Are You Ever Too Old to Start a New Career?

Fifty is the new 30, right? We live longer, we are healthier, and we want to be productive throughout our lifetime, not just when we're young. One of the gifts of growing older often includes time - time to explore new career options, and even go back to school to learn a new skill or trade. Work can be fun and fulfilling, and as we gracefully grow older, we have many opportunities to explore new ways to earn a living.

Perhaps you’re actively looking to change careers. You're looking for a change, for something new to add a spark to your life. You want a job that provides meaning or supports a desired lifestyle change. It may be that circumstances have created opportunities to go back to school and learn something new and exciting. Maybe you were pushed out of a long career by circumstances beyond your control and feel a little uneasy and worried about the future. However you got here, the next step can be an adventure. Get ready to take it!

Can You Make A Successful Career Change?

The odds are in your favor. Success does not belong solely to the young. Older adults are more likely to be successful in a new career than young college graduates. The American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) Older Worker Survey found that 82 percent of folks over 47 who attempted a career change were ultimately successful. If we compare that to a recent Pew Research Center analysis of federal labor data finding that about 31% of 2020 graduates were unemployed last fall, we quickly see that age can have its rewards.

• Older adults bring experience, maturity, and perspective to their new careers gained through the wisdom of their years.
• Many life-long skills are transferable to a new career.
• As we mature, we are more likely to know what we want and we’re able to set clear goals and a defined pathway to achieve them.

Statistics show that older career changers often make significantly more money than in their previous jobs and are much happier and satisfied with their work. That’s a bonus we can all live with!

Be Prepared To Go Back To School

A career change often requires building new skill sets. But we’re never too old to learn new tricks, and learning new things is good for our brains.

Don’t let the time commitment scare you off from making an excellent choice for a better life!

• You may not need to complete an entire four-year degree program. Often, a program like medical assisting is relatively short and quickly puts you into a growing new career.

Do you need to work or care for your family while you go to school? Don't worry. We're flexible! 

• Vocational schools like Athena Career Academy offer classes on nights and weekends and will work with you to find a schedule that fits in well with your life.

Are you concerned about how to get the funds for your program? 

• Financial assistance is available. From grants to student loans, there is money available to help you with tuition and fees. 

One thing is for sure-you can successfully change careers at any age. If you're ready to start your next great profession, don’t tell yourself it's too late. Contact our admissions team at Athena Career Academy to get started today!