We get it. It’s a big decision—a career change at 40 with no degree. Whether it’s leaving a toxic workspace or boss, or the need for a new or more challenging industry, you’re not alone.
In fact, according to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), about 4 million Americans leave their jobs monthly from July 2021 through January 2022, and the numbers are not reducing.
These numbers still don’t make it any less scary, especially at age 40 with the fear, uncertainty, doubt, and added financial responsibilities.
But you should know that a lot of people positively have made a career change at the age of 40 or above.
Samuel L. Jackson is a perfect example; he starred in Pulp Fiction at 46, Ray Kroc bought his first McDonald’s at 59, and Sam Walton opened his first Walmart at 44.
So, you get the big idea; you can successfully make a career change even at 40 with no degree.
This article will look at the best guides to having a career change at 40.
Table of contents
Why should I make a career change at 40?
Most people have an increased level of self-confidence when after they hit 40. So, what better time for a career change than when you are at the peak of confidence?
You still have 25 years of employment left if, like many individuals, you expect to retire at 65. If everything goes according to plan, you will have more than two decades remaining to spend a fulfilling career, even if it takes you a few years to prepare for a different job.
And even if you must work past the age of 65 because of financial obligations, you will be grateful to be doing something you like.
Read also: 10 Best Career Options For The Future | 2022
How do I Make a Career Change at 40?
Here are some suggestions if you have decided to change careers at the age of 40 without a degree:
1. Research for the ideal Career
To choose the best career, you must collectively evaluate your personality, interests, and strengths. This information will help you determine the type of career that is best for you.
Additionally, you should assess your abilities, passions, and strengths and ultimately consider a career shift depending on your interests and motivations.
2. Grow in that Chosen Career Field
You will need to put in a lot of effort to develop the abilities necessary for the job role or career you are pursuing, especially given the fierce competition in practically every field of employment that is currently experiencing rapid growth.
It would be best if you upskilled under any skills in a shorter time (6 to 8 weeks) with online training or self-learning courses. Additionally, obtaining industry-recognized credentials may demonstrate your expertise and stand out in the job market.
3. Brush Up Your Resume with Updated Information
Please don’t consider using the same resume from 20 years ago. You must have details about the position you are applying for because you are now applying for a different career or role.
You can list your previous employment history and the essential transferable talents required by your present position.
Remember that recruiters only have six seconds to scan a resume, so they must ensure that it meets the current job market demands. Additionally, customize each resume to meet the needs of the various employers.
4. Get over the fear
It is normal to initially experience anxiety about this decision, but try not to let that sensation last for too long. You can consider all the advantages rather than focusing on the adverse effects of your career changes.
Think about the positives while eliminating all the bad, one at a time. When you are skilled in your field, have appropriate certifications verifying those skills, and have the right amount of confidence and tenacity to show the hiring manager that you are a tough cookie, you will have the job.
5. Start Applying for the Jobs
You can succeed if you put in the necessary effort. So, once you’ve decided to shift careers and acquire new skills, start applying for positions with well-known companies.
Read also: Jim Rohn Quotes On Change, Success and Personal Developments
What are Best careers to start at 40?
You can start over in just about every career, but that will depend on certain conditions. While some of these will be significantly more difficult if you’re starting over in your 40s, others will be simpler. The following are some of the top career changes you should think about making:
1. Event planner
You don’t need to worry about getting overly technical training because event planning is the same across sectors. However, exceptional people skills and precise attention to detail are essential in this profession.
2. Project manager
Here, you would be in charge of the entire project. Depending on the sector, you might need some basic technical knowledge. But, you would rely heavily on your leadership, communication, and time management abilities.
3. Freelancer or consultant
If you enjoy writing and integrated marketing and have experience creating B2B copies, you can research the problems to solve for potential consumers.
Also, be ready to continuously improve your knowledge of the connected topics surrounding your area of expertise and acquire new abilities.
4. Translator
A profession as a translator can be extremely versatile if you are multilingual and looking to have a career change at 40 with no degree. Translators are primarily responsible for understanding written language, like English, and then translating the information into another language.
Businesses across various industries use translation services, which can present many opportunities. Fluency in each language you plan to translate, linguistic experience, specialized training, and cultural awareness are necessary to become a translator.
Read also: 17 Jobs/Careers For People Who Love To Travel | 2022 Updated
FAQs on a career change at 40
Research the new career of your interest that is secure, highly compensated, and future-proof if you want to make a career move at 40.
Once you’ve determined your desired skills, strengthen and enhance them by enrolling in online upskilling training classes, revising your resume, being active on job search websites, and more.
Finally, continue to show up and have faith in yourself.
You can pursue any profession, but to have an appealing application for hiring managers, you must have excellent upskilling or reskilling.
You can try freelance writing, event planning, project managing, or translating.
A career change can be made any time, regardless of the season. The lines between different age groups have started to blur due to technological advancement and related careers. So, as long as a person is willing to commit to a new endeavor fully, they can quickly stop and start over today at any age.
The steps for changing careers at 40 are:
1. Research for the ideal Career
2. Grow in that Chosen Career Field
3. Brush Up Your Resume with Updated Information
4. Get over the fear
5. Start Applying for the Jobs
Final Thoughts
This is it! Your best guide on changing careers at age 40 with no degree, along with some possible career choices.
You don’t have to fear having to change careers at 40. You can also get a lot of support from potential coworkers, mentors, friends, and family as you go through this life decision.
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