Last Updated on August 2, 2024 by Katie
Have you reached the point where you’ve had enough in your current career? While changing jobs can be scary, change is often the medicine you need to get excited about your workday again! And, this is why I created this list of the best remote jobs for a midlife career change.
In today’s world, the younger generation seems to constantly change jobs, but as we age, the predictability and safety of a regular income make it hard to give up for the unknown.
I know this as I’ve changed careers multiple times and been terrified of things not working out!
But, I took the leap by taking new courses to learn what I needed to know and decent jobs followed, which I’m very grateful for.
So, if you’re in your 40s or 50s and looking for a new, satisfying career, keep reading to learn about the best remote jobs for a midlife career change.
In a hurry?
Check Out These Featured Career Opportunities!
* Get Paid to do Voiceovers from Home – FREE Mini-course Intro to Voiceovers.
* Work at Home as a Transcriptionist – Learn Transcription Skills with Transcribe Anywhere and Open Doors to New Remote Jobs.
* Start Your Own Thriving Proofreading Business – Learn how to get started in this FREE proofreading workshop.
You also might like:
- 45 entry-level remote jobs always hiring
- 25 online jobs that require no degree
- 15 best online jobs for introverts
- 25 remote jobs that pay $40 an hour
- 21 platforms to find work from home website testing jobs
15 Best Remote Jobs for a Midlife Career Change
Ned a fresh start aged 40 or 50?
Check out this list of the best remote jobs for a midlife career change that offers a great work/life balance and excellent pay.
1: Proofreader
Proofreaders check written content for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
This role involves reviewing various documents, ranging from academic papers to marketing materials. It’s a great fit for detail-oriented individuals looking for flexible work.
Proofreading can be done remotely, allowing for a better work-life balance, which is ideal for those making a midlife career change.
- Average Salary: $21-$27 per hour
- Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree often required but not essential
- Required Skills: Strong grammar, attention to detail, good time management
- Websites to Find Jobs: Scribbr, Scribendi
Learn more in our guide on how to become a proofreader with no experience.
2: Transcriptionist
A transcriptionist converts audio recordings into written documents.
This role is versatile, with opportunities in healthcare, legal, media, and academic fields.
You can set your own hours and work from anywhere with a laptop, headset, and internet connection.
This makes transcription a flexible choice that’s ideal for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
- Average Salary: $15 to $23 per hour
- Educational Requirements: High school diploma, transcription course preferred
- Required Skills: Typing speed, accuracy, attention to detail, listening skills
- Websites to Find Jobs: Rev, GMR Transcription
Learn more in our guide on how to become a general transcriptionist.
3: Project Manager
A project manager oversees projects from inception to completion.
This role involves planning, executing, and closing projects. You coordinate with various teams to ensure goals are achieved within scope, time, and budget.
This job is ideal for a midlife career change due to its reliance on transferable skills such as leadership, organization, and problem-solving.
- Average salary: $100,171
- Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree; project management certification (PMP) preferred
- Required skills: Leadership, communication, time management, problem-solving
- Websites to find this job: Glassdoor, Indeed
4: Graphic Designer
Graphic designers are tasked with creating visual concepts using computer software.
Your work might include creating advertisements, logos, marketing materials, and reports and you’ll need creativity and proficiency in design software.
It’s a flexible career, offering opportunities for freelance, part-time, and full-time work.
Many midlife changers find graphic design appealing due to its creative nature and the ability to work remotely.
- Average salary: $50,000 to $75,000 annually
- Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field
- Required skills: Creativity, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, attention to detail, communication skills
- Websites to find jobs: Dribbble, The Design Kids
.If you’re creative, check out these 21 ways to get paid to color.
5: Freelance Writer
A freelance writer creates content for various clients, often on a project-by-project basis.
This role can include blog posts, articles, web content, marketing copy, social media posts, emails, and more.
As a freelance writer, you have the flexibility to work from anywhere and set your own schedule.
This makes it an excellent option for a midlife career change, providing balance and independence.
- Average Salary: $15.00 – $60.00 per hour
- Educational Requirements: No formal education required, but a degree in English, Journalism, or Communications can be beneficial
- Required Skills: Strong writing and grammar skills, research abilities, time management, familiarity with SEO
- Websites to Find Jobs: Upwork, ProBlogger
Learn more in our guide on how to become a freelance writer with no experience.
6: Customer Support Specialist
Customer Support Specialists handle inquiries and resolve issues through various communication channels.
You assist customers by providing solutions and ensuring their satisfaction. This role often includes responding to emails, chats, and phone calls.
This position is ideal for a midlife career change because it requires skills such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy which you may have developed over the years.
- Average salary: $15-$18 per hour
- Educational requirements: No degree required for many positions
- Required skills: Strong communication, problem-solving, basic computer skills, empathy
- Websites to find this type of job: Companies offering customer service jobs from home
7: Voice Over Artist
As a voice over artist, you use your vocal skills to bring scripts to life.
Your work can include providing voices for commercials, animations, video games, movies, audiobooks and more.
This role allows you to work from home, making it ideal for a midlife career change due to its flexibility and the growing demand for remote voice work.
Engaging in this career offers creative satisfaction and a chance to leverage your existing communication skills.
You will need a quiet home studio setup, but you won’t need to invest in a lot of equipment.
- Average Salary: $117,910 per year
- Educational Requirements: No formal education is required, but training in acting or voice work can be beneficial
- Required Skills: Clear diction, good timing, ability to convey emotion, and sometimes accents
- Websites to Find Jobs: Voices, Bunny Studio
Learn more in our guide on how to become a voice over artist with no experience.
8: Online Chat Moderator
As an Online Chat Moderator, your primary role is to monitor and manage online communities.
This can include responding to user inquiries, enforcing community guidelines, and mitigating potential risks.
This job is highly suited for a midlife career change due to its flexibility and the relatively low barrier to entry.
You can often work from home and choose hours that fit your schedule.
- Average Salary: $8-$15 per hour
- Educational Requirements: None specified, but experience in customer service or social media management is beneficial
- Required Skills: Communication, typing speed, attention to detail, problem-solving
- Websites to Find Jobs: Quiip, Arise
Get more job opportunities here: 25 online chat moderator jobs.
9: Online Tutor
As an online tutor, you guide students of various ages through different subjects, all from the comfort of your home.
It’s a flexible and rewarding position, perfect for those with expertise in specific areas like math, science, or languages.
You don’t always need a teaching degree to start, which makes it accessible and there are multiple platforms to teach English with no experience.
Helping learners achieve their goals can be incredibly fulfilling, making this one of the best remote jobs for a midlife career change.
- Average Salary: Varies widely, $15 – $30 per hour
- Educational Requirements: Often none, though some positions prefer a bachelor’s degree
- Required Skills: Subject expertise, communication, patience
- Websites to Find Jobs: BookNook, VIPKid, iTutorGroup
10: Marketing Consultant
A marketing consultant helps businesses create and implement marketing strategies.
You assess current marketing plans, identify areas for improvement, and guide businesses on best practices.
This role often involves analyzing market trends, developing campaigns, and advising on branding.
This job is ideal for a midlife career change because it leverages existing experience and skills, plus, it offers flexibility, often allowing you to work remotely.
- Average salary: $70,000 – $120,000 per year
- Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related field
- Required skills: Analytical thinking, communication, creativity, project management
- Websites to find this job: Simply Marketing Jobs, Campaign Jobs
11: Remote Accountant
Remote accountants manage financial records and ensure taxes, budgets, and financial reports are accurate.
This role involves using accounting software, preparing financial statements, and advising on tax regulations.
Changing to this career can be ideal for a midlife career if you have experience with numbers and attention to detail.
- Average Salary: $55,000 – $75,000 annually
- Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
- Required Skills: Attention to detail, proficiency in accounting software, knowledge of tax laws
- Websites to Find Jobs: Accounting Jobs Today, ACCA Global
12: SEO Specialist
As an SEO Specialist, you help businesses improve their online presence by optimizing their websites for search engines.
The role involves researching keywords, analyzing website performance, and creating content strategies.
This career is one of the best remote jobs for a midlife career change due to its flexibility and demand.
- Average Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
- Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field
- Required Skills: SEO knowledge, analytical skills, proficiency in Google Analytics, and content creation
- Websites to Find Jobs: SEOJobs, PeoplePerHour
13: Virtual Assistant
A Virtual Assistant (VA) handles administrative tasks remotely.
Duties often include managing emails, scheduling appointments, data entry, blog management, and handling customer inquiries.
This career is ideal for a midlife change due to its flexibility and the opportunity to leverage transferable skills.
- Average Salary: $15 – $25 per hour
- Educational Requirements: High school diploma
- Required Skills: Organization, communication, multitasking, technical proficiency
- Websites to Find Jobs: Virtual assistant jobs hiring
14: Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers are responsible for developing and executing social media strategies.
This career involves creating content, analyzing social media metrics, and leading social media campaigns.
You’re ideal for this role if you have strong communication skills, creativity, and an understanding of various social media platforms.
- Average Salary: $70,000 – $100,000 annually
- Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field
- Required Skills: Content creation, analytics, strategic planning, excellent communication
- Where to Find Jobs: Social Media Jobs, Social FIXT
15: Web Developer
A web developer creates and maintains websites with the role involving layout creation, writing code, and ensuring sites are user-friendly and functional.
This job is great for a midlife career change due to high demand and flexibility and you can often work remotely, offering a good work-life balance.
- Average Salary: $77,200 per year (as of 2024)
- Educational Requirements: Often a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, but bootcamps and certifications can suffice
- Required Skills: Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail
- Websites to Find Jobs: We Are Developers, Lemon.io
Check out these free web developer courses at Code Academy.
What to Consider When Making a Midlife Career Change
When looking at the best remote jobs for a midlife career change, your motivations and goals are critical.
Take a look at the most important things to consider before you dive in:
Self-Assessment
Reflect on your skills, interests, and core values before making a midlife career change.
Understanding what drives you can guide you toward a new job that aligns with your passions. List your strengths and areas for improvement.
Financial Obligations
Consider what your current financial situation and obligations are.
List your current expenses, savings, and any financial commitments such as mortgages or education fees.
Ensure you have a financial cushion to support you during the transition.
Education and Training
Determine if additional education or certifications are required for your new career path.
Many midlife career changers benefit from courses or training programs to update their skills.
Job Market Research
Investigate the job market for the career you are interested in.
It’s wise to consider job stability and potential growth so look for industries with growing demand for new talent
Work-Life Balance
Evaluate how a career change might affect your work-life balance.
A new job can significantly impact your personal time and family life. Make sure that any new role yo take on aligns with your lifestyle preferences.
Network and Experience
Leverage your existing professional network by informing colleagues and friends about your career transition.
Networking can open doors and provide valuable connections in the new field.
Health and Well-being
Consider the physical and emotional demands of your potential new career.
Will it give you more freedom and flexibility you crave or is it gong to lead to more work day stress?
A job that supports your well-being and health is also essential for long-term satisfaction.
Follow these tips for a successful midlife transition into a new career:
- Assess Your Skills and Interests: Evaluate what you’re passionate about and where your strengths lie. Reflecting on your previous experiences can help you identify transferable skills that will be valuable in your new career.
- Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your career change. Whether it’s a specific role, better work-life balance, or a higher salary, having clear goals will help you stay focused.
- Expand Your Network: Networking is crucial. Reconnect with former colleagues, attend industry events, and join professional groups to build connections that can open doors to new opportunities.
- Upgrade Your Education: Consider taking courses or earning certifications that will make you more competitive in the field you’re pursuing. Online learning platforms and community colleges offer flexible options to fit into your schedule.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Career coaches and mentors can provide valuable advice and support. They can help you navigate the transition, offer insights into potential challenges, and keep you motivated throughout the process.
Final Thoughts on the Best Remote Jobs for a Midlife Career Change
While those are some of the best remote jobs for a midlife career change, this list is not exhaustive.
There are plenty of other work-from-home jobs that you can consider if you don’t find anything that suits your needs and lifestyle.
For example, you could even ditch the normal work life and start your own small online business or use gig apps to earn cash when it suits you.
Thanks to the internet, there is no longer just one way to make a living – you can leverage your skills to start a side hustle and build it into a full-time income that no longer requires you to work for someone else!
Check these side hustle ideas for inspiration:
- Surveys that pay instantly
- How to read audiobooks or money
- Make money flipping websites
- Get paid to be a virtual friend
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
