Am I Too Old To Change My Career?

I just had lunch with someone that needs counseling in her career. No, career counseling is not my full-time job, it was merely a favor. But it sets me thinking - it's easy for someone in their 20s or 30s to discover they are in a wrong career and make a switch. No sweat. Well, not so if you are older. Well at least that’s what that had been perceived. To a certain extent, it’s true. I tell you why.

In my job, our clients aka employers will usually specify the age range for their posts. So unless it’s a senior position in which management experience matters more, they usually won’t want to see anyone 45 and above. Ouch! Yes, it hurts.

And so if you are 45 and felt you had enough of accounting and wanted to do some programming work instead, even with a relevant qualification, employers have second thoughts of employing you. Alright, this example seems a bit far-fetched, but, I think you get my point.

But there are careers that are easier to switch to. For example, anything that can capitalize your past practical experience - think Lecturers, Trainers, Financial Advisors, Management Consultants.

Is that it? Can’t I do something I am passionate about which has no direct relevance to my current profession? Is age really such a big issue? 

It is if you think it is.

To me, nothing including age can truly stop someone with passion to pursue something he or she loves. Yes, I’m talking about starting something on your own. Perhaps no one wants to hire a Programmer who used to be an Accountant. Well, it’s their loss then because you are going to write some powerful programs and sell them away. In that case, age is not even an issue.


I read somewhere about a man who did his medical degree when he was in his 60s. When asked by his friends why he’s still doing it as he would most probably be hitting 70 when he graduated. “Well, I’ll be 70 eventually but I would rather be a 70 year old Doctor than just 70.” I say, that’s some great attitude there.

What limits us is our mindset. I like to believe if we set our mind on something, any age is a perfect age!


So you 40 and above, up for a career change? It’s never too late to do anything. Never.