In France, seniors aged 55 to 64 are less active in the job market than their European neighbors. While 34% of the French population had already crossed this threshold in 2024, companies struggle to take advantage of this pool of talent (source: Insee). However, the desire for change is very much present among those in their fifties: 30% of them are considering a new professional project in the next five years. This raises the question of whether a career change at 50 is feasible and, more importantly, how to succeed? Weepo provides an overview.

Is a Career Change at 50 a Good Idea?

Is it still worthwhile to change careers after fifty? Yes, because at this age, each person has a valuable asset: their experience. You have acquired solid skills, a sense of responsibility, and a maturity that make you a strong candidate in the job market.

Today, you can easily train online to acquire the specific knowledge that your new employer expects from you. This is the perfect opportunity to carve your own path and showcase your professional journey to recruiters.

Moreover, your financial stability gives you some leeway to embark on a career change project. The motivation you feel at this stage of your life is an additional advantage for successfully navigating your professional transition.

Tip: before changing careers after 50, conduct a skills assessment to identify your strengths and weaknesses. At the same time, research the salaries in your new field to adjust your expectations.

What Jobs Are Hiring Seniors?

Contrary to popular belief, a career change at 50 is entirely possible. Are you approaching fifty or already in your fifties? Are you wondering about the next steps in your career? Don’t panic, several opportunities are available to you!

Sectors Hiring People Over 50

In recent years, sectors such as marketing (sales, accounting), real estate, and security have been constantly seeking experienced profiles in the job market. Your expertise, network, and maturity are all assets that will help you stand out.

And what about digital? The IT sector (information technology) is also booming and actively seeking new talent. If you are drawn to technological innovations, know that many training programs exist to help you acquire the necessary skills.

Why IT?

The answer is obvious. Information technology (software and applications, networks, cybersecurity, databases, artificial intelligence…) is at the heart of our society. IT offers:

Growing demand: companies, regardless of their size, need experienced talent to support their digital transition.
Transferable skills: your experience, organizational skills, and interpersonal abilities are valuable assets in the digital world.

What Jobs Are Accessible in AI?

IT is a vast field that encompasses many promising careers. Whether you are interested in software development, network management, or data analysis, you will surely find your place. Here are some of the most in-demand positions:

Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM): your rigor and experience qualify you for this key role.
Digital Project Manager: your project management experience can be leveraged in the digital field.
Business Analyst: your analytical skills and ability to synthesize information are valuable assets for this profession.
Freelance Graphic Designer: if you have a talent for design, you will easily find contracts as a freelance graphic designer.

Want to become an IT consultant? Check out this article.

How to Successfully Transition to a New Career After 50?

Do you want to change your life and give a new direction to your professional career? At 50 or older, it’s never too late to embark on a career change. However, good preparation is essential for you to thrive in your new professional activity.

1- Take Stock: Assess Your Needs

First, it is essential to evaluate your skills. Don’t rush. Take your time and ask yourself the right questions:

What are your talents, passions, and values?
What type of job would bring you real fulfillment?
What resources do you need?

By answering these questions, you will identify the jobs that best match your profile.

2- Explore the Possibilities

Research the different sectors that interest you, the existing training programs, and the skills required to work in those fields. Don’t hesitate to meet professionals in the field to learn more about their daily lives.

3- Take Action

Once your professional project is defined, it’s time to get started. Consider short training courses, internships, or temporary assignments to acquire new skills. This approach will help you gain a clearer idea of the job you want to pursue as a fifty-something.

Additional Tips

When you are going to learn a new profession, don’t rush in headfirst. Consider coaching and seek support. A professional coach or career advisor can help you clarify your goals and define a personalized action plan.

Additionally, be patient. Indeed, a career change takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the ideal job immediately. Share your project with your network, who may provide you with job ideas.

Wage Portage: An Effective Solution to Start Fresh

If you are passionate about IT and want to embark on a new professional adventure in the field of IT, wage portage is a great option to realize your career transition.

This arrangement offers you numerous advantages:

Simplicity and flexibility

Forget about tedious administrative procedures (contract management, invoicing…)! Wage portage allows you to focus on your assignments while enjoying great autonomy.

Legal, financial, and social security

You benefit from a solid employment contract and comprehensive social protection since you retain the advantages of employee status (social security, retirement, unemployment benefits, etc.).

A strong professional network

Wage portage allows you to join a dynamic network of IT consultants. It enables you to test the IT world without taking risks. You can thus acquire new skills and expand your network.

At Weepo, our umbrella company supports you through all the key stages of your professional transition project: finding interesting wage portage assignments, managing your new activity, administrative formalities…

Are There Specific Programs to Facilitate the Transition of Seniors?

Yes. You have many aids available to facilitate your career change at 50.

Funding Your Training at 50: It’s Possible!

Do you want to acquire new skills even as a fifty-something? Here are the main funding options available to help you pursue continuous training or benefit from individual support:

The Personal Training Account (CPF);
The Individual Training Aid (AIF);
The CPF for professional transition;
The return to work aid (ARE) from Pôle Emploi.

The latter is particularly aimed at job seekers over 53. Don’t hesitate to inquire with your Pôle Emploi advisor or Apec to find out what aids you are entitled to.

What Support is Available for Those 50 and Older?

Are you ready to make a career change but don’t know where to start? Many organizations offer personalized support to help you define your career transition path and find the appropriate professional training plan.

Among them, the Career Evolution Counseling (CEP) is a free service that can be very helpful. If you are disabled, CAP emploi is there to assist you. As for Transitions Pro, they allow you to retain part of your salary during your career transition period.

Once again, inform yourself with the relevant organizations to find the support that best suits your situation.

FAQ

Can You Transition at 50 Without a Degree?

Indeed! Your professional experience is an invaluable asset. Many jobs value the skills acquired over the years rather than degrees. If you want to strengthen your profile, short and intensive training programs can help you quickly obtain recognized certifications.

What Motivates Seniors to Transition?

The reasons that drive those in their fifties to consider a career change are numerous and varied. Among the most common, we find:

Health: chronic fatigue, burnout, boreout, physical work strain;
An evolving life project: balancing professional life and personal life;
Job dissatisfaction: lack of recognition, blocked career progression…
The evolution of the job market: economic and technological changes…
The need for new challenges: stepping out of your comfort zone.

Does Changing Careers at 50 Involve Risks?

Changing careers involves risks, that’s a fact. A career change at 50 is no exception to this reality. The challenges and obstacles are numerous: age-related prejudices, competition with younger candidates, fear of failure… Weigh the pros and cons before making such a decision.