Starting a new job or embarking on a new career around your 50s can be both exhilarating and daunting. While challenges exist, your wealth of experience, resilience, and adaptability can serve as significant advantages.

I recently started a new job in marketing, and while I’ve worked in marketing, within the same industry for many years, it’s also very different. I’m working with different products, systems and people – so regardless of your experience, it can still feel like a completely new career.

I’ve outlined some advantages and challenges to serve as a guide for those contemplating a job or career change in midlife.

Transitioning into a new role later in life often brings concerns:

Ageism: Worries about being overlooked due to age are valid. However, many employers value the reliability, maturity, and diverse perspectives that seasoned professionals offer.​ There is also no pressure to divulge your actual age to anyone. In Australia, employers are legally prohibited from discriminating based on age which means they cannot ask for your age unless it’s directly related to the requirements of the job.  Age Discrimination | Australian Human Rights Commission.

Your advantage here is that you’re only as old as you choose to be. Your energy and interest levels will set your pace. While there’s confidence in younger generations, there isn’t always wisdom, and that’s the ace in your pocket.

Technological Adaptation: Technology continues evolving at a rapid pace, but this doesn’t mean you have to get left behind. Consider one or two key areas that are related to your industry or role and sign up to a course. There are plenty of free courses or paid options out there. Not only will you learn a thing or two, but it will boost your confidence. Try Coursera or Udemy as a start.

Cultural Fit: Integrating into a new workplace culture, especially one dominated by younger colleagues, may seem challenging. What I have found is that it’s likely more in your own head than others. It may take a little longer to get to know your colleagues if there is a wider age gap, but once they learn your individual quirks, Gen Z will be all over you – no cap.

Besides, the bonus of midlife is that you’re not as concerned about what other people think.

Starting From Scratch: It’s never easy taking on something new, especially at a time when you want to put your best foot forward. Starting again often means asking “stupid” questions and carrying out simple tasks slower than what you may be used to. It’s intimidating because you begin to question your own capabilities.

Starting again can be an exceptionally good thing however, for two reasons;

Making Mistakes: At several points along this journey you will question whether you have made a mistake. Should I have left my job? Why did I take this job? Should I have held out for more money or the “dream job”? Believe you me, these questions come thick and fast.

It’s easy to lose sight of why you made certain decisions in the first place, and this is where you need to take time to reflect. Quiet time to really think about your decision-making process at the time, because we tend to glorify the past.

To be honest, I’m still not entirely sure I’m in the right place– but waiting for a dream job is like waiting for a knight or lady in shining armour. It’s an outdated concept. If you’re going to make a mistake, get on with making it – because failing is the only way to find success.

Prioritizing Physical and Mental Health

Starting a new job can impact both physical and mental health:

Physical Health: Adjusting to a new routine can have more of an impact than you might think. You may have a longer commute or earlier wake up than you are used to and your eating patterns will likely be disrupted at first. Reduced sleep and poor diet can amplify feelings of anxiety or stress that you may already be feeling with a new job.

I learnt this the hard way. Instead of giving myself the space to start a new job and rest at every opportunity in between, I added additional social engagements over the weekends and tried to kick off an exercise regime to fit my new schedule, resulting in added stress and migraines for an extended period of time. Not what you want at the start of a new job.

Starting a new job midlife is not the same as starting a new job in your twenties or thirties and I underestimated the amount of mental energy that I needed. Give your body and brain the time to adjust and rest. Later in life, you get to know what your body needs, it’s just about listening to it.

Pro tip:- build in a leave day or long weekend in your first month (say that you already had something booked!). You may just need the time to catch your breath.

Mental Health: Making a significant life change like a job around your 50s can bring about all sorts of feelings and emotions. Self-doubt and anxiety are likely right at the top of that list. The benefit of having a broad base of life and work experience is that you can likely spot the feelings that are associated with all the “new” experiences and people and understand that you will not always feel like that.

I would say it’s important to find the time to consider where the feelings are stemming from and use it as an opportunity to guide you in understanding yourself better – It’s time for your own scientific research. Some questions to consider:

• What triggers anxiety for you in the workplace?
• What drains you or what excites you?
• What helps you stay mentally healthy at work?
• Who can you talk to about your mental health at work?

For Women, another consideration in midlife is perimenopause or menopause and their associated symptoms.

Of course, these feelings or emotions may be a bit more than just a new job, or more than you feel you can handle. There are some helpful resources online to support you or help you with having a conversation with a friend or a doctor.

I found these suggested strategies to be a good idea – now I just need to implement them!  

There we go. Beginning again, in the middle, can be a good thing with a few tips and tricks up your sleeve. This is also relevant if you are setting up your own gig, either way, it’s a significant change at a time of life when things are changing around you all the time.

Good luck out there!