How to Succeed with a Career Change After 40

Career Change After 40 – Opportunities, Myths, and Confidence

Many feel a desire to change jobs or careers in adulthood, whether out of wish, necessity, or changing life conditions. Taking the plunge into a career change after 40 can seem overwhelming, but for many, it opens up new motivation, better balance, and exciting challenges. Here you will find actionable tips on how to succeed when you want to take the leap – and why age is often a strength, not a hindrance.

Reasons More Are Considering Career Changes Mid-Life

In Norway, there is a growing trend of adult career changers. According to the Statistics Norway (SSB), over 150,000 Norwegians consider or make a switch to another industry or position each year, many with extensive experience behind them.
Motivations vary:

• A desire for meaning, mastery, or a better work environment
• Need for less stress or increased flexibility
• Changes in health situations
• Downsizing or restructuring
• A workplace characterized by new technologies and digitization

Age often gives you a better overview of your own needs and priorities. Many are more mature in their demands, more confident in their abilities, and no longer as concerned about prestige or speed – but seek balance, well-being, and security.

Map Your Transferable Skills and Resources

One of the greatest strengths of adult workers is the experience you carry with you. Take the time to identify your transferable skills – those you can carry into new roles and industries.

• Leadership and collaboration
• Client follow-up and relationship building
• Project management
• Communication
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Technology understanding

Map these skills with concrete examples. Relate them to desired jobs, and build a new, updated CV that highlights the strengths you can offer in your new industry. At Lønna.no, you can easily create a CV and profile and match your skills against available positions.

How to Explore Options: Job Opportunities and Education

Many industries lack experienced and motivated adult workers. To find out what opportunities exist for you, it may be helpful to investigate:

• How in-demand your experience is in other industries
• If you need further education
• How the job market is evolving in the fields you are considering

There are good programs for adults wanting to build on their skills. Online studies, part-time education, and industry certifications can make the transition smoother. You’ll find updated information and tips from NAV Career Guidance and NTNU Videre.

Examples of Popular Occupations for Adult Career Changers

• Consultant and advisory roles
• HR, recruitment, and personnel work
• Teaching and training
• Health and care services
• IT, technology, and digitalization roles
• Finance and administration

Stay Updated on Salaries and Working Conditions

The last time you changed jobs, the salary levels and working conditions might have been quite different than they are now. With tools like SSB Salary and Lønna.no, you can easily find updated salary data for various positions and regions, allowing you to enter salary negotiations more confidently. In 2025, the average salary for office and finance positions is about 600,000 NOK, according to SSB.

Think Networking, Not Just Applications

More and more positions are advertised through networks or informal channels. Actively use your existing network and build new contacts in the industry you are considering:

• Participate in relevant courses and conferences
• Use LinkedIn and other platforms to connect
• Seek advice and tips from people in the field

Showing interest and keeping up with developments in the field you aspire to can give you an edge when applying for new positions. Many experienced workers bring the strength of reliability and accountability that is highly valued in the workplace.

Write an Application That Highlights Your Experience

A good application is about convincing the employer of how your background is a resource, not a disadvantage. It may be wise to:

• Refer to adapting to changes, willingness to learn, and adaptability
• Link previous experiences to the role you are applying for
• Avoid apologizing for your age – instead focus on value and stability

Use Lønna.no to set up your application and CV to highlight the right strengths, and follow up applications systematically. Remember that a tidy and easy-to-read application can make the difference when many are competing for the same jobs.

Common Challenges and How to Meet Them

It is natural to feel uncertain when considering a career change mid-life. Some common challenges, and advice on how to overcome them:

• Fear of failure: Set small goals, focus on learning, and build small victories.
• Updated skills: Prioritize current and future-oriented qualifications, use open online courses, and industry guides.
• Competition from younger applicants: Be aware of your unique experience and confidence – don’t underestimate your valuable background.

Summary – Highlight Your Strengths

A career change after 40 is about using experience and life wisdom to shape a new, meaningful workday. With the right preparation, openness to learning, and a good overview of your own values and goals, you can take confident steps into your next job. Use the resources available, such as modern job search tools and salary data, and be proud of the journey you have behind you – and the one ahead of you.