In the past, people used to stay in the same job or industry for their whole lives. Now, changing careers at 50 is common practice.
Whether you’re seeking a role that better suits your lifestyle, health or personal goals, this guide will walk you through practical steps to make it happen. You’ll discover how to identify your transferable skills, update your resume and overcome the barriers associated with a career change at 50.
Need proof that a midlife career change is possible? Read atWork Australia’s client Tracy’s story — she successfully transitioned careers at 58 and found a role that works for her.
Why You Might Be Seeking a New Career at 50
There are various reasons why you might be considering switching careers at 50. Perhaps, after so many years in one line of work, it may not feel meaningful or enjoyable anymore. Maybe you’re suffering from burnout and are ready for a different pace. At this stage of your life, a career shift can provide an opportunity to pursue a new challenge or develop new skills that align with your passions.
For some people, looking for a new job may not be their choice. Changes in organisations, for example, company restructures or redundancies, can force you to consider other options. In other cases, a health condition or newly acquired disability may mean your previous role is no longer the right fit, prompting you to explore alternatives that better support your wellbeing.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and finding employment after 50 is absolutely achievable. atWork Australia specialises in helping find meaningful, sustainable employment for over 50s.
With the right guidance, support and access to tailored employment services, you can change careers at 50 and step into a role that fits your goals, strengths and circumstances.
How to Change Careers at 50
Like all major career moves, preparation is key, and this becomes even more crucial when learning how to find a job as an older worker. It has probably been a long time since you last looked for a career, put in an application, went for an interview or even updated your CV. While there has been a significant change in this arena, being prepared provides you with a huge advantage.
When you’re changing careers at 50, a good place to start is with an overhaul of your resume, incorporating your most recent experience, skills and qualifications.
Our five key tips for giving your resume a makeover:
Emphasise relevant experience: Tailor your resume to highlight recent and relevant roles. Avoid unnecessary details about your earliest jobs. Instead, focus on accomplishments that show how your skills have grown and adapted over time.
Modernise your format: Update your resume design using a clean, modern layout. Use clear fonts and bullet points. Easy-to-use template designs from Word and Google Docs can get you started.
Include key skills: List current, job-ready skills, especially those in digital or industry-specific tools. These demonstrate that you can keep up with most modern workplaces.
Quantify achievements: Use numbers, percentages and examples to make your achievements more compelling to potential employers.
Add a professional summary: Begin with a short summary outlining your strengths, experience and commitment to your field. This positions you as a confident, capable candidate from the outset.
With your resume in order, it’s then time for searching and applying for positions. These days, most job hunting happens online, through recruitment platforms and company websites, where you upload your resume and attach a cover letter. For many people returning to the job market after years away, online job applications can feel daunting, but they don’t need to be. If you’re unsure about what to do, atWork Australia can help you build your confidence. We offer training and support to help mature-age job seekers strengthen their digital literacy and feel more prepared to navigate the search process.
Finally, consider how long it has been since your last interview. Communicating your transferable skills clearly and confidently is essential for the best career change at 50, especially when moving into a new industry. Even if you have years of valuable experience, it can be difficult to explain your attributes effectively. To give yourself the best chance, spend time thinking about how you want to present yourself and what makes you a strong candidate. A mock interview provides an opportunity to practice by preparing responses to common interview questions and refining examples of your achievements.
And remember, you don’t have to manage any of this alone. atWork Australia can assist you throughout every step of your job search. From building a resume and improving digital skills to developing interview confidence, we’ll help you move towards the right role.
Finding Employment After 50: Navigating Ageism
Overcoming ageism when applying for jobs begins with a proactive approach. Start by highlighting your skills, achievements and adaptability on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Address any concerns employers might have by emphasising your recent experience and your ability to learn, grow and apply valuable transferable skills. In interviews, focus on your enthusiasm, problem-solving abilities and how well you fit the organisation’s culture.
Networking also plays a crucial role. Connect with professionals of all ages, attend industry events and consider retraining or upskilling to show your commitment to growing.
atWork Australia partners with inclusive employers who value mature-aged talent and understand the many benefits of hiring older workers. We want to help you find work opportunities that truly match your strengths, skills and experiences.
Practical Steps for a Successful Career Switch
A successful career change at 50 involves proper planning. Here are the key factors that will assist you in your transition:
- Define your lifestyle and goals: Consider what you want from work at this stage of your life, including flexibility, stability, purpose or income needs.
- Research the job market: Look for industries that are in line with your skills and find a job that matches your strengths or fits your ambitions.
- Understand salary expectations: A new career may involve compromise as you build up your experience.
- List your transferable skills: Map out your abilities, achievements and experiences to see how they apply across different tasks, industries or job types.
- Seek career change support: atWork Australia specialises in helping mature-age workers find new pathways, build confidence and connect with inclusive employers.
- Pursue new qualifications: Acquiring new skills through short courses or certifications adds value to your resume and shows employers you’re committed to learning.
- Rebrand yourself professionally: Refresh your LinkedIn profile and ensure your online presence reflects your skills and professionalism.
- Start applying and testing the waters: Submit applications, stay patient and make every interview or rejection a learning experience. Career transitions take time, but persistence leads to success.
New Careers at 50: Success Stories
Switching careers at 50 can seem like a tough challenge, but seeing how others have successfully made the transition can be incredibly motivating. atWork Australia has supported many mature-age job seekers to find meaningful, sustainable work and thrive in new industries. Explore our success stories to see real examples of people who embraced change, overcame challenges and built rewarding new careers later in life.
Let’s Make Your Next Career Move Happen
The message is crystal clear: switching careers at 50 is possible. atWork Australia has a long history of helping older workers find new jobs and build successful careers. If you’re ready for a new beginning or want to learn new skills in your later working years, don’t hesitate to contact atWork Australia and see how we can support your employment journey.