Starting a new career is always intimidating. But a career change at 50 can be overwhelming. However, if you decide to take the plunge to start a new career at 50, it can reignite your passion; makes you feel happier and more productive. Here are our tips and insights to get the best results.

Why has a new career at 50 become popular?

A new career at 50 can be challenging, but making the change can make a lot of sense. Most people at 50 have to contend with mortgages, children, tuition fees, and car payments. While those may scare a few, it should not hold them back from pursuing their dreams. Here are the top reasons to career change after 50 –

• Most of us are self aware at 50.  You can answer the question, what is your ideal career. You have the flexibility to do what you always wanted to do. 
• It can be tough to bounce back if you lose your job.  Start by becoming proactive, and look for jobs for older people jobs for 50+. Begin by preparing for new ones. You can take up extra training to upgrade your skills.  
• One of the advantages of hitting 50 is having a professional network.  You will be able to reach out to others for help. 
• Older employees changing jobs after 20 years can show their past achievements to prospective employees. They can show how you have helped their former clients achieve profit.

Also read: Career counseling | 15 types of career coaches to choose from

Challenges with changing careers at 50

Changing a career at 50 can be challenging. Age, attitude, technology, economy are just some of the obstacles you need to contend with. Here are some challenges to changing jobs for old people

• Most established professionals have a professional network, they rely on while looking for a job. It can be an obstacle if you have no connections in your new field. 
• You may feel you’re too old to make a career switch. 
• You may need to learn new skills to make it in your chosen profession.
• When you are changing careers at 50, you will begin at the bottom of the ladder,  and you may have to start at a lower salary. 
• You will feel nervous about looking for a job again.

How to change careers at 50?

Now that you have decided to take the plunge to switch jobs, here are our top recommendations- 

• If you know what interests you, you have a head start. Before you resign, understand what you want from your second career. Research the different career options in your area of interest. Refer to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, to learn about the fastest-growing sector and see if they match your experience, skills, and interests.
• Even if you are looking for new careers at 50, look for skills you have been using that can be used in your new line of work.
• If your main goal for changing jobs at 50 is to reduce workload and less stress, you may have to reconcile to a smaller paycheck or need to make lifestyle changes. 
• Once you have shortlisted some careers you are interested in, find out the steps you need to take to get the job. You may need certifications or go back to school at 50 years old.
• If you are looking for a career change at 50 you may have to reinvent yourself professionally. Consider changing the way you present yourself in person and online. It will help job seekers think you have already made the shift to the industry.
• Use social media to look for jobs. Join networks in your field of interest.
• Start your action plan with short-term and long-term goals with dates.
• You need to look energetic to look like you are up for the new task. Surround yourself with positive people.
• Tracking your progress will help you get closer to goals. Tracking your progress will help you remain positive. Remember not to get discouraged by setbacks.

Also read: Career Gaps | 10 Best ways to explain gaps in your resume effectively!

Best jobs for people over 50

It is a common misconception, that 50 is too old for a career change. As people are living long er retirement age is rising. Whether you are planning to reenter the workforce or pursuing a career change at 50, there are several opportunities out there for people in your age group.  People at 50 have experience and the ability to learn something new. The best jobs for people over 50 are

1. Jobs for senior citizens 

Many people believe that career opportunities disappear once you are a senior citizen.  You can have a career change at 60. There are many jobs for people over 60, employers are actively looking for mature people with good work ethics. The best jobs for senior citizens are –

• Security guard
• Youth care specialist
• Retail worker
• Event Attendant
• Greeter

2. Low-stress jobs after retirement 

A persistent myth about retirement is that you have ended your career. While you may have stepped away from a job that defined your career, there are cool retirement jobs you can consider. The best low-stress jobs after retirement –

• Food deliver driver 
• Bookkeeping 
• Dog walker or pet sitter
• Camp Host
• Tour guide

3. Jobs for 50 year olds with no experience 

Searching for jobs for older people with no experience can be challenging more so if you are in your 50. There are opportunities for career advancement after a few years. Best jobs for 50yearolds with no experience are –

• Customer service representative
• Home care aid
• Public relations Assistant
• Real Estate Agent
• Sales Account Representative

4. Starting over at 50

Deciding to start over at 50 is difficult. You need to commit to a lot of things. When starting over,  look for something you are passionate about. Some of the best jobs for 50 year old are –

• Teacher
• Driving instructor
• Tradesperson
• Life Coach
• Virtual Assistant

5. Jobs for 50 year olds 

People are staying in the labor force for longer. You need to plan for a career after 50. Some of the top jobs for 50 year olds are –

• Management professional
• Sales and office
• Service
• Production, transportation, and material moving
• Natural resources, construction, and maintenance.

6. Jobs for 60 year olds 

Landing a new job at 60 can be difficult. There are few industries and companies that have jobs for seniors over 60. Here are some jobs for 60-year-olds.

• Teaching
• College instructor
• Administrative assistant
• Nursing Jobs
• Real estate jobs

Also read: How to start an online tutoring business | Work from home tutor

7. Jobs for older women

Getting hired as an older woman can be challenging. Even with the challenges, there are several jobs for over 50 careers for women. We have compiled the best jobs for older women –

• Freelancer Writer
• Tutor
• Counselor 
• Personal Chef
• Consultant

8. Jobs for retired people

As a retired person, you have skills you can use at work. There are plenty of jobs for seniors over 60 that can keep you busy. You do not have to commit to a hectic schedule. There are jobs for over 60yearolds that give you a flexible schedule and job satisfaction. The best jobs for retired people are

• Blogger
• Etsy Seller
• Projectbased consultants
• Tutor
• Answer Online Surveys

9. Jobs for women over 50

Older women are not that different from their younger counterparts. They have unique positions while looking for careers for women for 50, some are financially stable and doing something they love. Here are the best jobs for women for 50 –

• Real estate agent
• Financial advisor
• Nurse
• Occupational Therapist
• Personal Trainer

Also read: Career affirmations | What are career affirmations and 25 famous examples!

10. Changing careers at 50 without a degree

You may be at a disadvantage if you are interested in changing careers at 50 without a degree.  There are many jobs for 50 years old that do not require a degree and are satisfying. There are many jobs for men over 50 if you are willing to work hard. Some of the best jobs over 50 are –

• Independent contractor
• Mediator
• Library assistant
• Event Planner
• Office Clerk

11. Second career ideas over 50

You can begin a second innings at 50. Though career change at 50 is scary, it is a great opportunity to a fresh start. You can use the opportunity to become healthier, happier, and use the experience you have to the table. Some of the best ideas for a career change at 50 are –

• Technical writer
• Patient Advocate
• Tax Preparer
• Recreational Therapist 

12. Best jobs to retrain for at 50

If you are looking for new jobs, you may need to upgrade your skill sets. Some of the best jobs to retrain for at 50 are –

• Education and training
• Accounting and finance
• Medical and health
• Mortgage and real estate

Also read: Remote accounting jobs in 2021 | Salaries, qualifications and skills needed!

13. Government jobs people over 50

People over 50 are participating in the workforce. Governments recognize the value of a mature workforce and the experience a seasoned person can bring to the job. The best government jobs for people over 50 are –

• Mediators in the court system
• Veteran Affair Administration
• National Institute of Health
• US Fish and Wildlife Service

14. Going back to school at 50

At 50 many people want to start something new. If you are wondering if it is worth going back to school at 50, the answer is yes absolutely. You do need to put some thought into your financial, time, and job prospect after your degree. The best going back to school at 50 best careers are:

• Registered Nurse
• Truck Driver
• Medical Secretary
• Kindergarten or elementary teacher
• Accountant

15. Starting over at 60 with nothing

As we reach our 60s some of us do not have the luxury of sitting back. Some of us are looking for jobs for 60yearolds with no experience or looking for the best job for seniors over 60 near me. Here are the best options to starting over at 60 with nothing – 

• Housekeeper
• Food or product demonstrator
• UPS Driver
• Barista
• Nanny

Also read: Best resume software | Give the finest first impression

16. Reentering the workforce after 50

 Career change at 50 is scary especially if you are reentering the workforce after 50. Some of the best options are –

• Taxi Driver
• Tour Guide
• Freelance writer
• Mail Career
• Warehouse manager

17. Switching careers at 50

Switching career at 50 has become much easier. There are several options out there. Some of best career change at 50 options are –

• Driving instructor
• Tradesperson
• Retail roles
• Carer
• Volunteer

18. Best degree after 50

If you are wondering if you are too old to go back to school at 50, do not worry you are not. An associated degree is a great stepping stone to a degree if you are interested. Some of the best degrees after 50 are –

• Accounting
• Art
• Child Development
• Museum Technician
• Proofreader

19. Easy jobs for 60 year olds 

Many senior citizens consider part-time jobs to occupy time and earn extra income. There are part-time jobs for 60 yr olds which can give you some flexibility. The best easy jobs for 60 year olds are –

• Customer service representative
• Retail sale associate
• Bank Teller
• Medical biller
• Brand Ambassador

Also read: Guide to conducting & attending Remote Interviews

20. Jobs for 55 and older

If you are above 55 years or older and want to be employed, there are several jobs for people over 55.  Many employers are finding it difficult to fill vacancies with welltrained and qualified workers. Some of the best jobs for 55 and older are –

• Health diagnosing and treating practitioners
• Computer occupations
• Advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers.
• Motor operators
• Engineers

Popular job training programs for over 50

When you are looking for new careers after 50 you may need to learn some new skills. Training programs for older workers can help give you a competitive edge. Some popular job training programs for over 50 are:

• Community College – The American Association of Community Colleges has a program called Plus 50.  Colleges under this program have learning programs targeted specifically at people over 50. 
• Government Training Programs – The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a training program aimed at chances of getting a job at 55.  This program is aimed at low income individuals. 
• Workforce 50 –Workforce 50 is an online employment service for jobs for seniors over 50. Besides training opportunities, they provide tips about resume writing and self marketing. 
• Experience Works – Experience Works is an NGO that works with seniors who need help with job training and placement.

Also read: Phone interview tips | How to ace a phone interview and secure the best jobs?

What to do when laid off at 50?

When you are laid off at 50, it can derail the plans of your career and finances. Having a backup plan about what to do when you are laid off at 50 will help. Here are some steps you can take

Job hutting over 50 can be challenging, certain benefits can help you support yourself till you find a new job. These benefits may be – severance pay, stock options, 401k loans, continuous health benefits, and further life insurance.

Consider supplementing your income while you look for a new job. Some options you can consider are – consulting, student loans for children who are in college, withdrawing from your 401k fund.

If you are comfortably off you can consider trying a trial retirement or sabbatical. In this period you can focus on professional and personal development. You can search for jobs that interest you. 

Consider new sources of income like starting a business, accepting parttime work, look at similar employment opportunities.

Also read: Technical Interview Questions | Top 30 critical questions to ask before you hire!

Best employers for workers over 50

Changing jobs at 50 can be the perfect age to take some risks and try something new. Many companies welcome the tenacity and experience of older candidates. While some companies go the extra mile to welcome all age groups, the best employers for workers over 50 are: 

• KPMG is one of the biggest accounting firms in the world.
• Bucknell University is a private liberal arts college in Pennsylvania.
• General Mills or Big G is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods. 
• Pfizer is a leading biopharmaceutical company in the world. 
• Rover.com is an online platform for people to sell and buy pet care services.