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Over 50 and Looking For a Career Change? Try These Ideas.

11 career ideas to try as you turn 50

By Kristen BradyPublished about a year ago Updated about a year ago 4 min read
Over 50 and Looking For a Career Change? Try These Ideas.
Photo by Kendall Scott on Unsplash

The world is your oyster, if you’re looking to change careers later on in life. Rather than winding down and moving towards retirement, more people now than ever before are seeking a change in direction.

Below are 11 ideas for a brand-new journey in your 50s and beyond…

Funeral Arranger

Funeral care careers are not only about working with the dead. A major part of the job additionally includes working closely with loved ones to ensure that the funeral reflects all of their wishes and to provide them emotional support as they are grieving.

A lot of employers will hire funeral arrangers with little to no expertise in this industry so long as they possess the proper attitude. When you have built up substantial funeral arranger experience, you might think about applying for a funeral director job.

Childcare

Maybe you are curious about becoming a childminder or nanny?

If you like being around kids and love the thought of working flexible hours, a job in childcare might be just what you have been waiting for.

In the role of childcare, you will typically support and care for children in a variety of ways — from cooking dinner to helping with homework — while their caretaker(s) or parent(s) are at work or away.

Usually, as a childminder, you will look after kids in your own house as parents or guardians will drop them off and then pick the children up at specified times.

Government Jobs

You might not be thinking about running for public office; however, you might channel your interest within the public sector by searching for government jobs for those over 50. The civil service and local government organizations invite applications from those over 50.

Government jobs span an array of roles, which includes building control officers, planning officers, environmental health officers, and administration roles.

Sales Roles

If you are dynamic and smart, can develop amazing presentations, are experienced at the art of persuasion, and love a challenge, a job in sales might be for you.

Career options in this field involve everything from telesales assistant to sales director or account executive.

Life Coach

For such a role, it is helpful to possess a good amount of work and life experience to draw from that may be passed on to other people — making it the perfect opportunity for older adults.

Life coaches advise their clients on how to change their lifestyle so they can be happier.

Among the kinds of mentoring jobs are a business coach, a life coach, and mentor to students and young people.

Virtual Assistant

It’s possible to say “bye bye” to that regular job and that awful commute by becoming a VA (virtual assistant). As a VA, it’s possible to make a good income without having to leave your house.

Virtual Assistants are those who provide administrative support to entrepreneurs, companies, and anyone needing assistance with routine activities.

If you’re looking to start meeting and networking with clients, the best way to begin is to join freelancing sites, like People per Hour or Fiverr.

Pet Sitter

If you like animals, why not think about becoming a pet sitter?

Not only are you going to become your own boss but, provided you have a lot of passion for animals and energy, you will have fun in this job.

The duties of pet sitting involve dog walking, feeding, and taking pets to and from vets. Working with dogs and cats might be an outstanding way to decrease your stress levels when working — and not many jobs are able to boast that!

Retail Job

If you work well with the public and love to keep busy, you may enjoy a role in retail.

It may be an excellent way to keep physically fit and remain socially connected with the community. If you do not want to work on the shop floor, an administration or management role may be more appropriate for you.

Tradesperson

Experienced tradespeople are always in demand, and training programs and apprenticeships for older generations are supported by the government.

Among the multitude of career options that are supported by the government are roofers, plumbers, decorators, painters, stonemasons, electricians, and carpenters.

This useful guide from Startups offers an abundance of information regarding how you can become a self-employed tradesperson — which includes how you can put together a business plan, as well as take out the proper business insurance.

Driving Instructor

You would get to help drivers of all ages develop confidence and skills in the car, as a driving instructor. Some students will have never sat in a driver’s seat before, whereas other ones might’ve passed their driving test but just want to refresh those skills.

Teacher

There’s an increasing number of folks in their 50s and 60s returning to retrain as educators. You could be a supply teacher, regular teacher, provide private tuition, or teach courses at an adult education college.

Teaching can be very fulfilling, in which it’s possible to draw on your expertise and experience to inspire students and connect with the youth of today.

Whatever the reason you decide to make a change, this is a thrilling chance to embrace something brand new. It is never too late to consider an amazing new career.

Links to companies found on Medium

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About the Creator

Kristen Brady

Kristen is a Solopreneurship Coach on Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/kristenbrady

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Comments (3)

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  • Alyssa wilkshoreabout a year ago

    Well detailed, like your ideas

  • Esala Gunathilakeabout a year ago

    Thanks for sharing

  • Latasha karenabout a year ago

    Nice article

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