The idea of switching careers in your 30s, 40s, or 50s seems daunting to many. After years of climbing the ladder, building expertise, and settling into a routine, why start over?
But yes, midlife career change is not an accident but a decision that’s made with an afterthought. A lurking thought that something is missing in your current role. If you are someone who’s struggling with similar scenes and wish to have a speck of hope that it goes right, here’s your sign.
Whether you’re seeking more purpose, better work-life balance, or just something new, here’s a comprehensive guide to making a successful mid-career switch, advocated by Anshuman Tiwari, GXO at GSK. With over 30 years in transformation, innovation, quality, and simplification, this “Brick-by-Brick Guy” is all set to vanish your fears of midlife career change. How? Because he’s been in the trenches too!
So, HRs, jot it down! Here we go.
Table of Contents:
Listen to Anshuman decoding it all for you, only on The CHRO Podcast—India’s one of the top podcasts on thought leadership.
Why Do People Make a Midlife Career Change That Involves Risks?
According to a 2021 MetLife study, 1 in 3 workers aged 40 to 60 considered a career change during the pandemic. A 2023 LinkedIn survey found that over 60% of professionals aged 35+ were actively exploring new career paths.
But what compels them to toss stable job in the bin and leave?
The reasons might seem common but they’re compelling:
- Burnout or lack of job satisfaction
- Desire for flexibility or remote work
- Financial goals or higher earning potential
- Passion projects that took a backseat
- Industry changes making old roles obsolete
In short, the midlife career change isn’t just a backup plan—it’s a deliberate, thoughtful decision.
And yes, it is fruitful—not for all, but for many.
What Benefits and Perks Does a Mid-Career Switch Bring Along?
Remember, bigger payoffs come with riskier choices. A late career transition can bring:
- Better financial upside: A late career transition into a booming industry pays your bills plus skyrocket savings—in short, with a simple switch, your finances can explode.
- Improved work-life balance: Companies supporting WFH or flexible working styles assist age and lifestyles.
- Reignited curiosity: Practicing a new skill brings more excitement and fulfillment.
- Challenging oneself: For some, new challenges are the fuel to growth.
Common Fears During Mid-Career Switch and How to Address Them
Thinking of switching careers but paralyzed by fear? Welcome to the club where every second thought that pops in your mind can look like these:
“I’ll have to start from scratch.”
“I can’t afford the pay cut.”
“No one will hire someone my age.”
But wait, these are the creations of your mind, not reality.
Yes, you’ll have to start from scratch but that’s something you’ve already done in the past—in your current role. You’ll face fears of restarting, but they will eventually fade like they did in your first job. Quite logical, right?
Entering a new field in your 30s or 50s at a beginner level will surely pay you less but the curiosity and natural interest will make the role less of a job. Right? What’s the point of drawing a high package with all the perks but no zeal to wake up to go to work?
And if you are worried, no one will hire you in your midlife, then you should know that The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects workers over 40 in many countries. Plus, many employers actively seek seasoned professionals for their reliability and leadership.
So, your age isn’t a deadline—but a milestone in your roadmap and you have far to go.
Tune in to Spotify to listen to Anshuman’s insightful life experiences on midlife career change, only on The CHRO Podcast—your top HR podcast on industrial insights.
And now that you have stepped forward,
Are You Ready for the Hand-picked Strategies for Making the Mid-career Switch Work?
Great! Here we go!
Strategy #1
Be honest or be ready to fall.
Pause and ask yourself, “Why am I considering this switch? Is it burnout, boredom, a dream I parked for years, or just a gut feeling?” Ensure it’s not an impulse.
“Winners think, they think ahead, and they keep learning.” –Anshuman Tiwari
Strategy #2
Passion? Nah! Chase curiosity!
Ever heard, “Follow your passion?” It rarely works. Instead, follow what pulls you. What is it you want to dive into—deeply? Seek it and let it lead you to destination.
Strategy #3
Identify your strong skills.
You’ve got tools already. Just repackage them. Generic skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving are universally viable. What you already do well is your power, use it wisely in your next space—just adapt.
“Nothing is original in this world, everything is adapted.” –Anshuman Tiwari
Strategy #4
Talk to people.
Don’t just apply, talk in your field. Ask these folks about the pros and cons to let you know if your midlife career change is a good decision. Know more about what skills they learned early, what they wish they’d known. Such quick talks are more insightful than bland Google searches.
Strategy #5
Dip your toes first, take a dive later.
Before you burn bridges with your current role, freelance a little, volunteer, or take a weekend course. The idea is to do a trial to know if you would really enjoy the mid-career switch or would it blow your house of cards.
Strategy #6
Learn like you can’t live without it.
Let learning expand your skillset and fatten the knowledge base. Certifications, books, relevant events, masterclasses, webinars, libraries, and workshops—are low-cost, high-impact brain boosters.
Strategy #7
Narrate your story in your resume.
Gone are the days when creating a lifeless resume was rewarding. Today, recruiters want to know your story—the career path you chose, the best experiences, reasons behind switches to get insight into your professional psyche. They want to visualize your journey and not a sheet with listed jobs and certifications.
Strategy #8
Underqualified? Still Apply!
No candidate ever matches the checklist. Carry “I believe in myself and ready to learn” attitude to present yourself as a qualified applicant. Recruiters are not hunting for ‘Mr./Ms. Know It All,’ rather potential aspirants. Show them the spark and they’ll hire you.
Strategy #9
Be ready for a bruised ego.
Accept that you’ll fumble, get rejected, and make mistakes. But what? This is all normal. Just remind yourself that discomfort is growth and once you heal, you’ll evolve.
“The world is under no obligation to make your risks pay off.” –Anshuman Tiwari
Strategy #10
Small wins? Celebrate and remember.
The best way to beat the fear of failure? Don’t wait for the big victories—celebrate small wins. Learned a new skill? Reward yourself. Got a pat on your back? Pamper yourself. They prove you’re learning even though you’re fumbling, and small achievements deserve all the attention. Why? Because you can reflect on those when self-doubts hit hard.
“On social media, particularly LinkedIn, the kind of congratulation messages I got were very touching. People literally saw that I was doing what they wanted to do and that gave them some hope and inspiration.” –Anshuman Tiwari
It’s Not Too Late—It’s the Right Time
A career transition isn’t a step backward. It’s a leap toward the life you want. Strategize, seek, switch and your 40s and 50s will be the most fulfilling professional years.
Whenever in doubt and look back at the achievements and recognitions you have earned so far. Remind yourself, if you could do that, why can’t this? And always remember,
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” — George Eliot
Loved the blog? Don’t miss the episode where Anshuman’s makes career transitions easy for you on The CHRO Podcast—the HR podcast that’s on air only for you.