You're well into midlife now, have a boatload of work experience and are more than open to a job change. Is that normal?
About 40% of job holders between the ages of 50 and 65 can see themselves changing their workplace within the next two years, according to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Stuttgart-based job recruitment agency Königsteiner.
How realistic is a successful job search at the age of 55+? While they seldom say it out loud, many companies have reservations about hiring older workers - ageism is a real issue. In a survey of personnel managers by the job search website Indeed, 28% of the respondents said applicants over 60 were too old for their company; 20% said 55+ was also too old.
Georg Scheiber, partner and managing consultant of the Hamburg-based outplacement consulting company von Rundstedt, says success depends on the individual. If you show initiative and have demonstrably continued to upgrade the skills your occupation requires, you've got a good chance to land a new job, he's found.
"This is particularly true of employees whose CV shows them as having a readiness to make a change from time to time," Scheiber says, since it signals to employers that you're not only willing, but also able to take on something new.
Before older job holders consider jumping ship, they should ask themselves a couple of questions: What do I have to offer a new employer? What are my strengths? It's not just a matter of expertise, but experience too.
"An employee's market value is high when experience gained over decades is paired with up-to-date know-how," Scheiber says.
Younger employees can benefit from older ones - and not only with respect to know-how. Career coach Volker Klärchen gives an example: If a company is planning to restructure, younger employees are often alarmed, lowering productivity. Older ones can often calm their minds, for instance by reassuring them: I've gone through this before. There'll be changes, but you'll get used to them.
If you're envisaging a job switch - whether as an executive, a manager or rank-and-file employee - you should thoroughly acquaint yourself with the target company. It's to your advantage to have a clear and realistic idea of the role you'd like to assume there before you initiate contact.
"You're not going to make a very convincing impression on a potential employer if you say something like, "I'd like to leave my current company. What position might you have for me?" says Scheiber.
Change doesn't have to mean switching companies though. You could ask to be transferred to a different department, for example. Or you could get further training and take on a new role at your present workplace.
But how can you persuade your employer to reposition you at the ripe "old" age of 55+? In the Königsteiner survey, 49% of the respondents reported feeling that their current employer furthered younger employees more than older ones. And just as many said that advanced training opportunities were tailored more to the former too.
"At any rate, you should be prepared to give good reasons for wanting the repositioning, and also explain how it could benefit your employer," advises Klärchen. Being motivated is often key, he says. If your reasons are solid and your employer senses your enthusiasm, it's very possible that your wish will be granted.
Perhaps your job applications haven't got any bites and you suspect it's due to your age. If so, "you should by no means give up too quickly," says Scheiber. who recommends considering whether other factors are at play. Your knowledge and skills may not meet current market demands, for instance.
You should also ask yourself whether your application documents are well organized, your cover letter convincing and your social media presence attractive to potential employers.
Money is another possible sticking point. "In many cases, the applicant themself isn't the problem - the cost is," remarks Klärchen. Employees aged 55+ are often paid more than those, say, in their early 30s. "There are employers who'd gladly hire someone older, but simply can't afford to."
Sometimes, however, 55+ is a decidedly good age for a job change, says Scheiber - "especially for highly paid executives or managers in general." For these positions, long years of experience are a major plus.