Retraining at 50: How To Change Your Career

Retraining when you’re over 50 requires a leap of faith and we’re here to help you.

Changing careers can be an exciting but terrifying thought. You may be feeling underappreciated, overworked or in need of a fresh start. Perhaps you have grown tired of your current role, or maybe you want to pursue something that has more purpose.

Whatever your motivation, we have you covered. We know that your best professional years can still be ahead of you – read on to find out everything you need to know about changing careers and retraining when you’re over 50.

What to Consider Before Retraining

Changing careers is a big decision and should not be rushed. Before you hand in your notice, be mindful of the following important considerations.

Consider the Why and the What?

First, the "Why". Why are you changing careers? Is it to pursue a passion? Do you want to increase your earning potential? Are you looking for a more relaxing job to segway into retirement?

The answer to these questions will have a significant impact on the "What". What career are you going to retrain for? What career is going to suit your current needs best? There is no need to rush this process, so take plenty of time mulling over what might work best for you.

Look at the Financial Implications

Before making any big decisions, consider the financial impact of changing careers. Would a career change mean taking a pay cut? Can you afford to drop down to minimum wage if necessary? What is your future earning potential in a new career?

Changing careers is alluring and fun, but be sure that your books are in order before you do so.

Research, Research, Research

It is vital that you heavily research the job you want to retrain for: watch videos, ask friends who work in similar fields and try taster courses. Get as much experience as you can to see what your future job might be like.

This will help reassure you that changing careers is right for you and will rid you of misconceptions.

Career Change or Career Tweak?

Before retraining and giving your life a complete makeover, have you considered switching roles in your current job? Chatting over options with your current employer might be a clever way of getting a fresh start, without the hassle of downgrading pay or searching for a new job.

There may be other positions within your current company that you find attractive. For example, if you are looking to learn more about IT, then perhaps your employer could send you on an IT course and offer you a role in the IT department. A career tweak is worth considering when you’re over 50 – it may be the small change you need.

Consider An Apprenticeship

A brilliant way to retrain and continue to earn at the same time is through apprenticeships.

You may think that apprenticeships are designed only for younger people, but over 50s can undertake an apprenticeship, too. Many apprenticeships are in industries such as construction, fashion and hospitality, but not all. There are also apprenticeships in media, technology and retail.

It is never too late to take on an apprenticeship. You can use the government website to find local apprenticeships or apply directly to a company that you are interested in. Alternatively, browse the apprenticeships available with one of our age-inclusive employers. For example, media and advertising agency dentsu has opportunities in finance and technology – explore apprenticeship options at dentsu today.

When applying directly to a company apprenticeship, you need to proactively seek opportunities. Spruce up your LinkedIn profile and reach out to your personal network to find opportunities to retrain. Talk to friends you know in the industry and let them know you are looking for a career change.

Finding the ideal apprenticeship or opportunity isn’t going to happen overnight – it will take time and dedication.

New Careers You Can Retrain For

Thinking about retraining into a different career? Here are some of the best options for over 50s.

1. Education

Pursue your lifelong dream and retrain as a teacher or lecturer. Progressive companies such as NowTeach offer opportunities to older workers to retrain as a fully qualified teacher. NowTeach respects the bravery of retraining later in life and changing careers and are there to guide you through the process of achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

2. Mentorship

With years of experience in one or multiple fields under your belt – it’s time to share your expertise with others. Whether you’re interested in becoming a business mentor for a handful of founders or you’re eager to run talks and workshops, put yourself out there and lend a helping hand to those motivated to build a career like yours. Read through our guide of everything you need to know about mentoring.

3. Customer Service Roles

Research has found that over-50s have higher Emotional Intelligence than younger colleagues. All the soft skills you've gained during your career – such as listening, communication, patience and empathy – are ideal for customer service roles. Jobs/Redefined has thousands of opportunities from age-friendly employers, including roles in customer service departments. Age-inclusive employers such as Bank of Ireland, Boots and 02 have all worked with 55/Redefined to source over-50s for their public-facing roles.

4. Retail Roles

Whether you’re ready for a change after spending your career making strides in marketing, or you’re ready to step into a new sales role at another company, explore retail opportunities near you. Browse our age-inclusive employers to find new career pathways within retail tailored to you.

5. Life Coaching

If you’re over 50, it’s likely you have a wealth of life experience. Family or friends may depend on you for advice and guidance as they navigate life’s challenges – so why not turn your wisdom into a living? Life coaching can be a rewarding career choice for those willing to make the move, where a calm, positive and measured approach can enable your clients to forge the path they want.

Changing careers when you’re over 50 doesn’t have to be daunting. You just need to take that first brave step.

Additional Resources for Retraining at 50

Decided you want to retrain for a new career? Here are some extra resources to help you:

• Life/Redefined Online Training Courses: Take one of our free CPD-accredited online training courses and unlock your full potential
• Jobs/Redefined Jobs board: Find your next new career with an age-inclusive employer on our jobs board
• Life/Redefined Purpose Finder: Not sure what your next step should be? Check out our purpose finder.

Upskill, Change Careers or Start a Business?: Take this personality test to figure out what your next step should be now you’re over 50