People who successfully change careers in their 40s and later tend to display these 8 unique traits

Changing careers in your 40s (or later) isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It’s a big deal! But here’s the thing—those who take the leap and make it work tend to share some pretty remarkable qualities.

Hey there, I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and someone who’s endlessly curious about what makes people tick. I’ve always been inspired by folks who shake things up, especially when they take on bold career changes later in life.

In this article, I’m diving into the key traits that help people successfully reinvent themselves—even in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. 

If you’re toying with the idea of a career switch (or just want to know what makes these trailblazers tick), stick around—you might find a little inspiration for your own journey.

1) They embrace uncertainty

Let’s face it; a career change at any age is fraught with unknowns. But when you’re in your 40s or beyond, the stakes can feel even higher. You might have a mortgage, kids in college, or retirement looming on the horizon. It’s a lot to juggle.

Yet, those who succeed don’t shy away from these uncertainties. Instead, they lean into them. They see the unknown as an opportunity for growth and personal development rather than a roadblock.

This doesn’t mean they throw caution to the wind. Rather, they carefully weigh their options, do their research and make informed choices. But at the end of the day, they’re not afraid to take that leap of faith.

2) They’re lifelong learners

They’re not content to rest on their laurels, instead they constantly seek new knowledge, skills, and experiences.

I remember a friend of mine, John, who was a successful banker for over 20 years. When he hit his mid-40s, he realized that his heart wasn’t in it anymore. He yearned for something more fulfilling and meaningful.

So, what did John do? He went back to school and got a degree in social work. This wasn’t a decision he took lightly, but his love for learning and his passion for helping others drove him. Today, John is a senior counselor at a non-profit organization and couldn’t be happier.

As I watched John’s journey unfold, I was struck by his eagerness to learn and grow. He truly embodies the spirit of a lifelong learner – a trait that I believe is essential for anyone considering a career transition later in life.

3) They understand the value of self-awareness

They’re in tune with their values, strengths, weaknesses, and passions. This self-understanding helps them to make career choices that align with their core selves.

Mid-way through my career, I found myself at a crossroads. I was successful, but I felt something was missing. I wanted more than just a job; I wanted a vocation that resonated with who I truly was.

But to find that path, I needed to understand myself better.

That’s when I started delving deeper into the philosophy of Buddhism and mindfulness. In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I share some of the insights and tools that helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself and my aspirations.

Self-awareness is not just about knowing what you’re good at or what you enjoy. It’s about understanding your values, what drives you, and what gives you a sense of purpose. It’s this self-awareness that enables people to make thoughtful career transitions that align with their true selves.

4) They display psychological resilience

A career change, especially later in life, is not a walk in the park. It often involves numerous challenges and obstacles. Therefore, psychological resilience is a crucial trait for those making this transition.

Psychological resilience refers to an individual’s ability to successfully cope with adversity or change. It’s not about avoiding stress or hardship, but rather being able to bounce back and adapt when they occur.

People who change careers in their 40s and beyond often face many challenges such as learning new skills, overcoming age bias, or coping with a potential decrease in income. However, their ability to remain resilient in the face of these hurdles is what helps them navigate through these changes successfully.

Various psychological studies have shown that resilience can be cultivated with practice. Techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and maintaining a positive outlook can all contribute to building resilience.

So if you’re contemplating a career change later in life, don’t be daunted by the challenges ahead. Instead, see them as opportunities to build your resilience and remember that success is not just about avoiding failure, but how you respond to it.

5) They’re not afraid to start from scratch

This might seem counter-intuitive, but they are often those willing to start from the bottom and work their way up. They’re not afraid to be the ‘newbie’ or the ‘rookie’ in a field where others might be younger but have more experience.

These career changers understand that every new endeavor comes with a learning curve. Instead of seeing this as a setback, they view it as an opportunity to learn, grow and bring a fresh perspective to their new field.

In fact, being a beginner can often be an advantage. Beginners are open-minded, eager to learn and aren’t restricted by ‘the way things have always been done’. They’re free to think outside the box and bring new ideas to the table.

6) They prioritize work-life balance

Many people who transition careers later in life do so in pursuit of a better work-life balance. They value their time, relationships, and personal well-being as much as their professional success.

These individuals understand that a fulfilling life is not just about work, but also about maintaining healthy relationships, pursuing hobbies, and taking care of their physical and mental health. They’re not afraid to set boundaries and prioritize their personal life when necessary.

This shift often results in not just a more balanced life, but also increased job satisfaction and productivity. After all, when we’re happy and fulfilled in our personal lives, it spills over into our professional lives as well.

7) They know the value of networking

Networking isn’t just about landing a job or climbing the corporate ladder. It’s about building meaningful relationships and learning from others.

I remember attending various industry events, feeling like a small fish in a big pond. It was intimidating to approach established professionals in the field, but I knew that these connections could provide valuable insights and opportunities.

Over time, I realized that networking is less about impressing others and more about being genuine, showing curiosity, and offering help where you can. It’s about mutual support and learning, not just exchanging business cards.

People who successfully change careers later in life often have strong networks that they’ve built over the years. They understand the power of connections and are not afraid to reach out for advice or help. And often, they’re more than willing to offer their own wisdom and support in return.

So reach out, connect, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You never know where these connections might lead you.

8) They’re not deterred by failure

They understand that failure is just part of the process. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger. Rather than being discouraged by challenges or setbacks, they use them as fuel to keep pushing forward.

This tenacity in the face of failure is what sets apart those who successfully transition careers later in life. They don’t let fear of failure hold them back. Instead, they take calculated risks, learn from their mistakes, and keep moving forward towards their goals.

As the saying goes, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” If you’re considering a career change later in life, remember that it’s okay to fail. What matters is your determination to keep going.

In conclusion: It’s all about embracing change

The journey of reinventing one’s career later in life is as unique as each individual. Yet, the common thread that weaves through all these stories of successful career transitions is an enthusiastic embrace of change.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into how embracing change and living with mindfulness can lead to a more fulfilling life. Many of the traits highlighted in this article align closely with these principles.

Whether you’re contemplating a career transition or simply seeking more fulfillment in life, these traits can serve as a guide. Change, even later in life, is not only possible but can also lead to incredible personal growth and satisfaction.

Ultimately, the decision to make a career change later in life is a deeply personal one. It’s about finding what truly resonates with you and taking the leap towards it. 

As Carl Jung once said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” So, embrace change, stay resilient, keep learning, and take the steps towards the career – and life – that truly reflect who you are.