Career Change at 40: 18 Best Career Ideas to Pivot Successfully
How does the thought of working at your current job for the rest of your life make you feel? Can you imagine yourself in the current position until retirement? If not, maybe it's time to change your career. Even in your 40s, you can quickly learn new skills and pivot your career. In this article, we teach you how to start the transition, the top skills to learn in the upcoming years to begin your dream career. Let's go!
Nelson Marteleira
August 29, 2022
Why 40 is the Perfect Time for a Career Change
Did you know the average age for a career change at 40 is common, with nearly 80% of professionals in this age group considering switching jobs? If you’re wondering how to start a new career at 40, you’re not alone—many people in midlife seek more fulfilling, better-paying opportunities.
“Workers who changed jobs mid-career are significantly more likely to be employed at age 60,” and those who “change jobs voluntarily tend to have wage increases compared to those who don’t - or are forced to switch jobs.”
Gone are the days when people stuck with the same job for decades, prioritizing stability over happiness. Today, starting a career at 40 can be a strategic move toward financial growth, flexibility, and personal fulfillment.
Whether you’re looking for a best-paying career to start at 40 or a career shift with no experience, this guide will walk you through actionable steps and 18 career options tailored to different goals and lifestyles.
Let’s explore how to turn this milestone into a fresh start.
Why People Change Careers in Their 40s
You reached the middle of your career, why not make a career shift?
A career change at 40 is more common than you think. According to industry statistics, the average professional holds at least 12 jobs throughout their career, and midlife often brings a shift in priorities. Here are the key reasons why people explore new careers at 40:
Lack of fulfillment – Many professionals realize they no longer find meaning in their work and seek a midlife career pivot toward something more rewarding.
Higher salary potential – Job hopping remains one of the most effective ways to boost earnings. As of early 2025, job switchers received an average wage increase of 4.8% (Source: WSJ).
Toxic work environment – Poor management and lack of growth opportunities push professionals to seek a career change at 40 for better job satisfaction.
Evolving priorities – In your 40s, financial stability, work-life balance, and job security become more important, influencing the search for the best careers to start at 40 with no experience or industry-relevant skills.
“In my coaching practice, I speak to clients all the time who are feeling motivated to change careers because of a landmark birthday or significant life event. Their 30th, 40th or 50th birthday may be approaching or has passed, or they are thinking of starting a family, or they are on maternity leave and planning a return to work. - Juliette Dyke, Midlife Career Change Coach
With job satisfaction and financial growth in focus, transitioning into a new field at 40 can be a smart move. In the next section, let’s explore the best-paying careers to start at 40 and how to navigate this change successfully.
🙄 Not sure if changing careers is right for you? Browse our guide to Midlife Career Change Options to find the best fit.
How to Approach a Career Change at 40
Making a career change at 40 can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can lead to better financial security and job satisfaction. Follow these steps to transition smoothly:
1. Clarify Your Career Goals
Before taking the leap, define what you want from your next job: ✅ Higher salary? Consider the best-paying careers to start at 40 in industries like tech, healthcare, or finance. ✅ More work-life balance? Look for remote-friendly jobs or roles with flexible schedules. ✅ New industry? Identify transferable skills to ease the transition.
Be clear on your priorities so you can create a realistic career transition plan.
2. Ensure Financial Stability
A job change at 40 comes with more financial responsibilities—mortgage, kids, savings, etc. To make the shift easier:
Explore side hustles or part-time work in your new industry before fully transitioning.
Having a financial safety net allows you to make strategic moves without unnecessary stress.
3. Research the New Industry
Before quitting your job, research your desired field to ensure it's the right fit.
Check job market trends – Look at growth projections, salaries, and demand for roles.
Network with professionals – Join LinkedIn groups, attend industry events, and connect with mentors.
Read, watch, and learn – Follow career changers' success stories, YouTube tutorials, and industry blogs.
4. Start Learning New Skills
To compete in a new field, upskilling is key. Industries actively hiring career changers include:
Tech – Software development, data analytics, and no-code platforms.
Healthcare – Medical coding, patient care coordination, health administration.
Finance – Financial analysis, bookkeeping, and investment consulting.
5. Leverage No-Code for Career Growth
No-code platforms make it easier than ever to enter the tech world with zero experience. Whether you want to launch a side business, boost your current career, or switch industries, no-code offers endless opportunities.
The NoCode Institute 'sFoundations Program, for instance, is a 7-week program designed to teach essential no-code skills, making it a great starting point for career changers at 40.
Make a shift in your career in 7 weeks with the NoCode Institute Foundations Program
💡 If you're exploring a career change earlier, you may also want to check out Career Change Ideas at 30.
Best Careers to Start at 40 with No Experience
Looking for a new career at 40 but don’t have experience in a different field? No problem! Many industries welcome career changers and offer high-paying opportunities with minimal training. Here are the best careers to start at 40 with no experience:
1. Virtual Assistant – No experience required, flexible hours.
2. Freelance Writer – Start with platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
3. Real Estate Agent – Get licensed in a few months.
4. Personal Trainer – Certification programs available online.
6. Social Media Manager – Manage content for brands and influencers.
7. Customer Service Representative – Work remotely with no experience.
8. Life Coach – Help others achieve personal or professional goals.
9. E-Commerce Seller – Sell products on Amazon, Etsy, or Shopify.
10. Citizen Developer – Build websites and apps with no coding.
18 Career Change Ideas at 40 (Salary & Skill Breakdown)
Making a career switch at 40 is an opportunity to pursue higher pay, flexibility, and fulfillment. Below is a list of high-paying careers to start at 40, including remote jobs, self-employment options, and corporate roles.
✔ Job security & high salaries ✔ Great for analytical & strategic thinkers ✔ Opportunities for growth & promotions
🤔 Thinking about a career shift but unsure if 40 is too late? Many professionals pivot earlier—see our list of Career Change Ideas at 35.
How NoCode Institute Helps You Switch Careers Faster
Citizen developer makes use of no-code and low code skills for several career options
The job market is open to professionals of all ages, and it’s never too late to start a new career at 40, upskill your current role, or increase your earning potential. The key? No-code development—a high-demand skill that lets you create websites, apps, and automation tools without writing a single line of code.
To help you make a career change at 40 with no experience, the NoCode Institute Foundations Program is designed to equip you with job-ready skills in just 7 weeks.
Why Learn No-Code?
High-demand skill – No-code professionals earn between $85,000 – $172,000 per year.
Fast-track learning – No additional degrees or years of study are required.
Diverse career paths – Use no-code to land a high-paying job, start a business, or freelance .
What You’ll Learn in 7 Weeks
Build real digital products – Websites, databases, web apps, and automation tools.
Create a portfolio – Hands-on projects to showcase your skills to employers.
Job-ready skills – Gain expertise in the most in-demand no-code platforms .
Who Is This Program For?
Professionals looking for a career change at 40 with no experience.
Individuals who want to increase their salary or transition into tech without coding.
Entrepreneurs looking to launch a business without hiring developers.
Success Story: Paula’s Career Transformation
Paula, an architect by training, found herself stuck in a job that paid the bills but lacked fulfillment. After years of professional stagnation, she longed for a change—one that would bring work-life balance, creativity, and financial independence.
That’s when she discovered the NoCode Institute's Foundations Program. Initially hesitant due to her non-tech background, Paula soon realized that no-code development was more than just website building—it was a tool for business transformation.
With each lesson, Paula gained confidence, learning to create digital solutions for businesses without programming. Now, she works as a Digital Consultant, helping companies streamline processes and innovate—without writing a single line of code.
Paula’s journey proves that a career change at 40 is not just possible—it can be a gateway to personal and professional growth.
Paula, a former student of NoCode Institute, testimonial on Trustpilot
1. How to change careers at 40 with no experience?
Changing careers at 40 without experience starts with identifying transferable skills, researching in-demand industries, and upskilling through online courses. Fields like virtual assistance, no-code development, and social media management offer high-paying opportunities with minimal training.
2. Is 40 too late to switch careers?
No, 40 is not too late. Many professionals successfully transition to new fields in their 40s, often leading to higher salaries and greater job satisfaction. With the right plan and skills, a career change at 40 can be a strategic move.
3. What is the best career to start at 40?
The best career depends on your skills and interests. High-demand fields like tech (no-code development), healthcare administration, and digital marketing offer strong salaries, flexibility, and job security for career changers at 40.
4. How long does it take to transition to a new career at 40?
It depends on the industry and training requirements. Many people transition within 6 months to a year by taking online courses, networking, and gaining practical experience through freelance or part-time work.
5. What are the best careers for work-life balance at 40?
Remote jobs like virtual assistance, content creation, and digital marketing provide excellent work-life balance. These careers allow flexible schedules and the ability to work from home while earning a stable income.
6. How can no-code skills help in a career change at 40?
No-code development enables career changers to enter tech without coding experience. It provides opportunities in web development, automation, and software creation, with high salaries and remote work options.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nelson Marteleira
Nelson is the co-founder NoCode Institute. He is an experienced NoCode specialist and developer with a solid portfolio. Nelson helps bring ideas to reality.
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