In this article, you'll find the best jobs for 40-year-olds with no experience. The big 4-0 is often seen as a significant milestone, and it may also be a time when you're considering a career change or starting anew. Whether you’ve taken time off for family, are seeking a post-retirement second career, or simply want to reinvent yourself professionally, there are many opportunities available. Listed below are 11 of the best jobs for 40-year-olds with no experience.
- Community Services Manager
- Real Estate Appraiser
- Life Coach
- Teaching Assistant
- Home Inspector
- Personal Financial Advisor
- Sales Account Executive
- Corporate Trainer
- Content Writer
- Administrative Services Manager
- Professional Consultant
Table of Contents
- 1. Community Services Manager
- 2. Real Estate Appraiser
- 3. Life Coach
- 4. Teaching Assistant
- 5. Home Inspector
- 6. Personal Financial Advisor
- 7. Sales Account Executive
- 8. Corporate Trainer
- 9. Content Writer
- 10. Administrative Services Manager
- 11. Professional Consultant
- Is it realistic to change careers at 40?
- How can I make my age a positive in my job search?
- Should I go back to school for another degree?
1. Community Services Manager
Community Services Managers oversee programs that provide public services. Experience in management, even in non-related fields, can be a plus, but it's not always necessary.
Skills Required
- Strong leadership abilities
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Organizational and planning expertise
- Problem-solving attitude
Salary Range
Between $25 - $35 hourly, depending on the location and organization.
2. Real Estate Appraiser
Real Estate Appraisers assess property values for sales and transactions. While certification is required, you can often prepare for this career without prior experience in the field.
Skills Required
- Attention to detail
- Analytical skills
- Understanding of the real estate market
- Good mathematical ability
Salary Range
Between $20 - $30 hourly, with increases as you gain more credentials and experience.
3. Life Coach
Life Coaches help clients achieve personal or professional goals. This role requires empathy and communication more than experience, and certification programs are available.
Skills Required
- Excellent listening and communication skills
- Empathy and the desire to help others
- Ability to motivate and inspire
- Strong understanding of coaching techniques and principles
Salary Range
Variable, often starting from $30 hourly or can be on a per-session basis.
4. Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistants work in educational settings, providing support to teachers and students alike. Experience in education is not always required to start.
Skills Required
- Patience and clear communication
- Organizational skills
- Enthusiasm for learning and teaching
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff and students
Salary Range
Between $12 - $18 hourly, dependent on the educational institution and location.
5. Home Inspector
Home Inspectors examine properties for buyers and sellers. Training is required but having a background in construction or real estate is not always necessary.
Skills Required
- Keen observation skills
- Knowledge of construction practices and home systems
- Detail-oriented approach
- Good communication for reporting findings
Salary Range
Between $20 - $30 hourly, often growing with reputation and experience.
6. Personal Financial Advisor
Personal Financial Advisors assist individuals with financial planning. While prior experience in finance is helpful, it’s possible to enter the field with certification and training.
Skills Required
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills
- Understanding of financial markets and products
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to build client relationships
Salary Range
Between $25 - $40 hourly, plus potential bonuses or commissions.
7. Sales Account Executive
Sales Account Executives manage client accounts and pursue sales opportunities. Prior sales experience is not always required if you have strong communication and negotiation skills.
Skills Required
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Persuasiveness and resilience
- Customer relationship management
- Strategic planning and research
Salary Range
Between $20 - $30 hourly, with the potential for commissions and bonuses.
8. Corporate Trainer
Corporate Trainers educate employees on skills and knowledge related to their jobs. A background in education or a specific industry can be helpful, but is not always necessary.
Skills Required
- Strong presentation and public speaking skills
- Knowledge of training methodologies
- Organizational skills
- Ability to motivate and engage learners
Salary Range
Between $25 - $35 hourly, depending on the industry and subject matter expertise.
9. Content Writer
Content Writers create materials for digital and print media. While writing experience is helpful, you can start a career in content writing with strong language skills and a niche expertise.
Skills Required
- Excellent writing and editing skills
- Research proficiency
- SEO knowledge is a plus
- Creativity and ability to engage readers
Salary Range
Variable, typically starting between $15 - $25 hourly or per piece for freelancers.
10. Administrative Services Manager
Administrative Services Managers ensure that organizations operate efficiently. They might come from various backgrounds and transition into the role with related experience.
Skills Required
- Leadership and management skills
- Organizational abilities
- Strong communication
- Problem-solving skills
Salary Range
Between $20 - $30 hourly, with potential growth depending on the organization's size.
11. Professional Consultant
Professional Consultants offer expert advice in their area of expertise. While prior experience in consultancy is not required, knowledge in a specific sector is crucial.
Skills Required
- Expert knowledge in a particular field
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Project management experience
Salary Range
Highly variable; consultants may charge between $50 - $200 hourly based on expertise and client base.
Is it realistic to change careers at 40?
Absolutely. Changing careers at 40 is not only realistic but can also bring renewed passion and a wealth of diverse experience to your new role.
What challenges might I face when looking for a job at 40 with no experience?
You may face biases or questions about your career change; however, focusing on your transferable skills and life experience can turn your age into an advantage.
How can I make my age a positive in my job search?
Emphasize the maturity, reliability, and varied skill set you bring to the table, which are highly valued by many employers.
What if I am interested in a field that seems dominated by younger people?
Show that you are adaptable and eager to learn. Your unique perspective and the depth of your life experience can be a significant asset in any field.
Should I go back to school for another degree?
This depends on your chosen field. Sometimes, short courses, certifications, or self-taught skills can be enough to get you started.
