What are the best second careers for people over 50?
Leverage your experience
Consider roles that value your decades of experience, such as consulting, coaching, or mentoring. You can often set your own hours and work as an independent contractor. Industries like management, finance, and human resources are ripe for consulting.
If you want to give back, nonprofit organizations and social services often need experienced leaders. You might take a pay cut, but the work can be deeply rewarding. Part-time or project-based roles can ease the transition.
- Consultant in your former field
- Adjunct professor or tutor
- Patient advocate or health coach
- Nonprofit program manager
- Real estate agent or insurance broker
Explore growing fields
Healthcare is booming, with demand for home health aides, medical assistants, and health information technicians. Many of these roles require short-term training or certificates, not a full degree. Education also offers opportunities as teaching assistants, substitute teachers, or online instructors.
Technology roles like cybersecurity analyst or user experience designer can be a good fit if you have analytical skills. Bootcamps and online courses can help you transition without going back to college for years.
Consider entrepreneurship
Starting a small business—like a consulting firm, online store, or franchise—can be a great second act. Franchises often provide training and support, which can be helpful if you're new to business ownership. But be realistic about the time and money required.
Test your idea with a side hustle before quitting any current job. SCORE, a nonprofit affiliated with the Small Business Administration, offers free mentoring for aspiring entrepreneurs over 50.
Common mistakes
- Thinking you need a whole new degree to switch fields; many roles require only short-term training.
- Ignoring the value of your transferable skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
- Underestimating the importance of networking in a new field; informational interviews can open doors.
