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What steps can I take to change my career at 40? Are there jobs available to me?
I have worked in early childhood education for 20 years and have a master's degree in the field. However, I am seeking a change and would appreciate some advice to help me determine my next steps.
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7 answers
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Toni, I have a few thoughts. I also have a background in ECE as a teacher. If you have an MA as well, that should open some doors for you. I am wondering if you considered management- as an assistant or school director. It is not for everyone, but if you have been teaching it is one way to make an upward move. Look at county (government) positions for early childhood consultants or curriculum advisors. Sometimes these roles can be entirely virtual. There are supervisory positions in public schools for before and after school programs. You might even start your own business as a parent/caregiver coach for families in need of advice. Topics such as sleep hygiene, neurodivergence, attachment, and communication and discipline are just some of the things you might advise upon. If you find yourself drawn to something more clinical, an additional MA in social work or counseling could lead you to starting a private practice or working at a Children's Hospital. Child Life is an amazing career path that is highly competitive but does not require a graduate degree- only volunteer hours and a certain number of academic courses on topics you may already have completed. Look at ACLP (childlife.org). They do require an internship and I have known people to have to travel to different states simply to complete this portion. Most sites only take one or two interns at a time which means it is useful to cast a wide net. I worked as a professional nanny and loved it. In working with an agency I made a salary, had paid vacations, and received a subsidy for insurance and metro travel. Nanny agencies also hire personal family assistants and mother's helpers. I specialized in newborn care and working with at-home mothers. You might also dip your feet into a nonprofit organization that works with and for families in need as a case manager or in an administrative or management position such as a program or project manager. I hope you find something that is exciting and will leverage the wealth of knowledge and experience you have already!
Updated
Damien’s Answer
I'm also in my 40's and considering a career change. For me, the first step was choosing one of my interests to pursue. I considered all the things I enjoy or am curious to know more about and chose one (I can't exactly recall how I chose except to say that it was the one interest that called to me). This was a process and definitely took some time.
Once I chose an interest, I researched jobs and roles which focused on it. Then, I researched what sort of education, certification, etc I needed to get the job/role that focused on my chosen interest. After that it's a matter of pursuing and acting on all you've looked into.
Best of luck to you!
Choose an interest you're passionate about
Research jobs/roles that utilize your chosen interest
Research the training/education you need to fulfill your chosen job/role
Act on what you've researched
Once I chose an interest, I researched jobs and roles which focused on it. Then, I researched what sort of education, certification, etc I needed to get the job/role that focused on my chosen interest. After that it's a matter of pursuing and acting on all you've looked into.
Best of luck to you!
Damien recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
You could always try the social services field. :) My advice is to throw caution to the wind. Get a boat. Who needs a house? Moreover, who needs a house when they have a boat?
1. What do you like doing? Do that. Try it for a week.
1A. Try volunteering in the field before transferring your fine skills elsewhere.
2. Bring things into the office subtly. For instance, change a children's dictionary for a book that says, "Law."
3. Look at adults. They aren't any better than the kids.
2A. Make a list of things that your current career and (pick one for sake of the list) your new career have in common.
2B. Use those 3 of those words separated by commas in a job search engine
@C. Click on fast-food server--I'm kidding. Click on the first one that fits and apply.
3A. What do you like doing? Seriously, try it...for longer.
Good luck and enjoy sailing!
1. What do you like doing? Do that. Try it for a week.
1A. Try volunteering in the field before transferring your fine skills elsewhere.
2. Bring things into the office subtly. For instance, change a children's dictionary for a book that says, "Law."
3. Look at adults. They aren't any better than the kids.
2A. Make a list of things that your current career and (pick one for sake of the list) your new career have in common.
2B. Use those 3 of those words separated by commas in a job search engine
@C. Click on fast-food server--I'm kidding. Click on the first one that fits and apply.
3A. What do you like doing? Seriously, try it...for longer.
Good luck and enjoy sailing!
Updated
Martha’s Answer
This is an excellent question, Toni, and I love all the different ideas Annah provided to use your training in different ways. If you have not already done so, I would advise writing down what you like about your current role and what you dislike. This will give you criteria for evaluating suggestions you receive. For example, if your main issue is salary and benefits, joining a public school system might be a good approach. But if you want a break from lesson planning, joining administration might be a better fit. I specify writing it down to encourage perhaps deeper thinking and give you a document you can continue to refine.
As you have probably discovered, there are many career aptitude tests out there. If you still have contact with your undergrad or grad schools, I would contact them to see what they recommend. They may even have one you could access. Indeed.com is credible in job seeking so I have put below a link to their article about career testing.
Good luck!
Indeed.com - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/free-career-aptitude-tests-for-adults
As you have probably discovered, there are many career aptitude tests out there. If you still have contact with your undergrad or grad schools, I would contact them to see what they recommend. They may even have one you could access. Indeed.com is credible in job seeking so I have put below a link to their article about career testing.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5667
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Toni!
Here's Your Action Plan to Switch Careers at 40:
1. Self-Reflection: Start with a comprehensive self-evaluation to pinpoint your abilities, interests, principles, and strengths. Think about what you like in your current job and what you wish to alter in your next career.
2. Investigate and Discover: Look into various sectors and careers that match your abilities and interests. Think about connecting with experts in areas you're interested in, attending industry gatherings, or enrolling in online classes to discover new fields.
3. Enhance Your Skills: Assess the skills needed in your chosen career path and find any gaps in your current abilities. Think about signing up for relevant classes, certifications, or workshops to boost your qualifications.
4. Use Your Transferable Skills: Emphasize the transferable skills you've acquired from your experience in early childhood education, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and organization. These skills are valuable in a variety of industries.
5. Seek Advice: Think about getting advice from career counselors, mentors, or coaches who can offer valuable insights and guidance on transitioning to a new career at 40.
6. Network: Use your professional network to explore possible job opportunities in different fields. Networking can help you connect with professionals who can offer advice, referrals, or job leads.
7. Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize relevant experiences and skills that apply to the new career you're pursuing. Highlight how your background in early childhood education can benefit your future role.
8. Job Search Techniques: Use online job boards, company websites, recruitment agencies, and professional networking sites to search for job openings that match your interests and qualifications.
9. Consider Additional Education: Depending on your desired career path's requirements, think about pursuing more education or certifications to boost your credentials and marketability.
10. Stay Optimistic and Determined: Switching careers can be a tough process that requires patience and determination. Stay optimistic, keep a growth mindset, and be open to learning new things as you navigate this transition.
Job Availability?
While job availability might differ based on the industry and location, there are indeed opportunities for individuals looking to switch their careers at 40. Employers often appreciate the experience, maturity, and transferable skills that older professionals offer. By following the above action plan and actively seeking new opportunities, you can improve your chances of finding a rewarding career path at this life stage.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
1. Harvard Business Review: This source offers insightful articles and research on career development strategies, job market trends, and tips for transitioning into new roles or industries.
2. LinkedIn Learning: This platform provides a wide range of online courses covering various topics related to career development, skill-building, and job search strategies.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment trends, occupational outlooks, educational requirements for different professions, which can assist you in making informed decisions about switching careers at 40.
God Bless You,
JC.
Here's Your Action Plan to Switch Careers at 40:
1. Self-Reflection: Start with a comprehensive self-evaluation to pinpoint your abilities, interests, principles, and strengths. Think about what you like in your current job and what you wish to alter in your next career.
2. Investigate and Discover: Look into various sectors and careers that match your abilities and interests. Think about connecting with experts in areas you're interested in, attending industry gatherings, or enrolling in online classes to discover new fields.
3. Enhance Your Skills: Assess the skills needed in your chosen career path and find any gaps in your current abilities. Think about signing up for relevant classes, certifications, or workshops to boost your qualifications.
4. Use Your Transferable Skills: Emphasize the transferable skills you've acquired from your experience in early childhood education, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and organization. These skills are valuable in a variety of industries.
5. Seek Advice: Think about getting advice from career counselors, mentors, or coaches who can offer valuable insights and guidance on transitioning to a new career at 40.
6. Network: Use your professional network to explore possible job opportunities in different fields. Networking can help you connect with professionals who can offer advice, referrals, or job leads.
7. Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize relevant experiences and skills that apply to the new career you're pursuing. Highlight how your background in early childhood education can benefit your future role.
8. Job Search Techniques: Use online job boards, company websites, recruitment agencies, and professional networking sites to search for job openings that match your interests and qualifications.
9. Consider Additional Education: Depending on your desired career path's requirements, think about pursuing more education or certifications to boost your credentials and marketability.
10. Stay Optimistic and Determined: Switching careers can be a tough process that requires patience and determination. Stay optimistic, keep a growth mindset, and be open to learning new things as you navigate this transition.
Job Availability?
While job availability might differ based on the industry and location, there are indeed opportunities for individuals looking to switch their careers at 40. Employers often appreciate the experience, maturity, and transferable skills that older professionals offer. By following the above action plan and actively seeking new opportunities, you can improve your chances of finding a rewarding career path at this life stage.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
1. Harvard Business Review: This source offers insightful articles and research on career development strategies, job market trends, and tips for transitioning into new roles or industries.
2. LinkedIn Learning: This platform provides a wide range of online courses covering various topics related to career development, skill-building, and job search strategies.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment trends, occupational outlooks, educational requirements for different professions, which can assist you in making informed decisions about switching careers at 40.
God Bless You,
JC.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5667
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Toni!
Steps to Change Your Career at 40
Making a career change at the age of 40 can be a daunting but rewarding experience. Here are some steps you can take to successfully transition into a new career:
1. Self-Assessment: Start by evaluating your skills, interests, values, and strengths. Reflect on what you enjoy doing and what you excel at. Consider taking career assessment tests to gain more insight into potential career paths that align with your preferences.
2. Research New Career Options: Explore different industries and roles that interest you. Look into job market trends, salary ranges, required qualifications, and growth opportunities in various fields. Consider seeking informational interviews with professionals in your desired field to learn more about their experiences.
3. Identify Transferable Skills: Assess the skills you have acquired during your 20 years in early childhood education and how they can be applied to other roles. Skills such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, and organization are often transferable across different industries.
4. Update Your Education or Training: Depending on the new career path you choose, you may need to acquire additional education or training. Consider enrolling in courses, workshops, or certification programs to enhance your skills and qualifications for your desired role.
5. Network: Utilize your professional network to explore new opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with individuals who can provide guidance or potential job leads in your target field.
6. Gain Experience: Consider taking on volunteer work, internships, or part-time roles in your desired field to gain hands-on experience and demonstrate your commitment to making a career change.
7. Revise Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences and skills that are transferable to your new career path. Emphasize how your background in early childhood education has equipped you for success in the new role.
8. Prepare for Interviews: Practice answering common interview questions related to why you are changing careers and how your previous experience has prepared you for the transition. Be ready to articulate your motivation for pursuing a new path at this stage in your career.
9. Stay Positive and Persistent: Changing careers can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude and staying persistent in pursuing your goals is crucial. Be open to feedback, adapt to setbacks, and remain focused on achieving success in your new career.
Jobs Available for Career Changers at 40
There are indeed job opportunities available for individuals looking to change their careers at the age of 40. Many employers value the diverse experiences and skills that mid-career professionals bring to the table. Some industries that are known for being open to hiring career changers include:
Technology: With the rapid advancement of technology, there is a demand for professionals with diverse backgrounds who can bring fresh perspectives to tech roles.
Healthcare: The healthcare industry offers various opportunities for individuals looking to make a difference through roles such as healthcare administration, medical coding, or patient advocacy.
Consulting: Consulting firms often seek candidates with expertise in specific fields who can offer valuable insights and solutions to clients’ challenges.
It’s important to research specific job openings within these industries that align with your skills and interests while also considering how you can leverage your past experiences to stand out as a strong candidate.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review provides insightful articles on career development strategies, including tips on making successful career transitions later in life.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers valuable data on job market trends, occupational outlooks, and educational requirements for various professions.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers online courses covering a wide range of topics related to skill development, career advancement, and transitioning into new roles or industries.
These sources were instrumental in providing accurate information on effective strategies for changing careers at 40 and identifying potential job opportunities available for mid-career professionals like yourself.
God Bless!
JC.
Steps to Change Your Career at 40
Making a career change at the age of 40 can be a daunting but rewarding experience. Here are some steps you can take to successfully transition into a new career:
1. Self-Assessment: Start by evaluating your skills, interests, values, and strengths. Reflect on what you enjoy doing and what you excel at. Consider taking career assessment tests to gain more insight into potential career paths that align with your preferences.
2. Research New Career Options: Explore different industries and roles that interest you. Look into job market trends, salary ranges, required qualifications, and growth opportunities in various fields. Consider seeking informational interviews with professionals in your desired field to learn more about their experiences.
3. Identify Transferable Skills: Assess the skills you have acquired during your 20 years in early childhood education and how they can be applied to other roles. Skills such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, and organization are often transferable across different industries.
4. Update Your Education or Training: Depending on the new career path you choose, you may need to acquire additional education or training. Consider enrolling in courses, workshops, or certification programs to enhance your skills and qualifications for your desired role.
5. Network: Utilize your professional network to explore new opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with individuals who can provide guidance or potential job leads in your target field.
6. Gain Experience: Consider taking on volunteer work, internships, or part-time roles in your desired field to gain hands-on experience and demonstrate your commitment to making a career change.
7. Revise Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences and skills that are transferable to your new career path. Emphasize how your background in early childhood education has equipped you for success in the new role.
8. Prepare for Interviews: Practice answering common interview questions related to why you are changing careers and how your previous experience has prepared you for the transition. Be ready to articulate your motivation for pursuing a new path at this stage in your career.
9. Stay Positive and Persistent: Changing careers can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude and staying persistent in pursuing your goals is crucial. Be open to feedback, adapt to setbacks, and remain focused on achieving success in your new career.
Jobs Available for Career Changers at 40
There are indeed job opportunities available for individuals looking to change their careers at the age of 40. Many employers value the diverse experiences and skills that mid-career professionals bring to the table. Some industries that are known for being open to hiring career changers include:
Technology: With the rapid advancement of technology, there is a demand for professionals with diverse backgrounds who can bring fresh perspectives to tech roles.
Healthcare: The healthcare industry offers various opportunities for individuals looking to make a difference through roles such as healthcare administration, medical coding, or patient advocacy.
Consulting: Consulting firms often seek candidates with expertise in specific fields who can offer valuable insights and solutions to clients’ challenges.
It’s important to research specific job openings within these industries that align with your skills and interests while also considering how you can leverage your past experiences to stand out as a strong candidate.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review provides insightful articles on career development strategies, including tips on making successful career transitions later in life.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers valuable data on job market trends, occupational outlooks, and educational requirements for various professions.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers online courses covering a wide range of topics related to skill development, career advancement, and transitioning into new roles or industries.
These sources were instrumental in providing accurate information on effective strategies for changing careers at 40 and identifying potential job opportunities available for mid-career professionals like yourself.
God Bless!
JC.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Toni !
This is a wonderful question and I would like to add to the wonderful advice you have received thus far.
At age 40, you are still young, experienced in the workplace, skilled, have great communication skills, and just enough mature wisdom to handle any career transition. You can do this. What you can bring to a different career would surely benefit any company or agency. With your Masters Degree, you can also most likely expect to obtain a managerial or administrative position.
If you want a change and this is the right time for you, and you don't want it to be too drastic, I would suggest that you go into the social services field. It is a very diverse field, lots of positions, lots of populations and you certainly have the education and experience to do it. You said that your degree is in ECE, does that mean you were a teacher working in a school setting because that degree does fit social services and I am sorry if I am advising you to transition to the same career. I will answer this as if you were a teacher and want to make a change from that.
My first suggestion would be to work at a Center for Independent Living. You would have to research and visit your nearest center to see what programs they have. You could possibly apply for jobs for any program, not necessarily working with the child population, but there usually are programs for children. Centers for Independent living focus on services and assistance for people with disabilities. Your degree would put you in management or supervisory roles or possibly administration. I've left a website for the Washington State Independent Living Council for you in case you want to locate the nearest one to you. Social Service agencies are very career transition friendly as well as age friendly. You would have extensive at work trainings in various subjects/topics while working there and lots of support.
Think about why you want to change careers. Do you still want to work with children ? Have you been working with children only ? I would say give it some time and you will be able to choose which career to switch to. Research various positions that are out there in different fields of work. Register at Indeed and Linked In and read the employment notices of various job titles and see if you like the ones you qualify for. What you do know for sure is that you want a change, so you may come across some job notices that strike your interest. Keep in mind that you no longer want to do what you did at your last career and explore positions that do not entail those duties.
Another type of work you may want to transition to is a local government job. Some of these that you can consider would be 911 Dispatcher, Municipal Clerk, Town or City Manager, Recreation Program Director, Youth Program Director, Parks and Recreation Department of your town or city, Communications Director or Public Communication Officer.
Once you decide which career to transition to, search for videos on You Tube about it and you may find people in that career talking about it. But give this time. You will definitely come to a conclusion as to which career to change over to. Do ask more questions about this if you need more advice.
Best wishes in all you do !
WASHINGTON STATE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL https://www.wasilc.org/centers-for-independent-living
This is a wonderful question and I would like to add to the wonderful advice you have received thus far.
At age 40, you are still young, experienced in the workplace, skilled, have great communication skills, and just enough mature wisdom to handle any career transition. You can do this. What you can bring to a different career would surely benefit any company or agency. With your Masters Degree, you can also most likely expect to obtain a managerial or administrative position.
If you want a change and this is the right time for you, and you don't want it to be too drastic, I would suggest that you go into the social services field. It is a very diverse field, lots of positions, lots of populations and you certainly have the education and experience to do it. You said that your degree is in ECE, does that mean you were a teacher working in a school setting because that degree does fit social services and I am sorry if I am advising you to transition to the same career. I will answer this as if you were a teacher and want to make a change from that.
My first suggestion would be to work at a Center for Independent Living. You would have to research and visit your nearest center to see what programs they have. You could possibly apply for jobs for any program, not necessarily working with the child population, but there usually are programs for children. Centers for Independent living focus on services and assistance for people with disabilities. Your degree would put you in management or supervisory roles or possibly administration. I've left a website for the Washington State Independent Living Council for you in case you want to locate the nearest one to you. Social Service agencies are very career transition friendly as well as age friendly. You would have extensive at work trainings in various subjects/topics while working there and lots of support.
Think about why you want to change careers. Do you still want to work with children ? Have you been working with children only ? I would say give it some time and you will be able to choose which career to switch to. Research various positions that are out there in different fields of work. Register at Indeed and Linked In and read the employment notices of various job titles and see if you like the ones you qualify for. What you do know for sure is that you want a change, so you may come across some job notices that strike your interest. Keep in mind that you no longer want to do what you did at your last career and explore positions that do not entail those duties.
Another type of work you may want to transition to is a local government job. Some of these that you can consider would be 911 Dispatcher, Municipal Clerk, Town or City Manager, Recreation Program Director, Youth Program Director, Parks and Recreation Department of your town or city, Communications Director or Public Communication Officer.
Once you decide which career to transition to, search for videos on You Tube about it and you may find people in that career talking about it. But give this time. You will definitely come to a conclusion as to which career to change over to. Do ask more questions about this if you need more advice.
Best wishes in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: