Starting Over at 50: How to Navigate a Career Change with Confidence

Turning 50 doesn’t mean your career path is set in stone. In fact, many professionals find this stage of life to be the perfect time for reinvention. With years of experience, a strong work ethic, and a clear sense of what they want, people who pursue a career change at 50 often have an edge over younger job seekers. Plus, with more people working past the traditional retirement age (65), a change of career at 50 can mean another 15–20 years doing something you truly enjoy.

Is 50 too old to start a new career?

Nope—the idea that career changes are only for younger professionals is outdated. Today’s job market values transferable skills, experience, and adaptability—qualities that seasoned professionals bring in abundance. 

While challenges like age bias and learning new technology exist, they are far from insurmountable. Employers must recognize that workers over 50 bring reliability, problem-solving skills, and a strong professional network. 

That's why experienced workers must position their experience as an asset and stay open to learning. The key to successfully transitioning into a fulfilling new career at 50 lies in articulating the decades of expertise you carry with you.

What is the best career to start at 50?

The best career change at 50 depends on your personal story. Take a moment to reflect on your skills, interests, and goals for guidance. 

That said, some fields are particularly welcoming to those who are changing careers at 50:

• Healthcare: Roles like medical billing specialist, patient advocate, and pharmacy technician are in demand and don’t require years of schooling.

• Education and coaching: Teaching, tutoring, corporate training, and career coaching allow you to leverage your expertise while making a difference.

• Consulting: Many professionals transition into consulting, using their industry knowledge to advise companies and startups.

• Project management: If you have experience leading teams or coordinating tasks, project management can be a great fit.

• Real estate: This is a great option for women looking for a career change at 50 with no experience. Becoming a real estate agent or property manager offers flexibility and income potential. 

• Nonprofit work: Many professionals shift to mission-driven roles in fundraising, program management, or community outreach.

• Technology: IT support, UX design, and digital marketing are fields where experience and problem-solving skills matter as much as technical know-how.

• Skilled trades: Many people find satisfaction in roles like electrician, HVAC technician, or home inspector.

• Freelancing and entrepreneurship: If you have a skill like translation, writing, or business consulting, freelancing or starting a small business can be a great way to work on your own terms.

Tips for a successful career change at 50

Making a career change at 50 requires strategy, confidence, and persistence. Here’s how to set yourself up for success.

1. Identify your transferable skills

Someone who’s devoted decades to their career brings a wealth of transferable skills to the table. However, imposter syndrome may lead them to focus on what they don’t know. “To combat this, I tell my clients they haven’t made it where they are in their careers by not knowing what they're doing,” says Yolanda M. Owens, a career coach at The Muse.

Assess what skills can be applied to a new role. Leadership, communication, problem-solving, and project management are valuable in almost any industry. 

Owens shares her method to spot transferable skills: “We talk about the things they’ve accomplished and how it relates to what they want to do next,” she says. “This tends to be a huge ‘aha moment’ that changes how they see and talk about their work related to other job titles and industries.”

2. Invest in learning

If your new career requires updated skills, consider taking online courses, attending workshops, or getting certifications. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning make it easy to upskill without going back to college full-time.

3. Network strategically

Your professional network is one of your biggest assets. Reach out to former colleagues, attend industry events, and connect with professionals in your target field. Informational interviews can also provide insights and open doors.

Read this next: 10 Networking Tips For People Who Hate Networking

4. Refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile

Highlight your relevant experience and skills. Focus on achievements rather than years of experience, and tailor your resume to the role you’re pursuing.

Read this next: 4 Resume Tricks That Will Help You Nail a Late Career Change

5. Address age bias proactively

Show employers that you’re adaptable, tech-savvy, and excited about the opportunity. Demonstrate enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, which can help counteract any unconscious bias.

Read this next: How to Bulletproof Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile Against Hiring Bias

6. Start small if needed

If a full career switch feels overwhelming, consider starting part-time, freelancing, or volunteering in your desired field to gain experience and make connections.

7. Believe in yourself

One of the biggest obstacles to a career change at 50 isn’t external—it’s self-doubt. Remind yourself that experience is valuable, and that you have what it takes to succeed in a new field.

8. Sell your potential, not just your past

“Create a narrative about where you want to be seen next in your career instead of apologizing for where you’ve been,” Owens says. In other words, instead of talking about everything you’ve accomplished throughout your career, cherry-pick the roles, responsibilities, and achievements relevant to where you want to go next. 

“Emphasize not only how you’ve added value, but also the learnings and challenges you want in the next iteration of your career,” she says. “That way, employers will meet you where you are with no misinterpretation.”

A new chapter, a new career

Can you change your life at 50? No doubt you can. It's not only possible—it can be the most rewarding move of your professional life. By focusing on your strengths, being open to learning, and networking effectively, you can transition into a career that excites and fulfills you. After all, 50 is just the beginning of another incredible chapter!