If you’re thinking about making a career change in your 60s, then it’s worth looking at roles that will allow you to really make the most of your life experience. These tend to be jobs that involve making a difference to the lives of others – for example, supporting someone through a major life event like giving birth or learning to drive.

The knowledge and skills that you have developed over the years are precious and many over 60s find it extremely rewarding to be able to put them into practice on a daily basis. With that said, here are five career opportunities where having life experience can give you an advantage.

Midwife

Could you help women safely deliver the gift of life, by supporting them before, during, and/or after childbirth? Midwives work in a fascinating and fast-paced role where no two days are ever the same.

If you have a background in coaching or leadership, then you may find that this helps you to adopt the firm, yet reassuring presence needed to get women and their families through the childbirth process.

To become a Midwife, you’ll need to complete a degree course over a three-year period. Midwifery degrees combine theory and practice (with there being greater focus on the practical side in the second and third years of the course) and universities welcome applicants of all ages.

Rest Less offers more information about retraining to become a midwife later in life.

Counsellor

If you love being that listening ear and a shoulder to cry on for friends and family members, then it might be worth considering a career in counselling.

People with plenty of life experience tend to have an easier time empathising with people who could be going through a range of different experiences – from having a hard time at work to grieving the loss of a loved one.

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) recommends a three step process for those interested in training to become a Counsellor, which you can read more about here.

Driving Instructor

If you enjoy being out on the open road and can appreciate all that your driving licence has offered you over the years, then it could be the perfect time to help give the gift of driving to others.

Driving Instructors work with people of all ages, working with them right up until the day that they pass their test, and sometimes even after! The most important trait that you can have as a Driving Instructor is the ability to stay calm behind the wheel, which often comes with experience.

Interested in getting started? The first step in your journey is to apply to the Driving Standards Vehicle Agency (DVSA) so that they can assess your suitability for the role.

Youth Worker

Young people often find it much easier to relate to individuals who have been through similar experiences to them and come out the other side, which is why life experience can be a real bonus when working as a Youth Worker.

Youth Workers work with 11–25-year-olds; supporting them through difficult situations like bullying, substance abuse, and family issues. They help those in need to look beyond their current situation and see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The first step to becoming a youth worker can be joining a youth club as a volunteer, whilst working towards a college-level qualification in youth work practice, or applying for an undergraduate degree in youth work or youth work studies.

Consultant

If you’ve spent many years working in the corporate world but no longer want to work in the same role, then you could consider passing your niche skills and knowledge onto others instead.

Consultants usually work on a freelance basis and are paid to provide expertise (which is a combination of knowledge, problem-solving, and industry understanding) to businesses who are looking to make improvements and increase their success.

The trickiest thing about becoming a Consultant is landing clients. Freelance sites like Guru.com and Upwork.com are helpful for building up a client base. You can also try browsing job sites for more permanent in-house opportunities.

Are you keen to find a role where you can make the most of your life experience? What would that role be for you? Have you started looking into your options? Please share your thoughts and stories, and let’s have a conversation!