Career Change at 40: Which Skills Can You Take With You?
Josh Ramsay • November 13, 2026
'BIM Experience Required' Isn't Always Specific Enough
It's easy to see how digital requirements can become another line on a job specification without anyone explaining exactly what's needed.
Take 'BIM experience required'.
That could mean producing models, reviewing design information, coordinating disciplines or understanding how model-based data is used during project delivery.
Depending on the position, some of those skills may be essential. Others might be completely unnecessary.
For a Design Manager responsible for reviewing coordinated information, a more useful requirement might be:
Experience reviewing coordinated design information, identifying conflicts and communicating changes across project teams.
Now there's something a recruiter can assess and a candidate can respond to.
It also avoids attracting applications from people with the wrong type of BIM experience, or excluding professionals who've carried out comparable responsibilities using different systems.
The question employers need to answer before advertising is what the person will actually be doing with the technology.
Could Your Job Specification Be Narrowing Your Shortlist?
There's a difference between needing somebody with specialist technical knowledge and preferring somebody who's already familiar with your chosen software.
On some projects, experience with a particular platform will genuinely matter from day one. A specialist BIM Manager, for example, may need detailed knowledge of the project's information management processes and technical requirements.
But a Project Manager who's successfully delivered similar projects using another reporting platform shouldn't necessarily be ruled out.
That's why it's worth separating the responsibilities of the position from the tools used to carry them out.
A Better Way to Assess Digital Experience
Rather than relying on the software listed on a CV, employers could explore three things during the interview:
Actual responsibilities: What did the candidate personally do with the digital information available?
Practical experience: Can they explain a project issue they identified or managed using those systems?
Transferable knowledge: Have they worked with comparable processes, even if the software was different?
These conversations are particularly useful when the role involves interpreting reports, coordinating teams or making decisions based on project information.
We've explored the wider problem of assessing candidates beyond their CVs in The Hidden Skills Gap Behind Construction Staff Turnover.
Digital experience presents a similar challenge, but it also gives employers something practical to investigate: how confidently can the candidate explain the work they've carried out?
Recruitment Alone Won't Close the Digital Skills Gap
There's another interesting finding in the RICS UK research.
55% of respondents reporting the effects of skills shortages said they lacked the time or resources to train existing staff.
At the same time, 42% of UK respondents selected upskilling current employees as one of their leading approaches to preparing for future skills shortages.
Employers clearly recognise the importance of training, but finding the capacity to deliver it is proving difficult.
And with the wider UK Construction skills shortage already putting pressure on businesses, expecting every digital capability gap to be filled through recruitment could make an already difficult market even more competitive.
There's a balance to be found here.
Some projects will need specialist digital expertise brought in immediately. Others may have experienced professionals who could develop the required skills with the right support.
For employers, it's worth considering what can realistically be taught before turning every preferred platform into a mandatory requirement.
Is It Time to Rethink Your Construction Hiring Brief?
BIM, AI and digital planning are influencing how construction projects are managed, and employers will increasingly need professionals who are comfortable working with these technologies.
But a longer list of software requirements won't necessarily produce a better shortlist.
Being specific about the work, understanding which capabilities are essential and recognising where existing experience can transfer will help employers approach digital construction recruitment more effectively.
At V7 Recruitment, our Construction specialists work with businesses hiring across project delivery, commercial management, design and pre-construction.
Reviewing the skills your next project needs?
Speak to our Construction recruitment team about finding professionals whose experience matches your requirements.
At 40, you might have a pretty good idea of what you don't want to spend the next 20 years doing.
The harder part is working out what comes next.
You've probably spent years building your career, establishing yourself professionally and reaching a salary you can comfortably live on. The thought of giving all that up to do something different isn't exactly appealing.
And while there's plenty of advice encouraging people to take the leap, that doesn't necessarily help when you've got a mortgage to pay or can't afford to spend years retraining.
So, how realistic is a career change at 40?
That depends on what you're hoping to leave behind, how much of your existing experience another employer will recognise and whether starting again is actually necessary.
Do You Need a New Career or Just a Different Direction?
According to
Careershifters' 2026 State of Career Change Report,
74% of surveyed UK career changers had been considering a move for at least a year.
And the biggest obstacle wasn't money. 49% said figuring out what else they wanted to do was their biggest challenge.
The findings, based on 11,567 people actively considering a career change, suggest that knowing you want something different and knowing what that difference looks like are two separate challenges.
Before researching qualifications or looking for jobs in completely unfamiliar industries, there's a question worth asking yourself:
What is it about your current career that you actually want to change?
It might help to think about which of these situations sounds more familiar:
- You still enjoy the work, just not the circumstances. Maybe you're frustrated by limited progression, long hours or the industry you're working in. If you're an experienced project manager who enjoys delivering projects but wants a different environment, another sector might offer what you're looking for.
- You no longer enjoy the work itself. Perhaps you've reached a point where your profession just doesn't interest you anymore. In that case, moving to another company or industry might only change the scenery.
It's a distinction that's easy to overlook when you're unhappy at work. Recognising what isn't working can help you avoid making a move that leaves you facing the same problems somewhere else.
Our article on
recognising a dead-end job explores some of the warning signs that it might be time for a change.
Three Ways to Change Careers at 40
Not every career change involves the same level of risk, retraining or financial adjustment.
Broadly, there are three routes worth considering.
01 / Keep Your Profession, Change Your Industry
This can be a good option if you enjoy your work but fancy a change of environment.
Someone working in project controls within Construction, for example, might find their planning, scheduling and reporting experience useful in Data Centres.
They'd still need to get to grips with the new sector, but wouldn't necessarily be starting from scratch. We've explored a similar opportunity in our article on Oil & Gas professionals moving into Data Centres.
02 / Move Into a Related Role
Perhaps you've spent years coordinating engineering projects but have developed more of an interest in planning, commercial management or quality assurance.
Moving into one of these areas could allow you to use your existing industry knowledge while developing a new specialism.
You might need additional training or experience, but you'd already have a foundation to build on.
03 / Start a Completely New Profession
If you're looking to leave your current line of work behind altogether, the transition could involve a bigger commitment.
Some professions require years of study, formal qualifications or starting in a more junior position, which can be difficult when you've already established your career.
That doesn't mean it's too late to make the move. It's just worth understanding what it involves before committing.
How Much of Your Experience Will Employers Actually Recognise?
This is where career-change advice can become a little too optimistic.
You'll often hear that skills such as leadership, communication and problem-solving are transferable.
They are. But those qualities alone won't necessarily convince an employer that you're suitable for a specialist role.
And there's research to support that distinction.
In the Department for Work and Pensions' Employer Survey 2024, 78% of employers who reported skills-related recruitment difficulties identified a shortage of technical or job-specific skills.
That doesn't mean employers won't consider someone from another industry. But it does highlight why relevant experience matters, especially when applying for technical positions.
Someone who's managed contractors, budgets and complex project schedules may have a credible foundation for similar responsibilities in another sector.
Someone who has never worked with a particular technical system, however, can't necessarily overcome that gap by demonstrating strong communication skills.
So, before committing to a career change, try a simple exercise.
Find five genuine vacancies for the type of role you're considering, ideally from different employers.
As you read through them, separate the requirements into three groups:
- Experience you already have: Responsibilities, technical knowledge and qualifications that clearly match.
- Experience you could develop: Skills or knowledge that might be gained through training, exposure or a related role.
- Requirements you can't currently meet: Mandatory licences, certifications or specialist experience that employers consistently ask for.
Pay particular attention to the third group.
If four out of five employers require a qualification you don't possess, that's probably something you need to investigate before applying.
If the requirements vary considerably, there may be more flexibility than you initially thought.
This won't tell you everything about your chances. But it'll give you a clearer picture than relying on a general list of transferable skills.
What Could Changing Careers at 40 Actually Cost?
Changing careers isn't just about whether your new salary will be higher or lower. It's about what the move means for your finances overall.
A similar role in another industry might allow you to maintain your earnings, while a completely new profession could involve retraining costs or a temporary pay cut.
Before committing, consider:
Income
What salary could you realistically expect, and could you manage a reduction?
Expenses
Would training, travel or other costs leave you worse off?
Long-term prospects
Could improved working hours or future progression make the move worthwhile?
A lower salary isn't always a worse deal, just as a higher one doesn't necessarily mean you'll be better off.
Look at the whole package, not just the pay cheque.
Can You Test a Career Change Before Committing?
Retraining might seem like the obvious next step, but the thought of going back into education at 40 can be daunting, especially when you're juggling work and other commitments.
Research from the Learning and Work Institute's Adult Participation in Learning Survey 2026 found that adults were 3% less likely to participate in learning for each additional year of age. Feeling too old was also the most commonly reported barrier.
But before signing up for a course, it's worth finding out whether you actually need one.
A few things you can do first:
Speak to people already doing the job. Find out what their day-to-day work involves and how they got into the industry.
Talk to a specialist recruiter. They may be able to tell you whether employers would consider someone with your experience.
Look into your training options.
The National Careers Service offers career guidance, while
Skills Bootcamps provide training opportunities for eligible adults in England.
Your Next Career Move Doesn't Have to Mean Starting From Zero
A career change at 40 can be exciting, but it's also worth approaching with a clear understanding of what you're gaining and what you might be giving up.
You may discover that a different industry offers everything you're looking for without requiring you to abandon your profession.
Or you might decide that starting something completely new is worth the investment.
Either way, the best starting point is understanding your options before committing to one.
At V7 Recruitment, we work with professionals across Construction, Data Centres, Aviation, Fire & Security and other technical industries.
If you're considering a move, explore our
Candidate Services to learn more about the sectors we recruit for and the opportunities available.
FAQs: Changing Careers at 40
Can I change careers at 40 without starting at the bottom?
Potentially. If you're moving into an industry where your existing professional experience is relevant, you may be able to apply for roles at a similar level. A completely new profession may require you to build experience from a more junior position.
Can you change careers at 40 without a degree?
Yes. Many roles value relevant experience, vocational qualifications and industry certifications. However, some professions require specific degrees or formal qualifications, so it's important to check the requirements of your chosen career.
How do I change careers at 40 if I can't afford a pay cut?
Look first at opportunities that use your existing experience, particularly similar roles in different sectors. You could also explore part-time training while remaining employed. Compare the full financial package before deciding whether a move is affordable.
What if I want to change careers but don't know what to do?
Start by identifying what you want to change about your current working life. Think about the responsibilities you enjoy, the conditions you'd prefer and the experience you want to keep using. A careers adviser or skills assessment can help you explore suitable options.
Author Bio
Josh Ramsay is Marketing Manager at V7 Recruitment, where he creates content covering careers, recruitment trends and the specialist industries V7 works across, including Data Centres, Construction, Aviation and Fire & Security.
Looking for your next career move?
FREE WHITEPAPERS
Industry Insights Here
GET IN TOUCH
