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Midlife Career Change in Singapore: Resources and Opportunities

Is a big career change possible at this stage of your career? 

mid career job change

 

5 Things to Know Before Taking the Leap into a Mid-Career Change

Nearly 12% of professionals aged 40 to 44 take the bold step of switching careers, while about 6% of employees aged 45 to 49 pursue a mid-career change. This trend is gaining momentum in Singapore, making career transitions later in one’s professional journey increasingly common.

As Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong once said, most Singapore workers will now have multiple careers in their lifetimes. Even in the rare case of somebody working in the same company throughout their lives, their work will likely evolve. With enhanced skills and confidence, you might find yourself feeling more empowered to try new things professionally and even consider alternative career directions that align better with your evolving passions. 

 

Reasons Behind This Trend

Several factors contribute to this growing trend of midlife career switches:

  • Burnout and Lack of Fulfillment: Many individuals reach a point in their careers where they feel burnt out and unfulfilled, leading them to seek a career change that offers greater purpose and meaning.
  • Emerging Interests and Passions: As people evolve, new interests and passions may surface, prompting a desire to explore different career paths that align with these newfound passions.
  • Changes in Life Circumstances: Life events such as starting a family, experiencing health challenges, or facing financial changes can trigger a reevaluation of career priorities and goals.
  • Opportunities in Singapore's Evolving Economy: Singapore's dynamic economy presents new opportunities in growing sectors like technology and sustainability, encouraging individuals to pursue career changes that align with these trends. 

If you’re finding yourself contemplating a midlife career switch, it's important to remember that midlife is not an ending but an opportunity for reinvention and growth. What's great about being in this phase is you’ve most likely have built up some experience and gained a mature perspective— all of which can be huge wins if you’re considering a mid-career transition. 

 

Is a Mid-Career Change Right for You? 

Many individuals in their 40s contemplating a career change may be wondering, "is 40 too old for a career change?" The answer is a resounding no! It's never too late to pursue your passions. However, while the desire for change might be strong, deciding when to switch careers can be tricky.

To help you decide, consider these key questions: 

  • What are your motivations for wanting a mid-career change?
  • What are your values, interests, and skills?
  • What are your financial resources and constraints?
  • What kind of work-life balance are you seeking?
  • What are your career goals and aspirations?
  • When to switch careers in your life to best meet your needs and goals? 

If you're finding it difficult to answer these questions on your own, you can also consider additional resources like career quizzes, personality tests, and skills assessments to gain deeper insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. 

Seeking career change advice from career counsellors or mentors, such as Lifelong Learning Singapore’s (LLSG) Skills Ambassadors or Workforce Singapore’s (WSG) Career Coaches, can also provide valuable perspectives and support as you navigate this decision, especially when considering how to actually switch careers.

 

Exploring New Career Paths 

If you're wondering how to switch jobs or career in your mid-career and are unsure where to begin, here are some steps to guide your exploration: 

 

1. Identify Transferable Skills 

Transferable skills and experience are highly valued by all employers. It's good to figure out what skills you can apply to the new role because it can save you time and effort by allowing you to use what you already know. 

So, start by taking stock of the skills you've acquired throughout your career thus far and identify those that are transferable to other industries or roles. For instance, proficiency in specific software or tools can be highly transferable across different industries. 

Beyond hard skills, consider your soft skills, which are often highly transferable. Examples include communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork. These skills are essential in almost any workplace and can be valuable assets in your mid-career change. 

 

2. Research Industries and Roles 

Explore different industries and job roles to identify potential areas of interest to begin your mid-career transition. You can start with resources such as:

  • Industry Reports (E.g., SDFE 2025)
  • Job Boards
  • Professional Networks (e.g., LinkedIn)
  • Company Websites 

 

You should also pay attention to growth areas in Singapore's economy and research about the in-demand skills within these emerging sectors: 

 

3. Network and Explore Informational Interviews 

Lastly, networking is crucial for gaining insights and building connections in your desired field. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and don’t be afraid to reach out for coffee chats, informal conversations with people already working in your target industry or role. These chats can offer valuable insider perspectives, practical advice, and help you uncover new opportunities for a successful mid-career switch.

networking coffee chats

 

Making the Transition

Once you've identified a new career path, careful planning and preparation are essential for a successful mid-career transition. Here are some key steps to help you make a smooth career change after age 40: 

 

1. Upskilling and Reskilling

Acquiring the right skills and knowledge for your new career through relevant training programmes and courses is essential. You can explore courses on MySkillsFuture, which features options from various training providers and Institutes of Higher Learning, or even sign up on platforms like Coursera, where you’ll find thousands of courses to get you started.

There are also initiatives like the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP), a train-and-place programme available in a part-time or full-time format to help mid-career individuals acquire industry-relevant skills to improve employability and pivot to new sectors or job roles. It covers a range of areas from engineering to social services and tourism, providing diverse options for mid-career individuals seeking a career switch.

 

2. Financial Planning

Assessing your financial situation and developing a plan to manage expenses during the transition are also advised. This may involve budgeting, utilising savings, or considering part-time work while you upskill or search for new opportunities. 

You can also explore subsidied through initiatives like the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme (SFLP). This programme provides substantial financial aid, including SkillsFuture Credit top-ups, training allowances, and enhanced course fee subsidies, to encourage lifelong learning and career transitions for those aged 40 and above.

Similarly, you can consider other government initiatives and schemes that can help alleviate the financial burden of a mid-career switch, such as the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy. This scheme provides additional subsidies for course fees for SkillsFuture-supported courses and MOE-subsidised full-time and part-time courses ranging from Nitec to postgraduate level in selected institutes to make upskilling and reskilling more accessible. 


3. Job Search Strategies 

It’s also important to ensure your job search strategies are set up for success. You can optimise your job search by tailoring your resume and cover letter to highlight the transferable skills and experience that are relevant to your new career target. You can also use online job platforms, network with professionals in your field, and consider engaging with recruitment agencies specialising in mid-career changes. 

Then, it's time to prepare for interviews. This involves practising your responses to common questions and researching the companies you're interviewing with. For example, you could rewrite your resume to focus on skills relevant to your new career, practice answering common interview questions like, "Tell me about yourself" and "Why are you interested in this role?" and research salary ranges for your target position.

You must also be ready to negotiate your salary based on your skills and experience. This means researching salary ranges for your target position in Singapore and understanding your market value. You can consider using online resources like Glassdoor or Salary.sg to gather information about typical salaries for similar roles in your industry. 

 

Potential Challenges of Mid-Career Switch

While a mid-career switch offers exciting possibilities, it's important to be aware of potential challenges and proactively address them.

 

Ageism

Unfortunately, ageism can be a factor in the job market, so be prepared to address any age-related concerns by highlighting your experience, demonstrating adaptability, and focusing on the value your skills bring to the table. 

You should also emphasise your willingness to learn and contribute to the company's success. For instance, you could highlight a recent Machine Learning & AI certification from Google to demonstrate your commitment to upskilling and your ability to adapt to new technologies. 

 

Fear and Uncertainty 

Making a significant mid-career change can be emotionally challenging. It's normal to experience fear and uncertainty. However, you can learn to healthily manage these feelings by setting realistic expectations, seeking support from family, friends, or mentors, and focusing on your strengths and accomplishments. For example, you could break down your career transition into smaller, manageable steps, connect with others who have made similar changes or remind yourself of your past successes and the skills you've developed. 

 

Balancing Responsibilities 

Balancing a career change in your 40s with other life commitments, such as family, finances, and personal well-being, can be demanding. So remember to prioritise self-care, manage your time effectively, and seek support when needed. Remember that this is a journey, and it's okay to take things one step at a time. Focus on embracing the possibilities and focus on the positive aspects of your new career path.  

 

Embrace Your Mid-Career Transition 

If you're considering a mid-career change, embrace this exciting opportunity for reinvention and growth! With the right skills, support, and a proactive approach, you can successfully navigate this transition and unlock new possibilities in your professional life. Remember, it's never too late to pursue your passions and achieve your career goals!