Has anyone successfully changed career in their late 40s or 50s? inspire me!

[Whitehorsegirl]

I am 52 and I have worked in the charity sector for the past 20 years, anything from communications, fundraising to project/team management and working directly with people with mental health issues.

I am looking a a part-time role and I must say I am slowly but surely completely losing my enthusiasm for the sector as the interviewing process is proving soul-destroying. I have no issues getting interviews but securing a role remains elusive. The charity sector also seems to have gone almost full on corporate, very money-oriented in the way it operates rather than asking themselves what help they are actually providing to the people/causes they claim to represent and this is making uncomfortable too.

I have long term health issues and I can't work full time anymore so that limits my options.

It could be that the interviewer (who are often younger than me) can sense that I have lost some of my motivation or maybe they prefer to hire someone closer to them in age. Maybe I just need to start thinking about doing something else entirely....

I wonder if anyone has made a career change in their late 40s/ 50s because their usual career just wasn't working anymore ? Or has anyone successfully started a small business or gone freelance?

Would love to hear any positives stories as I am feeling rather down about it all today.

Will watch with interest!
51 and need a new job, although doing what, I don't know.
Currently a TA, but now in the throws of menopause, my enthusiasm has waned somewhat.

I think the 50's can be tough to be honest.
Not at retirement age, yet we can feel unenthusiastic, tired, fed up etc.

What interests you? I bet you have a ton of transferable skills ?

I studied a Diploma in Counselling and qualified at the age of 56. I now have a private practice, seeing a small number of clients each week. I also work for a charity supporting people with emotional wellbeing. This work is very different from previous careers so there is hope ! 😄

I qualified as a solicitor at 50, having worked as a paralegal for many years.

It gave me the freedom to transition into teaching. I still practise a bit.

Maybe moving to a teaching or training role would suit you OP? Or consulting? You've clearly got loads of knowledge to share.

Sounds like you could do well in HR, maybe specifically in recruitment. A CIPD qualification will open doors.

I joined the civil service aged 40. They are great with flexible working and reasonable adjustments

Thank you everyone who contributed!!

The civil service was on my list and I will look at HR training.

I really want to avoid anything that involves a huge amount of studying and retraining. I simply don't have the money and energy to do that.

I worked with people with mental health issues for quite a few years and I would never want to be a therapist to be honest. Same with teaching, it is definitely not for me.

It sounds like you’ve already got lots of transferable skills - the things you’ve mentioned would definitely be options for you.

Civil service job apps are a bit weird - do have a read of all the info linked about success profiles.

linked from job ads, that should’ve said

Turned 50 in January (and became a nanny!) and by July had completed my Teaching Qualification - will be an ECT (secondary) in September!

I was going to say civil service, as I was 36 when started the job, it's very flexible and reasonable adjustments are possible. Good luck in finding a job that's right for you.