Change in Career at 40: How to make a successful and confident career move
Thinking about a change in career at 40 can be both exciting and daunting. You may be seeking more purpose, better balance, or simply a role that fits who you are now. The good news: 40 is a powerful age to pivot. You have experience, perspective, and transferable skills that employers value—plus decades of meaningful work still ahead.
Why 40 Is a Great Time to Rethink Your Career
- Clarity of values: You know what matters—impact, flexibility, progression, or stability.
- Transferable strengths: Problem-solving, communication, leadership, stakeholder management.
- More options than ever: Hybrid work, portfolio careers, consulting, and retraining routes.
- Longer working lives: A change in career at 40 still leaves 20+ years to grow and thrive.
Five Practical Steps to Navigate a Career Change
1) Get clear on your drivers
List your energisers, non-negotiables, and values. Ask: “What do I want more of and less of?” Consider a structured assessment and reflective exercises to surface patterns.
2) Map your transferable skills
Translate what you already do into the language of your target roles. For example, “team leadership” → “leading cross-functional delivery”; “reporting” → “data-informed decision-making.”
3) Test possible directions
Run small experiments: informational interviews, job-shadowing, volunteering, short courses, or a single freelance project. Gather real-world feedback before committing.
4) Upskill with intent
Fill only the gaps that move the needle—targeted certificates, micro-credentials, or on-the-job learning. Keep it lean and applied.
5) Build a simple transition plan
- 90-day goal: Clarify target roles, update CV/LinkedIn, start outreach.
- Skills plan: One focused course or project to prove capability.
- Network plan: Weekly conversations with people in your target space.
- Financial plan: Savings buffer, part-time bridge, or staged transition.
Common Concerns—And How to Tackle Them
“Am I too old?” Employers value maturity, reliability, and judgement. Show recent learning and outcomes to counter age bias.
“What about money?” Model scenarios (side move, lateral step, staged shift). Negotiate for total package: flexibility, development budget, or compressed hours.
“Where do I even start?” Start with clarity (values + strengths), then test options. Small steps compound quickly.
Tip: Replace “start over” with “build on.” You’re not beginning from zero—you’re redirecting accumulated experience.
Make Your Experience Count
- Proof of impact: Use metrics and outcomes (“reduced costs by 12%,” “led a team of 10”).
- Portfolio signals: Add a brief case study, presentation, or GitHub/Notion sample.
- Story fit: Explain your pivot in one line: “I’m moving into X to use my Y strengths on Z problems.”
Quick Wins This Month
- Write a one-paragraph positioning summary for your target roles.
- Refresh your LinkedIn headline and “About” section for discoverability.
- Ask three contacts for 15-minute insights calls in your target field.
- Enroll in one short, applied course to close a key skills gap.
- Create a 90-day plan and review it weekly.
FAQ: Change in Career at 40
Is a change in career at 40 realistic without retraining? Often yes—many moves are enabled by reframing existing strengths and gaining targeted experience.
How long does a transition take? Typical ranges: 3–9 months, depending on goals, network, and market conditions.
Should I take a pay cut? Not always. Some shifts are lateral; others trade short-term pay for long-term upside. Model both scenarios.
Ready to Start?
A change in career at 40 is not only possible—it can be the most rewarding chapter of your working life. If you’d like a clear plan and a steady partner on the journey, I can help.
About Diana Dawson
I’m Diana Dawson, Founder of Working Career. As a professional interviewer, career coach, career psychologist, career counsellor, career consultant, executive coach, and well-being at work coach, I help professionals like you make the most of your working life.
With nearly 20 years of experience, I’m an Accredited Master Coach with the Association for Coaching, a Coaching Psychologist, and a Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist. My approach combines evidence-based coaching techniques with practical strategies to help you create clarity, build confidence, and achieve the work and life you want.
Whether you’re navigating a career change at 40, preparing for interviews, building leadership skills, or supporting your team’s well-being, I provide tailored one-to-one coaching for individuals and organisations alike.