Now, faced with big monthly mortgage payments and other bills, I know I have to earn a lot more than minimum wage or I will lose my flat. At 57, I still have 10 years to go before I can retire, there is still a lockdown where I live, we are in the middle of the biggest recession since WW2, I am not educated to degree level and more companies are making their staff redundant every day. I am also going through the menopause, losing my hair and putting on weight.
However, when I was made redundant in April, I decided to finish the difficult jigsaw I was doing, then take a course on line doing something completely different. Then, after passing the course with distinction, I bought another course in Business Management with Accounting, which I am half way through. After this, I plan to start my own on line business and hopefully make enough money to keep my flat. I feel like I have been thrown off a cliff, put in a snow globe and given a good shake, but as long as I stick to the plan and take it one step at a time, I am convinced it will all be okay, so Laurene, my advice to you is that you are never to old to start a new career. Do what ever makes you happy! ?
I changed at 50. Transferable skills!
Hi Laurene. 45 is still young in this day and age and you may have another 20 years + career ahead of you. Be true to yourself and align with your beliefs and values. I retrained to be a paramedic at 50. It’s hard work, though so glad I made the transition.
Hi,
It’s never too late to do something new, including work. However, realistically, if you’re looking to start a new career for financial reasons, there is a “too late” in terms of cost/benefit. I am 51, I really wanted to get an LPC and become a counselor in rehabilitative therapy. After 3 years of schooling, I would be almost $50k in debt for student loans. The hours required to be a full LPC (not an LPC intern) take many years to fulfill, even if you’re doing full-time work. As a parent of two young kids, I would probably be part-time for a decade then full-time once my kids went to college. Given what interns are paid, I might make back the loan money, but I’d never make that and the cost of child care back. So, it would have been a labor of love only.
Just consider why you are doing it, and whether it is worth the sacrifice and financial burden.
Cheers,
EJ
EJ, I don’t know what state you are in or what your licensing requirements are, but CoVID has changed a lot of things . I did my masters for fear less than $50k, and was able to use some of my hours at my full time job toward my internship hours. There are schools that specialized in ‘ non traditional students’ prior to the pandemic and now, everyone Is non traditional. If it is truly what you want to do, there are more options
Do you feel it’s too old? We can make anything happen! We all have skills that are transferable. Reach out to professionals on a new resume! Good Luck!
You can always try something new.
Absolutely not ?. I started working in hospitality at 47 having never even pulled a pint in my life before that . Subsequently I’ve managed a pub, a cafe/bar and am now a hotel manager which I absolutely love .
However lockdown has made me assess opportunities open to me and in February I am going to Florence Italy for 9 months to teach english as a 2nd language so i answer to your question no you are not too old .
Good luck
Laurene
You are on the cusp of the next part of your life.
The experience and learning already behind you ensure that you will be a valued employee (or entrepreneur). You have wisdom and understanding which you will carry forward.
It’s never too late! There are many working years in your life at this point – use them in a way that fulfills you.
Take the plunge! Good luck!!
Absolutely not! If anything, you are in a perfect place to start real life, now that the rehearsal is over. An assessment of time, energy, responsibilities, and of course financial restrictions/obligations is sensible. But notice, age is rarely a factor. I am following my true happy place, which is writing and photography. I discuss all of this on my blog – ladychicpea.com if you are interested? I hope you find your new vocation, and go for it xx
“Now that the rehearsal is over” … yes! that really hits home. ??????
I’m 50 and retired from nhs after 30 years. I’m having a year off then going to be looking for another less stressful career. Go for it girl age is just a number
Definitely not! I started a full time degree at age 49 (having ‘dropped out’ when I was 19). At age 53 I emerged with a First. This gave me a lot of confidence to spread my wings. At age 54 I left the occupation I’d had for the previous 32 years. I formed a business the same year – that ticked over nicely , until a business associate suggested I apply for a very interesting role with an ethical, co-ownership retailer. I got the job (aged 57). Most of my peers are in their 30s as the job requires a deal of digital competency (I’m self-taught). So, in short, I would say – if you keep yourself relevant, up-skilled and never stop learning you will always be employable (or have the potential to start something for yourself). Good luck!
Congratulations. Your story has inspired me. I too dropped out and have regretted not doing a degree before now. I’m 52 and soon an empty nester and always thought it too late. Can I ask in what did you graduate and why?
Best wishes
I started new career at 50
No. My sister became a teacher at 50!
Not too late at all. We live longer, and now, more than when we were younger, we have even more to offer. I am 45 and currently midway through a part-time Masters degree that will take me in a very different direction. It’s so rewarding to use my brain like this again. Whether going back to school first or not, changing careers is not only possible, but also hugely satisfying. Go for it. Best of luck.
Pleas don’t think it’s too late to change career, now is the time to start thinking about what makes you happy. Sometimes when we dare younger we stick in careers because if the family, finances etc but as we head into this phase we to think about the next 20yrs and living them to the Max!!
I did my yoga teacher training at 45, I’d put it off for 10 yrs……. biggest regret, so if you have something you want to do, do it now !!
After 27 years in the same job I retrained as a Nurse and qualified at age 51. Me time after raising 3 kids and I love every minute of it. Go for it.
Hi! I’m 46 years old and am starting a degree in September to become a primary school teacher. It’s definitely not too late to start a new career, good luck! X
I decided I wanted to make a massive change in career at age 48 and did it. Then did it again at 50. It’s never too late.
At 55 I left a job I loved after 20 yrs because management changed and everyone was miserable. I’m one of the hardest workers and run circles around the new kids.
I changed careers completely at age 45. I quit my career of 20 years, enrolled in a full-time nursing program, and graduated four years later with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. I’m now enrolled in a Master’s program while working full-time as a nurse. I’m exhausted with life and responsibilities, but soon to be a Nurse Practitioner. Legs crossed (you know, dribbling problems) I will hold it all together.
I say listen to what God, your intuition, or the universe * says. At 45 I had a traumatic event happen while teaching. Months later I knew God was leading me to get myself the help I needed. After 11 months I found a PT non-profit position that I truly love. Then 6 months later a FT position “opened up”. It truly was created for me. Now I still help kids and families plus I can truly say I have a 2nd career that I love as much as I loved my students.
Technology has allowed my spouse and I to be able to stay home with only very short trips to the store during this pandemic! It has saved us enough money to let me (FINALLY) decide what I want to write about!
In my opinion, at 49 in November with my daughters all grown up and life slowing down and everything just feels like I’m Free enough to remember what I love and how can I serve others with my passion, my purpose, my new mission to also feel like I do and remember that we cannot forget we are alive too!
All I can say to you is to take time to really listen to your soul and keep you front and center! Good Luck!
Speaking as a professional Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor- 45 is absolutely not too old to start a new career , it’s the perfect time to start one. As long as you have the desire to start something new it is always the right time. 45 is WAY too young to remain unhappy or unsatisfied in your current career. You only get one life, life it to its fullest
I agree it’s never too late and life is too short to stay (if you have the option) in something where you’re not happy.
Here’s my question for this group…how have folks handled looking for jobs if you have no experience in the field and/or have gaps in your resume from taking care of kids or being in school? I will be finishing a masters in the spring and going into a new field, after spending the last 10 years earning my degrees and raising my kids, while working as a bartender because it was a job I could do at night. I don’t know what to do with my resume/cover letter that will make employers understand that I still have my work skills and give me a chance? Thanks!!
Hi Meredith,
I’ve jumped around in various unrelated fields, and my diverse background has always been a plus! When interviewing/applying I always highlight how these extra skills/experience, although on the surface might seem unrelated, are actually a bonus for them. Now that my daughter’s grown, I’m taking the leap toward a major career change and am getting my PhD. (I’m 52)
I am 51 and have just embarked on a diploma in counselling, after teaching for 25 years. I can’t wait for the new change in direction and My advice would be that it’s absolutely never too late to try something new?
I’m 53 this month and two Christmases ago I resigned from my job giving up my career of working with children for over 20 years due to not having the patients I had previously had. In the January 2019 I purchased an online counselling course and have since completed Diplomas in CBT, MBCT and Grief and Bereavement counselling. This September I started a level 3 counselling course at college but it got cancelled and will begin again hopefully January 2021. It will finish it June 2021 and then I can hopefully in September begin my degree in counselling at university so I will become a qualified counsellor. So you’re never too old to begin a new career. My MBCT course has been so supportive for me personally and all my courses have assisted me in supporting others too. It’s about being positive and just going with the flow as they say because we can’t stop it so just go with it instead of fighting it as it makes it easier to get through it. There is hope for everyone so hang on in there.
At 35, I got my masters in Music Ed. Then at 45, I went to coding bootcamp and have a career path I love. Never let age hold you back!
Go and get it! I’ve just gone back to university at age 42! I’m loving it and doing well! (even with the fog brain lol) don’t under estimate the power of life experience! We need to use our age as a super power and stick it to the patriarchy!
I’m 53. Ive gone From Customer Service to Human Resources to Teaching since I officially entered the workforce at age 16. Now I’m ready for a change so I’m taking a (free) 10 week course in Digital Marketing.
Our professional life should adapt to us at every stage as we do change through life…therefore, it can and should change with us, but it’s scary. Our brain is designed to protect us from danger not to be our cheerleader to change. But I correlate…most important thing to do would be to discover our passions and purpose…that’s where I am at now. As my kids grow older I would like to have more time to feel fullfillment