Starting a new career can be daunting yet exhilarating, but those looking are not alone. Using U.S. Department of Labor data, experts estimate that people change their careers three to seven times in their lives.
How do you start a new career? Discover how to embark on a midlife career change and what careers are open to people in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond.
Tips to Determine the Next Chapter
- Perform some soul-searching.
Those looking to make a career change should consider their skills, interests, and values. What are they passionate about? What skills have they acquired over the years that they enjoy using? This self-assessment can help them align their next career move with their personal and professional aspirations. - Research various industries.
Next, one should research industries that interest them and offer growth potential, considering the skills they possess that can transfer. - Network with industry experts.
Connecting with others in various industries can uncover opportunities and allow someone to gain insight into different sectors. Those looking to change careers can engage with professionals in fields they are interested in, attend industry seminars, and join relevant online forums and social media groups. These connections can provide valuable information and open doors to new opportunities. - Expand their knowledge base.
Before jumping into a new field, one should consider their knowledge gaps and any courses or certifications the new field requires.
Careers to Consider
For those contemplating a midlife career change, it is essential to consider careers that offer growth potential, flexibility, and the opportunity to leverage their accumulated skills. Some people might still crave the challenge and excitement of climbing the corporate ladder in a new field or starting their own business. Careers in project management, consulting, and franchising can allow them to use their leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
Others might be looking for stability and work-life balance while making a meaningful contribution to their community. Careers in non-profit or entrepreneurship offer a chance to do just that.
Leveraging Experience in a New Career
Many midlife professionals worry about starting from scratch. However, the experience they already have is invaluable and can set them apart in a new career. Skills such as leadership, communication, strategic thinking, and project management are highly sought after in nearly every industry and are transferable. Someone looking to tackle the question, “How do you start a new career?” should reflect on their career achievements and consider how these skills can apply to new roles or industries.
Opening a Business or Franchise
Entrepreneurship is an attractive option for launching a new career. Opening a business allows someone to leave the rat race of the corporate world behind and become their own boss. They can set their own goals and directly reap the rewards of their hard work.
Starting a business from scratch, especially without experience in that industry, can be challenging. It can take years to become established and return a profit. Franchising offers a unique blend of entrepreneurship and support. Franchise owners are still entrepreneurs and their own bosses but have the backing of a recognized brand, a proven business model to follow, and franchise support and training.
Franchise Selection Process
From deciding on an industry to finding the perfect fit with a franchisor, choosing the right franchise is a process.
- Self-assessment
Just like someone considering a career change, someone looking into franchising should evaluate their interests, skills, and financial readiness. This will help narrow down the franchise selection pool. - Industry research
Potential franchise investors should dive into various industries to find which ones show increasing demand and promising growth. Whether drawn to the dynamic foodservice industry or the meaningful staffing solutions sector, like AtWork, selecting an industry that sparks excitement and shows stability or growth is crucial. - Evaluate franchise opportunities
It’s important to explore available franchise opportunities within an industry. Entrepreneurs should study brand recognition, business models, support systems, and the financial requirements of different franchise opportunities. - Connect with franchisors
After narrowing down their options, potential franchise investors begin connecting with franchisors. First interactions should cover initial investments, ongoing fees, available training and support, and territory rights. Potential investors should talk with current franchisees to learn about their experiences. - Discovery Day
Many franchisors offer discovery days, allowing potential franchisees to visit the corporate headquarters, meet the team, and gain insights into the business operations. Here, potential investors can observe the franchise’s culture, ask questions, and make sure they align with their expectations. - Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
The FDD is a legal document that franchisors must provide, detailing essential information about the franchise, including executive backgrounds, litigation history, financial statements, and franchise agreement specifics. Franchise experts strongly advise individuals to review the FDD meticulously, even going over it with an attorney. - Sign a franchise agreement
After thorough research, entrepreneurs can sign a franchise agreement and begin the journey to opening their location.
Why Choose to Franchise with AtWork?
Starting over in your 40s or 50s can sound scary, but it can lead to a fulfilling, prosperous second act with the right partnership. AtWork provides a compelling answer to the question, “How do you start a new career?” especially for those interested in the $201.7 billion staffing industry.
AtWork’s franchise model is designed to maximize franchise owners’ potential, offering a pathway to business ownership that supports them at every step. With over 30 years of experience, AtWork is a leader in the staffing industry, with a proven business model, comprehensive franchise support, and a strong brand reputation. This support includes training, marketing assistance, operational systems, payroll processing and funding, and ongoing guidance to ensure success.
The brand’s commitment to franchisee success is evident in its growth, franchisee satisfaction, and industry recognition. Since 2020, AtWork’s revenue has increased by 42% to $350 million in annual sales in 2023. AtWork franchisees experience an average gross revenue of $4 million.* The franchise has experienced a 20% increase in locations to nearly 90 locations across the country.
Franchising with AtWork allows individuals looking for a career change to leverage their professional experience in a new, rewarding way. Whether they have a background in HR, management, sales, or any other field, their skills can directly contribute to the success of their AtWork franchise. The staffing industry is not only about filling positions but also building relationships, solving problems, and positively impacting people’s lives — areas where seasoned professionals can excel. It is also a business that improves the community by helping people find their dream jobs and helping small businesses thrive with sufficient staffing.
Get started changing careers by connecting with the AtWork franchise.
* This is according to item 19 in AtWork’s latest FDD. It is not a financial guarantee that franchise owners will make that amount.
