From Placing Talent to Finding Purpose career change after 40

You’ve sourced the best. You’ve built pipelines, closed candidates, and guided people into their next opportunity. But what happens when you’re the one looking for the next step?

As companies shift priorities and automation changes how talent is recruited, many seasoned recruiting professionals are facing a career change after 40—not because they can’t do the job, but because they want more purpose, flexibility, and alignment.

Why career change after 40 Pros Are Reimagining Their Careers

Even recruiters hit career walls. You may be:

· Facing burnout from relentless hiring cycles

· Seeing AI tools reshape your job

· Tired of transactional recruiting

· Seeking more purpose and strategic impact

You’ve helped others land dream jobs. It’s time to focus on your own.

3 Reinvention Paths for Talent Acquisition Leaders

1. Start a Boutique Recruiting Agency

Use your niche knowledge and network to:

· Place talent in industries you love

· Offer personalized, white-glove service

· Help companies hire with equity and integrity

This is recruiting with heart—and control.

2. Transition to Career Coaching

Your hiring insights are gold for job seekers:

· Become a certified career coach

· Specialize in resume review, interview prep, or LinkedIn branding

· Work with midlife professionals who need guidance

You’ve been on the other side of the table—now guide others through it.

3. Move Into Talent Strategy or DEI

Take your skills upstream:

· Advise on hiring systems, inclusion practices, and employer branding

· Help small orgs scale smart hiring processes

· Join purpose-driven companies doing talent differently

Bring strategy to the surface.

Discover Your Next Stage

At My Next Stage, we help experienced recruiting professionals shift from job-filler to purpose-fulfiller. Our career transition platform provides the tools and support to reimagine what’s next with clarity and intention.

Take the Next Step

· Join My Next Stage’s free membership for access to tools, templates, and community

· Follow us on LinkedIn for weekly insight and inspiration

· Join our Power Sessions for live career strategy and connection

You’ve placed hundreds into new roles. Now it’s your turn to make a career move that matters.