At what age is it too late to change careers?

Answer 1

Depends.

How old are you going to be when you die. The day after that would be the age it's too late to change careers.

You are never too old to learn and grow.

I am considering law school and I will be 40 *gasp* in June. Never too old.

Good luck.

Answer 2

There are a number of factors to consider when changing careers including:
- Potential monetary rewards
- Re-training time and expense
- Personal fulfilment
- Marketability of new expertise
- Motivation for leaving your current career

None of the above bear and relation to your age.

It is well documented for example that many of the best
- Doctors
- Teachers
- C-level professionals
- Lawyers
- Politicians
- Journalists
- Artists etc
have had major career changes later in life.

The major factor you should consider when changing career is your motivation for doing so. If your motivation for changing career is based on a desire to escape a current situation you will need to be clear what factors of that career are causing your disquiet. Be certain that it actually is your current career motivating the change and be sure that feelings about your career are not merely symptoms of a wider dissatisfaction with the status quo.

As an employer I am always keen to see a varied background in any potential employee if the candidate is able to demonstrate quantifiable knowledge yearned throughout their career history.

I recently attended a course with an 80 year old gentleman who is starting a brand new enterprise as a Life-Coach (after a lifetime working in the service industry )and felt his enthusiasm for the new venture to be infectious and inspiring. If you feel that now is the right time to make a career move it almost certainly is.

Answer 3

It all depends on what career you want to change to, and what career you started. The problem with career changing is that you will start on the bottom of the totem pole in your new career. Even though you might have moved up the totem pole in your old career, that is all erased and you start at the bottom. If you could accept this fact, or if you have connections in your new career, it's never too late to change careers as long as you are willing to learn and willing to start at a lower status.

Answer 4

I am 32 and still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I have a good carreer now but always keep my options open and try to prepare for the time when I get tired of doing this.
I hate the notion we have to pick one thing and do it until we retire.

Answer 5

87

Answer 6

It is never to late to change careers. Do what makes you happy.

I've changed careers many times.

Answer 7

Never too late
Sometimes more of a challenge though

Answer 8

Joe Willy Neckbone says, "the date after you have died is too late to change careers."

Answer 9

you never quit learning, so go for it whose to say there is a age barrier?

Answer 10

unless your 62, why would it matter