Career Transitions You Can Make in Your 40S and 50S

Explore some of the best career change options that may inspire your next move.

Want to change your career in your 40s or 50s? You can do it when you are ready. Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock

By Tim Madden

People like to say that “age is just a number,” but when you’re the one with an established career and a life filled with responsibilities, the prospect of letting all that go to pursue a dramatic shift in your work can feel like madness. However, you'd do well not to let your doubts hold you back. Many professionals who’ve successfully transitioned their careers have found they could apply the skills from their previous jobs to their new roles.

Here are some examples of viable career transitions for people in their 40s and 50s—maybe one of them will inspire you to get started on your own journey.

Corporate to Teaching

We often think of teachers as being young and straight out of college, but the best people at inspiring the younger generations are often those who have the life experience that comes with age. This is a popular choice among those who feel ready to leave the “hamster wheel” of corporate America and pursue a more fulfilling path by helping the youth of today achieve their dreams.