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Today’s working world is full of unanticipated shifts and life-changing trends. Automation and layoffs have upended many stable career paths, leaving midlife adults wondering what comes next. Many other professionals face burnout, health issues, and personal transitions that send their career journeys in new directions.
These unexpected career changes can be challenging to navigate. It’s normal to worry about money and what the shift means for your professional identity, which is core to who you are. It’s understandable if you’re more than a little worried about your next steps, but here’s the flip side:
Your professional future is now entirely in your hands. You get to decide what comes next, and you don’t have to do it alone. Here’s how to plan out your next career move and find the support to make it a reality.
Career Change by Age: Different Stages, Different Needs
Today’s working world is constantly shifting. Artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies are changing the skills required for various roles, and phasing out some positions entirely. New industries are emerging and requiring new skill sets. Meanwhile, the average expected retirement age is slowly increasing.
In this environment, professional pivots have become more common. Zippia research shows that the average age for a career change is 39, while 21% of workers in their 40s and 12% of workers 50 and older have considered a career change since the COVID-19 pandemic. Those shifts can — and often will — look different at various ages.
Career Change at 30
Your 30s can be the perfect time to start a new career. You’ve had enough professional and life experience for employers to view you as mature and reliable, but you have plenty of time ahead to grow in a new role or industry.
Assume nothing is out of reach. What fields have you always wanted to explore? There are numerous opportunities in high-growth industries, such as healthcare and technology. Set a goal for yourself and start exploring the best ways to get your foot in the door. Consider rapid re-skilling courses, certificate programs, and undergraduate or graduate degrees.
Still exploring your options? Look into taking on a freelance or part-time job that uses your current skills while offering experience you can add to your resume.
Career Change at 40
It’s absolutely not too late to make a career change at 40. You possess the experience and self-awareness to recognize what will fulfill you for years to come. What’s more, your maturity makes you a valuable asset in the workplace.
Explore how to make a midlife career change by conducting a self-assessment. Do you want to change tracks entirely or leverage your existing experience to rebrand yourself? Many 40-something career changers use their prior experience to build meaningful consulting and project management careers.
If you need a more dramatic pivot, consider switching careers with a new degree. City University of Seattle offers flexible learning options designed for adult learners with home, family, and work responsibilities.
Career Change at 50 and Beyond
If your 40s are behind you, finding relevant midlife career change advice can feel like an uphill battle. Don’t get discouraged — older adults can and do make meaningful career shifts, but the process may look different than it did in your 30s.
Note your goals and what you want to achieve in your upcoming working years. Prioritize opportunities and pathways that help you find meaning and provide flexibility as you move toward retirement.
The biggest challenge is responding to age bias. There’s an unfortunate misconception that workers over 50 are “stuck in their ways,” but you have the opportunity to prove them wrong.
Build a resume and portfolio that highlights your evolving skill set. Show how you’ve adapted to changing circumstances and built new tech skills. If it’s time to upskill or shift into a related industry, explore the benefits of a graduate degree.
Remember that a career pivot doesn’t have to mean starting over. Many older career-changers shift into mentoring, consulting, and even entrepreneurship to take their next steps.
Practical Advice That Works at Any Age
A midlife career change may look different at 32 versus 52, but many of the strategies are the same. Career changers of all ages benefit from leveraging existing soft skills, tapping their networks, and exploring new fields through education.
Build Confidence Through Small Wins
The most intimidating aspect of a career change is realizing how much there is to learn. Remember that you’re not starting from scratch! You’ve had enough professional and life experience to boost your career with transferable skills.
These are the professional and soft skills that make you a valuable member of a team. Skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership are always in demand.
Another way to build your confidence and momentum is by completing a short-term educational or training program. CityU has numerous professional certifications and part-time programs that can help you jumpstart your career in a new industry, without needing to commit to a full-time job or degree.
These successes can have a huge emotional impact, while also giving you a valuable credential to put on your resume.
How to Use Education as a Bridge to Your Next Career
A career shift often means returning to school. If it’s been years since you’ve set foot inside a classroom or submitted a homework assignment, getting started again can feel intimidating.
You need different things from a school at 30, 40, or 50 than you did at 18 or 22. The key is finding a program that respects and understands non-traditional students, like CityU, where academic advisors and career counselors are dedicated to helping adult learners succeed.
CityU offers a variety of online and hybrid programs that accommodate adults’ busy schedules. Flexible learning formats make it easier to finish your degree online or explore a new career while balancing family and work responsibilities.
At CityU, you can build new skills in high-demand fields, such as education, management, and computer technology. The career-focused curriculum turns a course or degree program into a strategic step that helps you progress toward your goals. Build essential skills while showing employers that you’re proactive, skills-focused, and serious about learning.
Support Systems That Make Transitions Easier
As an adult, you’re accustomed to independence — much more so than the last time you were in school. But no one starts a new career alone. The path is smoother when you surround yourself with people who believe in your potential and have the tools to help you succeed.
Start with a deep dive into your current network. Think about friends, acquaintances, and colleagues with experience in the field you want to join. Reach out and schedule a coffee chat, and ask them who they might know in the field.
Also, look at professional associations and mentorship programs in your future career field. If you attended college in the past, find out if that school has an alumni network and ask about joining. If you’re going back to school, prioritize colleges that offer career change support. While you’ll find many colleges and universities that enroll adult learners, it’s much rarer to find a school that actively celebrates and accommodates non-traditional students. CityU strives to be that resource.
CityU’s advising and student support services acknowledge the unique needs of adult learners. Experienced professionals provide career counseling for a midlife career change, whether you’re embarking on your journey at age 30, 40, 50, or beyond. They’ll work with you to find the right program and a course completion strategy that meets your needs, no matter how hectic your schedule.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Next Chapter
An unexpected career change may not have been part of your plan, but now you have the freedom to decide what comes next. This may be the most valuable transition of your professional life, and the right support can make all the difference.
Education can help you build the skills you need for that next step. CityU is committed to the success of adult learners and is here to make your transition as smooth as possible, whether you’re finishing your degree or starting a new academic journey.
From career webinars to networking events and groups, CityU’s career services department helps students and alumni take their next professional steps. With job search, resume, and interview prep assistance, you’ll have someone in your corner every step of the way. In today’s challenging hiring landscape, having an expert on your side is essential.
A CityU education prepares you for today’s global workforce. Request information today and take the first step toward your new career.
