What career should I pursue at 40

Although it may seem intimidating, many women in their forties are choosing to make a shift in their careers, or at the very least are giving serious thought to doing so. Because of the rapidly evolving business environment of today, professionals are required to remain adaptable and proactive in their career development. This could mean going back to work after the age of 40 or switching careers at the age of 40. In the past, lengthy careers spent working for the same company or in the same position were the norm.

What You Need to Know Before Changing Careers After the Age of 40

According to Dr. Robin Buckley, CPC, a cognitive-behavioral coach, contributor for Entrepreneur.com, and CEO of Insights Group Psychological & Coaching Services, "there are many of options for women launching second or new jobs beyond 40." It is vital to keep in mind the large amount of experience that women have to give when they are hesitating because they are afraid of switching jobs or returning to the workforce after taking a hiatus. "Women in both categories have a tremendous amount of information and skills to give, whether they are starting a new job and building off of their experience aptitude or beginning a second career and building off of their professional ability."

It is normal for a change in your life to bring about feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome (the fear that you will be discovered to be unqualified or a 'fraud'). If you are considering making a career change or re-entering the workplace after some time away, it is normal for this change in your life to bring about these feelings. According to Kelli Thompson, a leadership and career consultant, this is very natural given that you are in the process of making a daring shift. "Focusing on the facts that you've had a significant portion of your life to cultivate desirable talents that are applicable to any profession is a terrific way to alleviate some of the anxiety you may be feeling. To get started, compile a list of marketable abilities you've acquired and maintain a diary detailing the effect those skills have had on people, projects, or profits.

According to James Philip, a career expert, Managing Director of Employment BOOST, and author of The Sh!t They Don't Teach You at Business School, "the greatest strategy for anybody returning to the workforce regardless of the cause is to be realistic about expectations." They have to mentally prepare themselves for the possibility that when they go back into the employment, they won't be able to perform at the same level that they did before. The world is changing at a breakneck pace, and with it, the kinds of skills that are needed. They won't necessarily have to start from scratch when they return to the employment, but they do need to keep their expectations in check. The important thing is for them to keep fighting and never give up hope, lose their desire, or become down on themselves. Making a change in one's line of work is analogous to changing high schools in the tenth grade; it is not an easy task for anybody, not even the most popular students. However, if you retain a positive attitude and don't give up, it is possible.

How to Make a Successful Switch in Careers After the Age of 40

According to Dr. Buckley, "when a woman is beyond the age of 40 and thinking about her career alternatives, the greatest job for her is the one that she desires." "Rather than choosing a job that 'works best for the kids,' or'supports my partner's career path,' or 'is practical,' women in their 40s or older can focus their energy and time on choosing a job that aligns with what they want for their future and what they want for themselves," she says. "Choosing a job that aligns with what they want for their future and what they want for themselves." You are at a moment in your life when you can concentrate on you, utilizing your confidence and talents to create a profession that you enjoy, which is one of the most attractive aspects of opting to pursue a new line of work beyond the age of 40.

Dr. Buckley says that women over the age of 40 who are interested in making a career shift might begin by jotting down a few things in order to determine their desires in reference to the greatest work alternatives.

the things that drive you to be the best you can be,

the activities that you look forward to most, and

what kinds of activities provide you with the impression that you are performing at your peak level?

When deciding to make a shift in your profession beyond the age of 40, in addition to evaluating your own objectives and interests, you should also think about employment growth. This will allow you to guarantee that the new field you choose will have high hiring prospects in the years to come. The following occupations are projected to see the highest rate of growth over the next ten years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States of America:

Projectionists working in the film industry

The growth rate during the last 10 years is 70%

Median Pay: $27,490

Technicians in charge of servicing wind turbines

The growth rate over the last 10 years is 68%.

Median Pay: $56,230

Takers of tickets, ushers, and attendants of the lobby

The growth rate over the last 10 years is 62%.

Median Pay: $25,110

Nurse practitioners

The growth rate over the last 10 years is 52%.

Median Pay: $111,680

Installers of solar photovoltaic systems

The growth rate over the last 10 years is 52%.

Median Pay: $46,470

Restaurant cooks

The growth rate over the last 10 years is 49%.

Median Pay: $28,880

Managers and agents of musical talent

The growth rate over the last 10 years is 46%.

Median Pay: $75,420

Costume attendants

The growth rate over the last 10 years is 44%.

Median Pay: $42,910

Instructors of organized exercise classes

The growth rate over the last 10 years is 39%.

Median Pay: $40,510

Wood model makers

The growth rate over the last 10 years is 39%.

Median Pay: $64,050

If, on the other hand, the ten industries with the highest employment growth do not appeal to you, the following is a comprehensive list of the occupations that career counsellors and other experts suggest for women over the age of 40 who are interested in changing careers:

Real Estate Agent

According to James Philip, a career specialist, Managing Director of Employment BOOST, and author of The Sh!t They Don't Teach You at Business School, "almost anybody with a terrific personality and some sales abilities can earn a nice livelihood in real estate." This statement was made by Mr. Philip. "Also, it's a vocation from which you never have to retire, so there's plenty of room for flexibility there."

Technicians in Care for Patients

According to Andi Simon, a corporate anthropologist and author of the book Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business, this "is a burgeoning discipline." "There is a significant amount of interest in the profession. She explains that since the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 17 percent increase in employment opportunities for patient care technicians between 2014 and 2024, this field is an excellent option for women who are already beyond the age of 40 who are looking for work.

Proofreader

Proofreaders earn about $22 per hour, according to Indeed; therefore, if you're great at grammar, very detail-oriented, and want a work-from-home job where you can manage your own schedule, becoming a proofreader could be a good career to start at the age of 40. This is especially true if you're interested in working from home. You may get your foot in the door by advertising your proofreading services on Upwork, which will help you get your first few customers and grow your portfolio.

Amazon FBA Seller

Starting your own online retail shop on either Amazon or Etsy can be a great second career move for any savvy saleswoman because markups tend to be around 50 percent. This is true regardless of whether you are selling products that you have made yourself or reselling products that you have purchased in wholesale quantities. Joining the FBA program on Amazon, in which you submit your items to an Amazon warehouse and they handle shipping and fulfillment for you in exchange for a nominal charge, may make beginning a profession beyond the age of 40 an easy and stress-free endeavor.

Esthetician

Do you have a passion for beauty, or are you someone who can't stop watching videos of people popping their zits? If this describes you, a career move to that of an aesthetician could be just what the doctor ordered for you. In order to get a license, you will need to complete a certain number of educational hours. Because the standards differ from state to state, you should examine the rules for schools and licenses in your jurisdiction. You will get the opportunity to participate in hands-on skincare work, including facials, microdermabrasion treatments, and other procedures.

Marketing Manager

According to Thompson, "there is a vast variety of services that marketing managers may give firms," including "anything from marketing campaign management to creative services and customer experience to mention a few." "There is a significant amount of demand for marketing positions, particularly those that have an emphasis on digital and online marketing. In addition, many of these positions have the inherent ability to give flexible hours and flexibility to work from home. They pay handsomely, with the typical compensation of a marketing manager being around $136,000."

Consultant or Certified Financial Planner in the Financial Industry

According to Simon, one of the primary advantages of working as a financial consultant or a Certified Financial Planner is that "you may be your own boss or work in a business providing assistance for clients—specialize on helping women reach their financial literacy and welfare."

Programmer who creates software

Brie Reynolds, career development manager and coach at FlexJobs and Remote.co, notes that software developers are responsible for the creation of programs and software that can operate on a computer or other devices. "Training for job changers interested in this position is easily accessible, and it is no longer necessary to return to school to get a new degree in order to participate." Additionally, there is a great need for workers who possess these talents.

Managers of Both Projects and Programs

According to Thompson, if you go on any corporate job board, you will most certainly see one of these available opportunities listed there. "These kinds of professions give the opportunity to develop new procedures and programs in firms, and they are particularly attractive to women who are adept in the areas of project management, analysis, and communication. These jobs can be found often on work-from-home employment websites and have a typical compensation of $64,000. If you are good at getting things done and taking people along with you, you may be a good fit for one of these tasks. The typical annual income for technical project managers is closer to $106,000 per year.

A person who gives massages

Even though you will need to go to school in order to learn how to become a massage therapist, if you receive the appropriate licensing, you will be able to conduct your company from the comfort of your own home. In addition to this, it's a profession that makes you feel good and takes place in a relaxing, low-key atmosphere, so you won't have any hectic workdays like you could in a more corporate setting. Whether you choose to offer your services individually via websites such as Task Rabbit or Fiverr or join a local spa, you will have the opportunity to create customer contacts, and you won't be confined to a desk for the whole of your workday.

Analyst in Charge of Quality Control

"Quality assurance analysts are responsible for ensuring that the applications and software operate without any problems. According to Brie Reynolds, "quality assurance is also a developing and in-demand sector due to the increasing need for software and apps. There are a range of training possibilities available in this industry." "Excellent attention to detail, basic familiarity with technology, and previous experience working in a technology-related field."

IT Administrators and Analysts

According to Thompson, "there are more women than ever before joining technical sectors." It is not difficult to see why this is the case given the increasing importance of technological competence to the operation of the firm. If you are interested in furthering your education, you should know that many educational institutions provide financial aid and scholarships to women who work in STEM fields. In addition, many companies that deal with technology are naturally flexible, allowing employees to do their jobs from almost any location. A further advantage, according to her, is that "they pay well." The compensation of a ran IT Manager comes in at a median of $139,000.

a Position for Online Educators

According to Simon, a "career in online education could be an area that might provide you the freedom to live anywhere you choose while still having a teaching job." The variety of topics covered is fairly extensive, including classes on teaching Spanish and ACL to instructors of coding for ladies.

Virtual Administrative Assistant

According to Reynolds, "the function of executive and administrative assistants is swiftly migrating to entirely remote professions," and there is a rising need for such positions. "This is a very fantastic profession for anybody with exceptional organizational abilities who enjoys assisting people and teams and who is extremely proficient utilizing technology to communicate and interact," the author writes. "This is a particularly ideal career move field for anyone with these qualities."

Retail/Restaurant Management

According to Philip, "even if you don't have any previous experience, the retail and restaurant business is one in which you can immediately use soft skills and obtain competitive compensation right off the beginning." "It's also an industry that's always looking for people who are willing to put in a lot of effort."

Transcriptionist

If you're able to type quickly and accurately, switching to a profession as a transcriptionist beyond the age of 40 might be an excellent and flexible alternative for you. Try searching for transcriptionist jobs on Rev.com, which is one of the major transcribe businesses, or Scribie.com, which pays between $5 and $25 each audio file. Both of these websites provide competitive pay rates. The greatest thing is that you get to select the tasks you wish to do while also having complete control over your own schedule.

Licensed and Experienced Organizer

Becoming a professional organizer could be the best option for women over the age of 40 who are interested in making a change in their working lives and like being organized. You will have the opportunity to go into the homes of customers and assist them in reducing clutter and developing organizational methods that will meet their needs in the long run. Just imagine that you are the next Marie Kondo and go to work!

Personal Coach

In-person and online opportunities are also accessible for those seeking careers in counseling, life coaching, and other related fields. According to Simon, "they provide a great lot of opportunities for personal improvement as well as fulfillment for both the individual coach and her clients."

Owner of an Ice Cream Truck

As a result of the epidemic, Tammy Hauser, who is 57 years old and hails from Sarasota, Florida, was forced to temporarily suspend her trolley tour company. She was inventive in order to come up with a different method of income, and she ended up restoring an old ice cream truck that she had discovered on Facebook Marketplace. She came up with the name "The ChillMobile," and she now operates a company out of it, where she sells ice cream and other frozen goodies during gatherings in the area. According to Tammy, it is anticipated that yearly income would be more than one hundred thousand dollars this year! Anyone in their 40s who is still employed full-time but is making preparations for retirement would benefit tremendously from operating a mobile ice cream parlor as a side business. You may engage in this activity during the evenings and on the weekends to generate supplemental revenue and establish a part-time income stream. In addition to this, it gives a fantastic exercise, which means there is no need to go to the gym.

Statistician

"Is mathematics one of your areas of interest?" According to Simon, statisticians make up the fastest-growing occupational sector that has the potential to generate outstanding growth. "People who are able to evaluate and convey the insights that are coming from the information are necessary for all of the big data."

Sales Agent

Philip explains that there is now a significant lack of available people in the sales department. Additionally, the need for salespeople is constantly present. Sales organizations are an excellent area to get back into if you're at a point in your career where you don't want to accept a substantial salary drop or if you need to make up for lost time (such as saving for retirement).

Uber or Lyft Driver

Working as a driver for Uber or Lyft might be a nice intermediate choice since you can establish your own hours, which can alleviate some of the anxiety associated with changing careers beyond the age of 40 if you are not yet prepared for a significant shift in your lifestyle. In addition, there is not a significant initial financial investment required! You should be able to have your car operational within a few days as long as it satisfies the conditions that have been laid forth. In addition, the earning potential is almost unbounded; depending on where they work, some drivers claim making up to six figures per year in salary.

Therapist

"Thanks to the proliferation of instruments for remote connection, treatment is no longer exclusively restricted to sessions conducted in person. According to Reynolds, "the rising demand for mental health services over the last few years has made the area of therapy one of the most rapidly expanding industries for careers that may be pursued remotely." People are able to go into the profession of therapy without having to through years of extra training because to the many different training choices that are now available.

A Private Fitness Instructor

Getting certified as a personal trainer is an excellent choice for a job shift beyond the age of 40 if you have an interest in health and fitness. You will not only get a wealth of knowledge on health and wellness, but you will also have the opportunity to assist customers in working toward their goals while simultaneously working toward your own fitness objectives; talk about a win-win situation! Additionally, you are in charge of managing your own schedule, which translates to flexible working hours that may be adjusted upwards or downwards according to your requirements.

Social Media Manager

If you are comfortable using various forms of social media, you may want to think about starting a second career as a social media manager beyond the age of 40. Not only is there a huge need for material to be shared on social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, but working in this industry is also very enjoyable and provides enough opportunity for creative expression. According to Glassdoor, the annual income for a social media manager is typically about $55,000. You may work for yourself as a freelancer and locate a range of customers in a specialized field that interests you, or you can obtain an on-staff position as a social media manager at one of the many businesses that provide such jobs.

Stylist of the hair

Salary.com reports that the average annual salary for hairstylists and hairdressers is around $27,000, and that demand for hairstylists is anticipated to rise by approximately 8 percent over the course of the next seven years. In most cases, hair stylists run their businesses independently and rent out a station inside an already established store or salon. This allows them to more easily acquire new customers and expand their clientele. To obtain a state license, you will first need to pass an examination administered by the state and fulfill all of the state's requirements; therefore, you should research the policies that govern your state.

Entrepreneur

If not now, then when?" According to Thompson, "it is what a lot of women are saying to themselves in the midst of the epidemic while they are withdrawing from the workforce and rethinking the 'why' behind their employment." "Many women have wished to start a side company or have had business ideas but have been unable to do so due to a lack of time, energy, or other resources. It is never too late to start your own company or launch your concept, and there are many women in their 40s and beyond who have found the guts and confidence to begin on this road. What are the positives? "Speaking for myself and my fellow entrepreneurs, we are able to determine our own hours, price, and pick who we want to do business with," she adds. "We have complete control over these aspects of our businesses." I used to be unable to say that when I worked in corporate since I was often missing important family events because of my job.

Yoga Instructor

You can become certified as a yoga instructor in a variety of different ways, and it won't take you more than a few months to do so. Because of this, switching to a career as a yoga instructor won't require a great deal of effort on your part, regardless of whether you want to start your own studio or join an established one. PayScale.com reports that the average hourly income for a yoga teacher is $25 per hour, with a range that begins at $15 per hour and goes all the way up to $49 per hour. Bonus: the atmosphere at your place of business will be so peaceful!

Designers of Graphics

Consider switching to graphic design if you're looking for a new line of work beyond the age of 40 that will give you room to be creative. "If this is an area of knowledge and passion for you, it is simple to join the business that you can do from the comfort of your own home or from a graphics design company," adds Simon. "You can even do it from a graphics design firm." The website Payscale estimates that the typical income for a graphic designer is $46,000 per year.

analyst of both technology and data

"There are a lot of tech roles that may be entered with some credentials and minimal work experience," adds Philip. "There are also a number of tech positions that need no work experience at all." If a person is ready to learn some basic coding or seek a certification in data analytics, the technology business is an excellent one that is continually employing new employees.

Dental Hygienist

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States of America, this might be the perfect high-paying career choice for women over the age of 40 who are interested in dental health since the median wage is $77,000. You will be responsible for cleaning teeth and providing general dental assistance, both of which may be dirty jobs; however, the income and the typically steady work hours more than make up for the messiness of the labor. In addition, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 6% increase in the number of positions available for dental hygienists over the course of the next decade.

Remote Job Recruiter

"A remote recruitment firm can give women with highly exciting and profitable work that could be done from their homes with clients coming from all over the world," says Simon. "These jobs could be done with customers coming from all over the world." If you want to successfully make this move in your profession beyond the age of 40, you will need to have strong networking abilities and be an effective communicator.

Rentals of Party Amusement Equipment

During the pandemic, Krysti Burton, a 45-year-old woman from Watauga, Texas, quit her full-time job working in retail because she didn't want to expose her family to the Covid-19 virus. Instead, she started Dino-Adventure, a 10-foot-long walking dinosaur that can be rented out for parties and other occasions. She promotes the company only via Facebook, including Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Groups in her area, and her own personal Facebook page. Since she launched her company in May, Krysti has already secured bookings for more than 64 events, and she is on track to make more than $20,000 this year. Because it enables you to set your own hours and is relatively flexible, this job is an excellent option for people over the age of 40. Because of this flexibility, I am able to spend more time with my family, whether it is helping to babysit my seven grandchildren or finding time to see my youngest son and his fiancée while they are serving in the military. It is also a profession that provides a great deal of satisfaction, making it an excellent option for anybody who is searching for a meaningful vocation that allows them to contribute happiness to the lives of others.