Key Hurdles Older Workers Face (and Advice) When Looking To Switch Jobs in 2025
Written by
Tina Nazerian
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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For some Americans 50 and over, instead of preparing to retire, 2025 might usher in the next phase of their career journeys. According to an AARP survey, 24% of Americans who are 50 and older plan on switching jobs in 2025. Moreover, AARP found, high percentages of African American or Black, Hispanic or Latino and Asian American and Pacific Islander older workers are looking to make a job change this year.
“I think it’s time,” said Allison Task, career and life coach who helps midlife employees map out their work life. “People want more. And if you’re 50 and not ‘holding on’ until a retirement plan at 55, sitting in that lame duck zone, then you’ll probably want to work for a while. And you need to grow skills and stay relevant.”
Here are Task’s thoughts on the survey’s top findings, when it comes to finding a new job as an older employee.
Evaluating Different Potential Paths
The survey uncovered that out of the Americans who indicated that they are gearing up to make career changes, 40% intend to get a new job. However, 16% have their sights on launching a new business and 12% want to move from full-time to part-time employment. Their motivations vary as well — 40% named earning more as their primary one. Following that up, 10% of respondents deemed that they wanted to “make a difference or do something meaningful.”
If you’re 50 and over and want to make a job change, it can feel overwhelming to decide what you want to do next, given the many potential paths you can take. According to Task, you have to thoroughly examine your values to evaluate the right move for you.
“First, what is the minimum amount of money you need,” she explained. “I have clients who don’t need to work for money; that’s a lot of freedom. But they want something that goes beyond a volunteer job.
“So first, figure out your financial minimum,” Task added. “Then think about whether or not you want to invest in more training or if you can learn on the job. What skills do you have that you want to use, what skills do you want to learn? Do you want to go into an office? Travel? Be a digital nomad? Think about what you have to offer, what you need and how you’d like to grow. Dream big. Then go find it.”
Potential Hurdles and How To Overcome Them
Many Americans who are 50 and over and looking to make a job change have worries, the survey found. The top one? Seventy-four percent think hiring managers will not look favorably on their older age — 42 percent even see it as a “major barrier.”
Experiencing Ageism
Task explained that that ageism is a common worry, but tells her clients that they “only need one job.”
“People will be ageist, sure,” she said. “People will be racist and misogynistic as well. You probably don’t want to work for people like that, so their ageism is doing you a favor. Run, don’t walk to a job that’s a better fit. Don’t waste a minute of your time trying to change a culture that doesn’t get you.”
Technological Changes in the Workforce
The survey also uncovered trepidation about artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, 34% of respondents worry that AI could affect their job security. According to Task, workers who are 50 and over can navigate this worry by getting comfortable with AI.
“Get to know AI,” Task explained. “Play with it. Use it to plan your vacation, find the right words for a song, write a thank you note. Get familiar. As they say, the only thing constant is change. Learn AI and figure out how it can help you do your job better.
“Be the boss of AI, don’t let AI be the boss of you,” she added. “Figure out what you can do that AI can’t — what of your humanness makes you better at the job than a soulless computer? Your bedside manner? People skills? Don’t be afraid of AI; use it like the tool it is.”
Creating a Smoother Career Transition
Some Americans who are 50 and over and looking to switch jobs might decide to get assistance in doing so. The survey found that 84% of those considering changing jobs were aware that they would need some form of help in making the change.
Specifically, respondents pointed to:
- Learning how to use their current skills in a new job (29%)
- How to update their résumé (28%)
- How to assess their skills or experience (23%)
- Finding a list of occupations that would be a good fit for their skills, experience or qualifications (23%)
- How to negotiate job offers (20%)
Networking Is Key
Task explained that there are various avenues 50-plus workers can explore to get help during their career transitions, such as seeking guidance from a career coach or leveraging online tools that review resumes to make sure they can pass through what is called “Applicant Tracking System” filters. Ultimately, however, she emphasized the importance of networking, explaining that 95% of her clients find their jobs within their own network.
“I take a broad definition of network — it should include your family members, hair stylist, people you meet in the dog run,” Task said. “Your best network is your networks’ network.”
When it comes to determining how to match their skills to a job, Task recommended getting help from someone you’re close to. “I find that people get so stressed out with their insecurities, doubt (and in this case, fear of ageism) that they aren’t able to reframe their present situation to their future with the agility that someone less emotional can,” she said. “Ask a friend, spouse or loved one for help.”
Do Your Research
She also advised searching on LinkedIn or Indeed.
“Search for your current job title — you may be surprised to see how many opportunities you have. Or make a list of the top 25 companies you’d like to work for in driving distance and see what jobs are listed on their websites,” Task explained. “Remember, anyone eager can be taught how to do something (at any age). Good employers will pick the right person and support that person to become a performer.”
Cast a Wide Net When Applying
The survey also found that 85% of respondents believe they are able to successfully make a job change. Task deemed that “great” and explained that it’s crucial to apply to many jobs.
“I have my clients applying to 10 to 20 jobs per week,” she said. “It can be a numbers game, so put yourself out there.”
Decide What’s Important in Negotiating
And when it’s time to negotiate job offers? “Figure out what they want from you,” Task explained. “Know what you want from them. Find the match.” She added that to negotiate effectively, you have to pinpoint the needs of the other person. “They’re in conversation with you; they wouldn’t waste your time unless you offer some value,” Task said. “What is the value they see in you? And what are they willing to do for it?”
Task stressed that during negotiations, workers should keep in mind that it’s not payment alone at stake. “It’s perks, opportunity, vacation time and, of course, benefits,” Task added. “I love a good signing bonus if they can’t get to the number you want.”
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