{"id":4843,"date":"2022-11-16T13:37:35","date_gmt":"2022-11-16T19:37:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/?p=4843"},"modified":"2026-01-12T17:43:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T23:43:20","slug":"midlife-career-change-your-step-by-step-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/midlife-career-change-your-step-by-step-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Midlife Career Change: Your Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cThe world is changing,\u201d says Kimberley Tyler-Smith, VP of Strategy and Growth at Resume Worded<\/a>. \u201cIn the past, people often stayed in their industry and role until retirement. But now, we\u2019re seeing more and more people choosing to make a significant pivot in industry and role well into adulthood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A survey conducted by Indeed backs up Tyler-Smith’s claims: almost half of U.S. workers have made a dramatic shift in their careers<\/a>. The result? 88% of this group say they’re happier since making the transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve felt real discontentment with your work for a while now, it could be time for a midlife career change. Though this can be a scary realization, the truth is that you\u2019re in a much better place to figure out what kind of role is right for you than you were in high school or college. Throughout the years, you\u2019ve built up more material skills, experience, and self-awareness, and you\u2019ll have deeper insight into what you could be better suited for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to decide if a change like this is right for you, and if it is, how to navigate it successfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Signs It\u2019s Time For a Midlife Career Change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re feeling static, that\u2019s a pretty clear indicator a change is in order. Maybe your role no longer offers opportunities for learning, or you just don\u2019t feel challenged enough. Perhaps the days feel like they blend into each other and you can no longer find any positives about your job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, maybe you simply need more flexibility \u2014 your commute is killing you, or the boss is running you ragged and you barely have time to spend with your kids. All these things can indicate something needs to shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"woman<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Figure Out Where Something\u2019s Missing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So you\u2019ve established that something\u2019s off at work, whether that be a fulfillment piece or a logistical piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this point, you\u2019ll really want to dig deep and determine whether it\u2019s the role itself that\u2019s the problem or the position or work culture at your specific company. Maybe taking on the same role at another organization or in a different sector could make things interesting again or give you that flexibility you\u2019re looking for. Or if you\u2019re happy with your company, you could talk to your supervisor about making a lateral move to a different department, potentially in a different type of role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These transitions will likely be a lot simpler because you\u2019ll already have some experience under your belt \u2014 either with the role responsibilities, or the company itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it does become clear that you need to make a more seismic shift, that\u2019s OK! Work stress and burnout both take a toll on your mental and physical health. You absolutely deserve to feel fulfilled by an activity that takes up a third of your waking life. And not to worry \u2014 there are plenty of ways to make a midlife career change like this happen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Figure Out What\u2019s Missing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve done some soul-searching and realized that it\u2019s your role itself that\u2019s the issue (and there aren\u2019t other opportunities at your company), it\u2019s time to drill down on what\u2019s actually missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you hit the upper limits of advancement in your field? Does your day-to-day lack a certain amount of variety? Is your gut telling you that your pharmaceutical sales role doesn\u2019t align with your desire to help people? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is about establishing what your values are, and which of them aren\u2019t being satisfied by your current position. Know that this will be totally unique to you \u2014 while one job seeker will want to change the world, another might place a priority on the ability to be creative. Still another might be looking for high earning potential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask yourself: \u201cWhat aspects of a job will make me feel most whole and genuinely improve my quality of life?\u201d The answer to this will help you get closer to discovering what you should be doing instead \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Think About What You Want to Do Instead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now it\u2019s time to figure out what new direction you want to take for your midlife career change. Keep in mind that you don\u2019t have to rush this decision or even the move itself. You can afford to be strategic and thoughtful \u2014 allow yourself time for this exploration!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some ideas to get you going:<\/p>\n\n\n\n