When is it too late to start a new career?

Anonymous

March 2,2022 at 5:55PM UTC

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When is it too late to start a new career? I'm getting ready to turn 60 and would love to find work at an organization that I can feel passionate about again. Do recruiters/organizations frown upon hiring people so late in their career?

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Rebecca AliMarch 2,2022 at 9:03PM UTC
In theory, your age shouldn't matter. In reality, it probably will. Having said that, if you are in a profession in great demand or have highly transferable and needed skills, then it may be easier than you think. Networking will be your best bet instead of blind resumes. Talk to your friends, colleagues and families. Good luck to you!
AnonymousMarch 2,2022 at 9:17PM UTC
It never too late if you have the training, education and experience to be successful, I say go for it!
AnonymousMarch 3,2022 at 3:56AM UTC
While it is never too late to be in some professions (for example, there's a 97+ year old mayor still working and actors still working at a very old age), some companies and people sadly practice ageism...Also, sports jobs and other jobs have a cut off age range...So, I suggest searching online the organizations that have a good reputation with hiring people over 50 and also think about freelance work...as there are options to continue a career.
Example:
https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/companies-hiring-over-50/
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterMarch 3,2022 at 4:13PM UTC
AARP also has excellent resources for older workers. My suggestion for you is to look at everything you are putting out there - your resume, your LI profile, your physical appearance - with an eye to how these things might be helping or hindering your efforts. Many older candidates inadvertently age themselves with things like providing a home phone number (that is labeled as such) or giving an aol email address.
Cheryl WilburgMarch 4,2022 at 5:10PM UTC
I just started a position (going from temp to perm) within an organization providing legal services for the underrepresented, as a paralegal, and I am 62. While there is much age discrimination out there, it's possible to land a decent position still, with much determination. Often going through a staffing service will enable the employer to see that you are still a very productive worker while enabling you to see if the organization is a good fit. Good luck!
AnonymousMarch 4,2022 at 6:00PM UTC
I’m trying to transition from account manager to recruiter and no one will give me a shot?
Corinne BurchMarch 5,2022 at 4:36PM UTC
Hi! It is never too late to start a new career. I think recruiters and organizations are realizing the experience level, knowledge, and maturity that older workers bring to the table. That being said, it is important for those workers to be open to new ideas and be able to interact well with coworkers of all ages.
By all means, look for work that speaks to your heart. Both you and your new organization will benefit greatly from what you bring to the table.