Editorial Team | On July 14, 2023

Discover how a wealth of experience and a trove of transferable skills can open up new career paths. From remote work to consultancy roles, and even entrepreneurship, the possibilities are endless. With practical advice and an empowering narrative, this guide serves as an essential resource for older women seeking to redefine their professional journeys.

Demystifying the Job Market for Older Women

For many, the job market might appear daunting, seeming to favor younger employees and fresh graduates.

However, the reality is that there are myriad opportunities for individuals of all ages, particularly older women. In fact, those working in health care and social assistance who were 65 years old or older numbered nearly 1.5 million in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond bring a rich tapestry of life experience, professional knowledge, and unique insights that make them valuable contributors in diverse roles.

This article embarks on a journey to demystify the job market for older women, shedding light on a host of potential career paths and opportunities. As we progress, we will illuminate how the skills and expertise older women possess can be transferred to new roles and positions, ultimately enhancing their employability and opening doors to rewarding careers.

Lifehacks

• Embrace continuous learning: Keep yourself updated with the latest trends in your industry.
• Highlight your achievements: Showcase your professional milestones on your resume and during interviews.
• Utilize networking: Connect with professionals in your field to discover hidden job opportunities.
• Showcase versatility: Highlight your ability to adapt to changing job roles and environments.
• Practice confidence: Show potential employers you’re comfortable with your experience and age.

Age is Just a Number: Transferable Skills for Older Women

One of the most empowering things for older women embarking on a new job search is understanding the concept of transferable skills.

These skills, built up over a lifetime of personal and professional experiences, span a broad spectrum. From customer service and communication skills gleaned from years of interacting with people, to technical skills honed through decades of adapting to technological advances, these skills are a testament to the adaptability and lifelong learning capabilities of older women.

More than 1 in 10 workers today is a woman aged 55 or older. In a rapidly evolving job market, the ability to transfer these skills to new roles is an asset.

As such, older women seeking employment should not underestimate the power of their transferable skills and should instead proudly present these competencies when applying for jobs.

Lifehacks

• Identify your skills: Review your past roles to identify transferable skills.
• Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight these skills for each job application.
• Upskill yourself: Learn new skills that are in demand.
• Narrate your skills: During interviews, tell stories that demonstrate your skills.
• Display adaptability: Show potential employers that you are willing and able to adapt to new technologies and processes.

In-Demand Jobs: Suitable Professions for Older Women

Contrary to common misconceptions, older women are not limited in their professional choices. In fact, there are a plethora of professions that offer excellent fit for older women, either due to their inherent flexibility or due to the specific blend of skills and experience they demand.

These opportunities can range from administrative roles, where years of organizational experience and multitasking are highly valued, to positions within the non-profit sector, where a mature perspective and deep-seated empathy can create positive ripples of change. In these in-demand roles, older women have the chance to leverage their unique strengths and make a lasting impact.

Lifehacks

• Research the market: Find out which jobs are in demand and match your skills.
• Pursue further education: Consider obtaining additional certifications that align with in-demand jobs.
• Network in your desired industry: Connect with professionals in industries you’re interested in.
• Craft a strong cover letter: Make your application stand out with a personalized cover letter.
• Practice for interviews: Familiarize yourself with common interview questions in your desired profession.

Consultancy Roles: Harnessing a Lifetime of Experience

In many industries, experience is the cornerstone of success. For older women who have spent decades navigating their respective fields, consultancy roles present an excellent opportunity to capitalize on this wealth of knowledge.

These roles allow older women to serve as advisors and mentors, offering actionable insights and strategic guidance to organizations within their industry.

As consultants, they can help shape company strategies, refine processes, and solve complex problems. The demand for consultants is consistently high across various sectors, including business, healthcare, and education, making this a lucrative and rewarding job option for older women.

Lifehacks

• Leverage your experience: Market your years of industry experience as a unique selling point.
• Build a professional network: Develop relationships with potential clients and other consultants.
• Stay updated: Keep abreast of the latest trends and changes in your industry.
• Create a compelling value proposition: Define the unique value you bring to clients.
• Stay organized: Keep track of client projects and deliverables to ensure success.

The Rise of Remote Work: Telecommuting Opportunities for Older Women

The world of work has seen a dramatic shift with the recent surge in remote and flexible job opportunities. This shift has been a boon for many older women, providing them with a plethora of telecommuting options.

Jobs in this category range from virtual assistance and customer support, where excellent communication and organizational skills are paramount, to online teaching and tutoring, where years of expertise can be used to educate others.

This mode of work not only offers flexibility but also the comfort of working from home, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between personal commitments and professional growth.

Lifehacks

• Explore remote job platforms: Look for jobs on websites specifically tailored to remote work.
• Update your digital skills: Familiarize yourself with remote work tools and platforms.
• Create a dedicated workspace: A well-organized, quiet space can boost your productivity.
• Learn time management: Managing your own schedule is key to success in remote work.
• Network virtually: Join online communities related to your job to stay connected.

The Entrepreneurial Path: Starting a Business in Later Life

Entrepreneurship is not just a young person’s game. More and more older women are taking the entrepreneurial plunge, turning their passions and interests into successful business ventures. One fine example is Martha Stewart, the home and kitchen icon, who didn’t find real success until age 41, when her first cookbook published. Similarly, Vera Wang, a notable figure skater and journalist before entering the fashion industry at age 40, is now recognized as one of the world’s premier women’s designers.

Whether it’s starting a boutique based on a lifelong love for fashion, like Vera Wang, opening a consultancy firm to capitalize on professional expertise, or launching a store to sell handmade crafts, entrepreneurship offers a path for older women to take full control of their professional destiny.

Besides, actors like Emmy-nominated Laverne Cox has shown that success can come at any age. She rose to prominence with her role in Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black” in 2013 when she was 41 and graced the cover of TIME Magazine at age 42. At 45, she was nominated for her first Emmy.

It’s not just entrepreneurship, even in propositions like retail, late bloomers have left a significant mark. Donald Fisher was 40 and had no experience in retail when he and his wife, Doris, opened the first Gap store in San Francisco in 1969. Today the company stands as one of the world’s largest clothing chains.

All these stories narrate a journey of self-empowerment and financial independence that rewards creativity, resilience, and business acumen, a path increasingly taken by older women to rewrite their professional destinies. (source)

Lifehacks

• Identify your passion: A successful business often starts with a passion.
• Build a solid business plan: Map out your path to success with a detailed business plan.
• Seek advice: Connect with other entrepreneurs for guidance and support.
• Be patient: Building a business takes time, so be patient and persistent.
• Keep learning: Stay open to new ideas and continually learn to improve your business.

Wrapping Up: The Future of Work for Older Women

In contrast to age-old stereotypes, age is not a hindrance to professional success. Rather, it is a testament to a life well-lived, filled with learning experiences and personal growth. Older women are an indispensable asset to the workforce, offering a diverse range of skills and a wealth of experience that enrich their roles.

As the job landscape continues to evolve in this era of digital revolution, more opportunities are set to open up, creating a more inclusive work environment that acknowledges and values the contributions of older women.

With an empowered mindset and a thorough understanding of the evolving job market, older women are poised to find rewarding, fulfilling jobs that match their skill sets and aspirations.

Remember, your age signifies your resilience, your wealth of experiences, and your wisdom – attributes that are highly valued by employers. Embrace your age as an integral part of your unique professional brand, and use it as a strength in your job search.

Check out other articles by best-selling authors:

Dawn Rasmussen – Top Five Questions About Resumes Answered

Sunny Lurie – Eight Proven Strategies to Open the Door to a Vibrant New Career

Stacia Pierce – How to Search for a Job During the Holidays

Dawn Quesnel- Helpful Hints for Job Seekers

Stacia Pierce – Conceit vs. Confidence