Are you considering changing careers at 50? You aren’t alone. Recent data from a 2025 AARP survey shows that 24% of Americans aged 50 and above plan to make career changes this year. This represents a noticeable increase from 14% in 2024, highlighting the growing willingness of older adults to make professional pivots, many of whom are discovering new opportunities in fields like real estate.
Changing careers at 50 can feel overwhelming, but it’s certainly achievable. In fact, many people in their 50s are discovering exciting new opportunities and thriving in industries they never thought they would enter. Whether you’re looking for greater fulfillment, a better work-life balance, or simply want to try something new, this stage of life can be the perfect time to make a change.
Feeling uncertain about your next steps? We’ll guide you through the process of making a successful midlife career transition.
Key Takeaways
- Midlife Career Changes Are Increasingly Common: More adults over 50 are exploring new careers, with a 2025 AARP survey showing 24% plan to change careers—up from 14% in 2024.
- Motivations Include Fulfillment, Flexibility, and Stability: Common reasons for changing careers at 50 include burnout, the desire for better work-life balance, financial goals, and the pursuit of meaningful or passion-driven work.
- You Can Succeed Without a Degree: Many careers, such as real estate, offer entry without a college degree. Online courses and certifications make it easier to upskill and transition into new roles.
- Preparation and Networking Are Critical: A successful transition involves reflecting on your goals, identifying transferable skills, researching growth industries, activating your network, and taking gradual steps, such as volunteering or freelancing, before fully committing.
Why Do People Change Careers at 50?
You’re not alone in thinking about a later-in-life career change. Here are some common reasons why others are pursuing new paths after 50—and why real estate fits the bill:
- Desire for a Better Work-Life Balance: For some, the demands of their current jobs leave little room for personal time or family. A career change can provide the flexibility needed for a healthier lifestyle.
- Financial Stability: Many professionals switch roles to secure better benefits, higher pay, or long-term financial stability, especially as they approach retirement.
- Burnout or Excessive Stress: High-pressure environments often catch up with people, leading them to explore less stressful yet rewarding career options.
- Passion for a New Field: Sometimes, discovering a new interest later in life inspires a change. Whether it’s opening a bakery, becoming a real estate agent, or working in tech, following a passion is a powerful motivator.
- Industry Changes or Instability: Economic shifts and the increasing reliance on AI have disrupted many industries, prompting workers to transition into more stable and growing fields.
- Meaningful Work: For many, especially at this stage of life, the desire to make a meaningful impact becomes more important than simply earning a paycheck. Helping people buy or sell homes often brings personal satisfaction and allows you to make a tangible impact on clients’ lives.
- Personal Life Changes: Whether due to health challenges, family responsibilities (such as caring for aging parents), or a shift in priorities, some individuals require jobs with more flexibility, such as real estate, that better align with their current circumstances.
Benefits of a Mid-Life Career Change
Changing careers at 50 can be a powerful step toward personal growth and rediscovering your purpose. It’s an opportunity to align your work with your passions and values, offering a renewed sense of fulfillment.
Take heart! Making a career shift at this stage in life isn’t about starting over but rather building on the strong foundation you’ve already created.
You’ll be able to leverage decades of professional experience, whether it’s directly or indirectly related to your new career.
One of the greatest advantages of a midlife career change is the ability to leverage decades of experience and expertise. The problem-solving skills, leadership qualities, and adaptability you’ve cultivated over the years are assets that many employers highly value.
Additionally, the robust network of professional and personal connections you’ve built can open doors to new opportunities that younger professionals may find difficult to access. Those connections may be especially helpful for those entering the real estate industry.
Your skills and work ethic give you a significant advantage, demonstrating that your value extends far beyond your age.
Another key factor to remember is that skills and work ethic often outweigh age. Employers are increasingly recognizing the value that mature workers bring to the table, including their reliability, strong work habits, and ability to mentor younger colleagues.
You may feel inspired to go out on your own and open a business. Real estate is a great option for entrepreneurial-minded adults.
You’ll be able to work in an industry that interests you.
Finally, another significant benefit of a mid-life career change is the opportunity to pursue a passion or align your work with your personal values. By this point in life, many individuals have a clearer understanding of what truly motivates them and brings them satisfaction. A career change allows you to shift towards work that feels more meaningful or fulfilling, whether it’s contributing to a cause you care about, utilizing creative talents, or focusing on industries that resonate with your interests. This sense of purpose can lead to greater happiness and long-term satisfaction in your professional life.
Do you love architecture and design, or often find yourself scrolling through houses for sale in your neighborhood? Turn this interest into a career! Transitioning to a new career at this point in life isn’t just possible—it’s an exciting chance to explore your potential and redefine success on your own terms.
Overcoming Hurdles of Changing Careers
The idea of a midlife career change may feel intimidating, but you can tackle these challenges with the right mindset and preparation.
Battling self-doubt
It’s easy to feel uncertain about starting over, but don’t underestimate your skills. Focus on the value you bring and remind yourself of the times you’ve conquered challenges in the past.
Confronting ageism
Instead of dwelling on potential biases, emphasize your achievements, adaptability, and the results you’ve delivered. Refresh your resume and LinkedIn to highlight accomplishments.
Changing careers at 50 without a degree
For those concerned about lacking formal education, remember that many industries and roles value transferable experience over degrees. For example, real estate, which can be highly lucrative, only requires a high school diploma and a pre-licensing course in Washington.
Also, there are numerous affordable online courses and certifications available to help you acquire new skills. Changing careers at 50 without a degree is possible. Platforms like Udemy and LinkedIn Learning offer training in a wide range of topics, from digital marketing to project management. You may only need a few months of dedication to gain the qualifications for your dream role.
Managing financial concerns
Financial planning is essential when transitioning careers to ensure stability and reduce stress during the process. Start by evaluating your current savings and budgeting to cover essential expenses. To supplement your income, consider side gigs, freelancing, or part-time work in your desired field.
These opportunities not only provide financial benefits but also enable you to gain valuable experience, build connections, and explore your new career path before making a full commitment.
How to Make a Successful Career Change at 50
Here’s how to start your next chapter with confidence:
Step 1: Reflect on your passion and goals.
Ask yourself what truly excites you and sparks your passion. Taking the time to gain clarity on this will help guide your decisions, whether it’s about your next career move or a personal project. Tools like journaling can help you reflect on your interests and experiences, while career assessments can provide valuable insights into your strengths and potential paths to explore. By combining self-reflection with these resources, you’ll be better equipped to pinpoint your next steps with confidence.
Step 2: Identify transferable skills.
Review your experience and identify how it can be applied to your desired industry. Start by examining the core skills you’ve developed in your current or past roles, such as leadership, communication, strategic thinking, or problem-solving. These transferable skills are highly valued across many fields and can give you a competitive edge.
By aligning your experience with the needs of your target industry, you’ll be better equipped to demonstrate your value to potential employers.
Step 3: Research new industries.
Explore growing industries with workforce shortages. Reach out to professionals in those areas to gain a better understanding of the required qualifications and opportunities.
Step 4: Activate your network.
Your network is one of your strongest assets. Attend industry events or leverage LinkedIn to connect with individuals in roles you aspire to.
Step 5: Take small steps.
Pursue your goals by completing three to four meaningful tasks each week. This could include networking over coffee with someone in your desired industry or exploring new training opportunities to advance your skills. Test the waters by volunteering, taking on freelance work, or accepting small gigs related to your target industry. This can help you gain hands-on experience without full commitment.
Why Real Estate Could Be Your Ideal Career at 50
If you’re exploring your next move, consider why so many professionals over 50 are drawn to real estate:
Flexible Hours: Create your own schedule and work around your life.
Low Barrier to Entry: No college degree required—complete a 90-hour course and pass your exam.
High Earning Potential: Your income grows with your effort, not your age.
Valuable Life Experience: Your background in communication, leadership, and problem-solving gives you a major edge. Also, real estate clients are sometimes more comfortable working with an agent who has personal experience buying and selling properties.
Local Market Growth: The Washington housing market is on the rise, with growing inventory and opportunity for new agents to thrive.
Shirley’s Real-Life Story: From Home Renovations to Real Estate
Shirley Kimmel transitioned her skills from a 15-year career in home renovations to real estate with remarkable success. Initially planning to work part-time, she was captivated by the pre-licensing coursework and decided to commit to the industry fully. Bringing her discipline and passion for problem-solving, she quickly built a thriving business, leveraging her expertise and genuine connection with clients to establish trust and grow her network.
Her dedication earned her a spot as a RISMedia Rookie of the Year finalist, an honor recognizing rising stars in real estate for their achievements in sales, professional development, and community impact. Kimmel credits her success to her strong work ethic, a people-centered approach, and the comprehensive education she received through Rockwell Institute, which prepared her to excel in her new career.
The Right Time to Start
If you’ve been on the fence about making a change, consider this your sign to take the leap. Changing careers at 50 can offer not only financial security but also personal fulfillment. There’s never a wrong time to align your work with your passions and goals.
Remember, midlife isn’t an ending. It’s the perfect time for a fresh start. Begin by exploring fields that interest you, acquire the necessary skills, and utilize your network to pave the way for new opportunities.
Are you considering real estate? You should! Here are some benefits of transitioning to a real estate career in Washington:
- Flexibility: Real estate offers flexible working hours, allowing you to balance your personal and professional life.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Becoming a real estate agent is a more accessible path compared to many other industries, requiring just a 90-hour course and no college degree.
- Unlimited Income Potential: Your income is directly tied to your effort, meaning there’s no salary cap, and the opportunity to earn is limitless.
- Use Life Experience: Your accumulated life skills, such as communication, negotiation, and problem-solving, can provide
- Growing Market: The Washington real estate market is thriving in many areas of the state, with the number of homes for sale increasing by 19% year-over-year.
Start your new career with confidence! Learn more about obtaining your Washington real estate license with Rockwell Institute, a trusted leader in real estate education. Explore our programs today and take your first step toward a rewarding new chapter.
