After 10 years in television, producing programs for major networks like BET and Warner Bros Discovery, Tiara Neal from the US unexpectedly sought a change. The turning point came when she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer at age 34.
During her treatment, Neal learned about Bexa, a medical technology company specializing in early breast cancer screening for women. "Even with good insurance, women's needs are sometimes overlooked," she observed, quickly realizing this was her life's true mission.
In 2023, at age 38, Neal left the television industry to found Bexa Equity Alliance, a non-profit arm dedicated to helping vulnerable women access healthcare. Her extensive experience in behind-the-scenes organization enabled her to easily connect and spread awareness campaigns at large events. For Neal, this career pivot in her forties was not a crisis, but a "repositioning" of herself.
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Tiara Neal. Photo: Business Insider
Neal is not an isolated case. For Millennials, the age of 40 carries a different meaning. After two decades diligently pursuing traditional milestones like earning degrees, advancing in their careers, buying homes, and having children, many suddenly realize their current lives no longer align with their authentic selves.
Recent data reveals a strong wave of midlife career changes. According to McKinsey & Company's Career Mobility 2024 report, 35% of career transitions occur after age 40. Notably, this group reports 28% higher job satisfaction compared to those who changed careers in their twenties.
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also indicates that approximately 7% of workers around age 45 still change jobs each year. A LinkedIn report concurs, stating that nearly 50% of professionals aged 40 to 45 are actively seeking new roles for higher salaries and more flexible hours.
History records numerous cases of late-career success: Jan Koum co-founded WhatsApp at age 42, and Vera Wang left her editing career to design fashion at age 40. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study highlights that the average age of founders in the top 0,1% of high-growth businesses is 45 years old.
Despite its appeal, changing careers "over the hill" comes with practical risks. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warns that older workers often carry the burden of mortgage debt, child-rearing costs, and caring for elderly parents. Pivoting usually leads to a short-term income reduction or disruption of retirement plans. A survey found that over 61% of those who changed careers after age 40 experienced a period of unemployment. They also face ageism from recruiters, who often worry that older employees may struggle to adapt to new technologies.
Despite these barriers, experts believe that individuals in their forties possess unique advantages. Career coach Caroline Ceniza-Levine asserts that a robust resume reflects stability and high commitment, qualities every business needs. Soft skills such as process optimization, negotiation, and risk management are fully transferable across industries, allowing workers to avoid starting from scratch.
Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, director of the consulting firm 20-first, shares this view, stating that those who proactively change careers between 40-50 years old often secure strong positions by age 60. "However, be cautious if you are forced into a career change, such as being laid off. The key to survival is to highlight your core values and versatile skills, rather than viewing your age as a disadvantage," she advises.
Ngoc Ngan (According to Forbes, Business Insider)
