Considering a Major Career Change After 40? Read this First.
- Erica Walls
- 35 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Through years of dedication, you've accomplished a lot professionally. Built a solid career. Earned respect. Proven your capabilities.
But lately, you've begun to sense that you're meant for something more aligned with who you truly are.
Work that uses your full capabilities.
Impact that matters to you.
A career that finally fits.
Is it Time to Make a Major Career Change after 40?
Whether you’re drawn to work that aligns with who you are, are being pushed by circumstances beyond your control, or finally acting on the clarity that comes with age and experience—making a major career change after 40 requires planning, persistence, and sacrifice.
As a woman who has accomplished this feat, I’m glad to share what you need to know.
My Story: Not Easy, But Worth It
After decades of achieving goals for multiple organizations, I was at a crossroads. I accomplished a lot throughout my career in marketing, community relations, and teaching. But then, I developed an unshakeable feeling that something was missing. My path led to full-time business ownership in Leadership & Career Strategy for Women. But the principles I learned apply to any major career transition.
Was it easy? Not even close.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.
From Logistics to Alignment
Career change after 40 isn't just about practical matters—affordability, timelines, backup plans. Those matter, but there’s much more at stake:
Resentment from underusing your capabilities.
Consequences of not believing in your own potential.
Years passing while you wait for the "right time."
Sometimes the riskier choice is staying where you are. Because at this stage of life, our professional priorities tend to change, trading prestige for authentic success—alignment between who you are, the work you do, and how you show up.
From someone who has lived it, here's what it really takes:
A Strategic Plan
My pivot wasn’t sudden. I started slowly – took inventory of my skills, built financial runway, and served clients “on the side” while still employed. Then, a mix of internal and external circumstances converged that made clear: it was time. Slowly, steadily, I began to build toward my vision of the future.
Unwavering Pursuit of Your Vision
Success took longer than expected. Revenue was inconsistent. Disappointments came too often. Some months I questioned everything.
But, I never quit. Continued to show up professionally. Humbly became a student of my craft. Consistently sought ways to best meet my clients’ needs.
What helped: printing and posting my vision on my office wall, gaining wisdom from wins and misses, seeking support, and remembering that my work wasn’t about me: it’s a solution to women’s career advancement challenges.
Willingness to Sacrifice
One advantage of being post-40 is that I no longer live to please others. Only I run my race. Others’ idea of success is theirs. Mine is mine.
The truth is, career reinvention requires sacrifices everyone is not willing to make. Saying no to misaligned opportunities. Working evenings and weekends while building. Forgoing lavish vacations or expensive shopping sprees.
Everyone won’t understand. But you’re not pursuing their definition of success. You're building something that aligns with who you are and the contributions you desire to make.
Why the Risk was Worth It
Every time I coach a client, I laser-focus on helping her make positive transformations, resulting in:
A 25-year telecommunications veteran who felt trapped and unable to see herself as a leader, now working a strategic plan to land $300K+ director roles
A fundraising professional balancing work and motherhood who overcame interview anxiety to confidently secure a director-level role at a major foundation
A PhD anthropologist who shifted from "I don't believe I could be a business owner" to significantly increasing her self-trust and launching her consulting practice
And THAT is my definition of authentic success!
The Bottom Line
I’ve faced a lot in my life, but career reinvention after 40 has been one of the most challenging. It’s also among the most rewarding because my decision has positively impacted the lives and careers of women across the country.
If you're considering a major career pivot, here’s my final advice:
Don't let age be the reason you don't try.
Don't let fear be the only voice you hear.
Don't underestimate what it requires.
But DO have a plan, remain persistent, and be prepared to sacrifice.
For accomplished women over 40 who are ready to align their capabilities with their calling, trust your inner voice – it will tell you exactly the right time to make your move.
Let’s keep growing! 🌱
About the Author
Dr. Erica Walls is a Women's Leadership & Career Strategist who empowers accomplished women to achieve authentic success by overcoming barriers to career advancement. Through systematic diagnosis and strategic solutions, she helps clients achieve measurable results.