I want to start a new career in my 50's and I am not sure what it is I want to do.

20 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 20,2024 at 7:17PM UTC

   I would brainstorm and make a random list of all the things you love in life and all the areas of work you enjoy.

   Then go online and take some personality tests that will tell you what kind of thinker and learner you are. What your strengths are and it will also let you know the types of environments you thrive in.

   Finally some websites will give you lists of areas of business that would be potentially a good match and also the types of work someone with your profile would Excell at.

   It's some work but highly rewarding especially for people like you who have no thoughts on what you want to do.

2. AnonymousSeptember 20,2024 at 8:13PM UTC

   Occupational Outlook Handbook can be a really helpful tool. Check this link out: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm

   If you also review the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also provides some forecasting of industries that will increase.

   And use this feature too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WazXrnsGbQk

   Using the handbook putting in your interests can sometimes help you gauge jobs of interest. When I used it over 30 years ago it showed me in customer service roles, or counseling and helping people roles. It definitely matched up to my interest of helping people. I found my niche in many ways, recruiting/sales, and now in higher ed in a career center helping put others to work. For you, if you are in sales, do you sell? Do you enjoy it? What products do you sell and think about how you learned the products and your strengths. But sometimes when we feel a little lost, meeting new people, talking with others in industries of interest spark all kinds of things which also includes leads. Hope you find just the right role for you soon!

3. Rashida GrahamSeptember 20,2024 at 8:17PM UTC

   Here's a resource that was helpful for my students who were considering changing careers: https://www.mynextmove.org/

4. JB09718September 21,2024 at 4:43AM UTC

   try looking at what you enjoy doing and what you need/want from a job or employer to help narrow down your search. If you aren’t sure about your interests what are your favorites? (You might enjoy working at your favorite make-up company because you’re already passionate about their products.) From an employer, do you need full-time with benefits? What if you need to increase your commute to the office, how far is too far? Etc.

5. Jennifer TaylorSeptember 21,2024 at 1:27PM UTC

   I pivoted my career when I was 50. Like you, I was a journalism/communications major in college, but worked in a variety of industries, including owing a retail store.

   When Covid hit and I was let go from my role as an advertising account manager, I decided to think about what I truly wanted to do. I knew I wanted to write in some form, and settled on corporate communications.

   I took a contract role as an entry-level internal communications specialist, which led to another contract role, which led to my first full-time role as a communications manager. In 2023, I left that job for my direct role as the head of corporate communications for a small manufacturing company.

   I love my job, and the people I work with. I can easily see myself at this company for the next 20 years.

6. AnonymousSeptember 21,2024 at 2:25PM UTC

   I started in tech and pivoted out in my late 40s/early 50s. I took a severe pay cut, which I wasn't prepared for. I had been laid off, burned out, and not in a good frame of mind at the time. You might get some help from a career coach who can walk you through what you want to do. The answers are inside you, and a good coach can help you identify them. While money is always a consideration, job satisfaction works much better, as the more meaningful things in life don't come with a price tag.

   As for your background, corporate training, technical writing, and corporate sales (which can be very lucrative but not necessarily a consistent or steady income stream, so you have to manage and stick to a budget) are possible things to consider. If you don't have significant training or a degree in an IT discipline, it will be hard to find a job that is more than data entry.

7. WendySeptember 22,2024 at 1:10PM UTC

   I can really relate to this. I also have an English degree since my college said I could get into management with it (never happened for me). I fell into insurance in my 30's but after 20 plus years and no advancement I am looking to make a change. My issue is that most companies want new graduates that they can train. They do not want to train someone older on new concepts. Now I am working on networking to try to meet more people who will possible give me a chance.

8. Evelyn LivantSeptember 22,2024 at 2:26PM UTC

   Congratulations on the career move! I started a new career in IT in my 50s and I never looked back.

   If possible, try to leverage your experience. Maybe technical writing?

   There is work in computers but depending on the field, it’s pretty competitive right now.

   If you’re not sure of your interests or skills, maybe start taking some classes.

   Please don’t let the competition deter you. It can be overcome.

9. GirlBossanova934974September 22,2024 at 2:55PM UTC

   I would start with what problems you are going to solve for future employers. Employers these days are loaded with younger employees these days who know ONE THING or can do ONE THING. Often times, it takes a roomful to make simple decisions and execute plans. Computers and software are nothing more than tools. Knowing what to do with what comes out of those computers is KEY! Solving real world problems that customers want answers for is another big step ahead.

10. AnonymousSeptember 23,2024 at 1:09PM UTC

    Lot of qualified people are out of work in tech. Oftentimes in my career, I've been the only woman in a large organization, so, you also want to be comfortable with that. You may want to look up 'bro culture'. Also, I'm seeking a new role in tech and the only recruiters reaching out to me, mention a woman as the boss. Since there is such a low % of women in these roles, it greatly reduces my chances of getting hired anywhere. Happy to chat 1-1 if you'd like.

11. AnonymousSeptember 23,2024 at 1:23PM UTC

    Go to udemy.com -take a few courses and see what you like. You can get certifications that will help you pivot to a better paid option

12. AnonymousSeptember 23,2024 at 1:26PM UTC

    I hope those in the tech world respond to help give you some insight.

    Additionally, I recommend "Designing Your Life" / "Designing Your Worklife" book series by Burnett and Evans. Really helpful.

    Make a plan, talk to folks, see if you want to dip your toe in, and yes, the economy is a real factor (where many are working all the time). Sometimes what we love will not pay - and can remain a PT/hustle/hobby, but that doesn't mean we can't change a profession. Learn about finance too so you don't feel the pinch of taking a job for income.

    Good luck!

13. Tami L CannizzaroSeptember 23,2024 at 3:38PM UTC

    I've found that focusing on skills first has worked best for me. Meaning: what are you good at? It could be a combination of things, such as math, writing, managing a lot of people to get something done, understanding abstract ideas, working in a fast-paced environment, or knowing that you prefer a calmer pace that allows you to plan your work. Consider all of this and more. Then understand how your skills transfer into jobs/other industries. For example: I found out that I work best in a fast-paced environment - I like to be busy vs. sitting around with little to do. I'm creative and analytical, and like solving problems that have both: taking an idea and figuring out strategy, plans, tactics; how all of this affects different parts of the business; managing a team to execute the plan. By working in positions that naturally align with my skills, I've found work where I'm successful and happy. This might work for you as well.

14. AnonymousSeptember 23,2024 at 4:22PM UTC

    Making a career change in your 50’s is close to impossible. Unless you start your own business. Ageism is so very real. I wish you the very best.

15. JodySeptember 23,2024 at 6:19PM UTC

    i find that so depressing. And not what I have heard, I do know that ageism is real, though, they are not allowed to ask your age when interviewing you. So how do they know your age?

    So is this true from anyone else?

16. AnonymousSeptember 23,2024 at 4:53PM UTC

    If you have strong writing skills why not consider technical writing. You could do user guides having that combination of some tech ability and communications. Those roles are often contract and have finite end dates but the work is plentiful in some industries. Find a group that is in your field that needs folks to do this. As an alternative you could sidegig into a Sales Engineering role, those too are plentiful and align with sales though not directly selling. I suspect you want to get out of commission based work and to do that you have to amp up the other side of your experience. It won't hurt to add some technical chops to your toolkit but be wary of those 6 week schools or classes they are not well thought of by legitimate companies and often cost a ton. Getting certification and then doing work in some specific area that appeals to you is a better option. You could also do an aptitude test there are many online and determine through that what is a good line to follow, it's never too late to learn and do new things!

17. AnonymousSeptember 23,2024 at 6:06PM UTC

    That's a logical suggestion, but technical writing as a job market is SO oversaturated with experienced technical writers at the moment.

18. AnonymousSeptember 23,2024 at 6:07PM UTC

    With a background in both teaching and sales, have you considered something like instructional design or customer success? The latter often does customer training at software companies where I have worked.

19. AnonymousSeptember 24,2024 at 4:23PM UTC

    I am 52 years old and have been a Recruiting Lead for 20 years. I will say it again for the people in the back, AGEISM is so very real in corporate America. Don’t shoot the messenger !

20. Kirsten BunchSeptember 25,2024 at 1:02PM UTC

    It helps to have a coach in these situations. A career coach can help you get clarity on how to figure this out and what steps you want to take to move forward.