5 Myths About Career Change After 50 That Are Costing You Years

5 Myths About Career Change After 50 That Are Costing You Years

June 29, 2026 · 15 min · Episode 732

About this episode

The episode discusses five myths about career change after 50 that hinder professionals from pursuing new opportunities.

Scott Ingham spent 18 years in pharmaceutical sales before deciding to make a career change after 50. When he told people, the response was almost uniform: "You're crazy." That pushback wasn't useful advice. It was projection of other people's fears dressed up as concern. It's also one of five beliefs that keep professionals over 50 stuck in roles they've already outgrown. According to data, 85% of employers now hire based on skills, not credentials. 53% have dropped degree requirements entirely. The average new hire today is 42 years old. And 80% of career changers report they're glad they made the move with the most common regret being how long they waited. If one of these five beliefs has been running quietly in the background of a decision you haven't made yet, this episode is worth your time. What you'll learn Why the pushback you get from people around you when considering a career change after 50 isn't advice — and what it actually is What skills-based hiring really means for professionals with 20+ years of experience and why the market timing right now may be better than it's ever been The hidden cost of staying in a role that no longer fits and why the financial math of…

People in this episode

Host: Scott Anthony Barlow

Guest: Scott Ingham

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Books & works: Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work

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