What jobs can a 56 year old do?
James Williams
Updated on March 19, 2026
Being 50 or over can be a great age to choose a new career. You have lots of skills and experience and the agility of mind to learn new things….
- 13 ideas for alternative careers after the age of 50.
- Teacher.
- Driving Instructor.
- Tradesperson.
- Retail roles.
- Pet Sitter.
- Virtual Assistant.
- Life Coach/Mentor.
Can I get a job at age 56?
Although age discrimination in hiring is illegal under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), that doesn’t mean it isn’t prevalent. Research shows that it’s often harder for older workers to secure new jobs.
What is the best job for a 55 year old?
Best jobs for over 50 professionals
- Medical records technician. National average salary: $13.14 per hour.
- Administrative assistant. National average salary: $15.36 per hour.
- Bus driver. National average salary: $15.75 per hour.
- 3. Mail carrier.
- Tutor.
- Writer.
- Massage therapist.
- Retail manager.
What new jobs can you start at 55?
Below are some of the best fields for career changers over the age of 50.
- Administrative. An administrative position may not sound like a flexible job, but there are plenty of remote and flexible administrative roles.
- Education & Training.
- Writing.
- Accounting & Finance.
- Medical & Health.
- Mortgage & Real Estate.
What do you do when you lose your job at 55?
Here are tips you can follow if you’re trying to cope with losing your job after 50:
- Evaluate how you’re doing emotionally.
- File for unemployment.
- Create a plan.
- Keep track of your savings.
- Inquire about insurance.
- Identify your skills and strengths.
- Refresh your resume.
- Commit to searching for a job.
Can you start a new career at 55?
If you’re over 55, you can start a new career by teaching those who might be just starting out. Professional teachers and tutors in business, math, engineering, marketing and more, can provide invaluable examples of what it’s like to pursue a career in the field the students have chosen to pursue.
How do I switch careers at 55?
The after-50 career change
- Know yourself. Explore your personality and what you need to be happy.
- Take time to think.
- Seek professional help.
- It’s not about the money.
- Self-actualization.
- Deal with the fear.
- Be realistic about what you can do.
- Don’t hate them because they’re younger.
How can I change my life at 55?
Are there any jobs for people 55 and older?
SCSEP, an employment program for workers 55 and older, is one of the Johnson-era programs that is supposed to just fix that. Initially funded by the Department of Labor in 1967 as part of the War on Poverty, the program was revitalized during the Great Recession. “Most people need to work. They usually come to us very discouraged.
How to combat ageism in your job search?
By structuring your resume strategically, you can combat ageism in your job search and showcase the qualifications that are most relevant to the job you’re seeking, says Kim Isaacs, executive resume writer and resume expert. For instance, think twice before leading with “decades of experience” on your resume.
What kind of job can I get in the telecom industry?
Job Responsibilities: Managing technical project team of 15 or more people; Carrying ou… Areas of Responsibility Sales Planning Assimilate and analyze information on clients, t… PMP Certification and Telecom sector client exposureMinimum years of Experience in Proj…
Is there age discrimination in the tech industry?
Take tech, for example. “Being in Silicon Valley, we face real age discrimination and the work culture is definitely one of youth,” says Dave Arnold, President of Arnold Partners, LLC, an executive recruiting firm. Age bias can certainly hamper older job seekers.