Five things I learnt becoming a PT in my 50s

What I wished I knew when I made the change…

A midlife career change can feel both exciting and terrifying — especially if you’re considering changing careers in your 40s or 50s. Many women reach this stage of life feeling ready for something new, but unsure where to start or how realistic the transition really is.

When I stepped away from my previous career to retrain as a Personal Trainer in my 50s, I had no roadmap. Looking back, there are some key lessons I wish I’d fully understood before making the leap. If you’re thinking about a second career in midlife, these are five things worth knowing first.

1. Don’t Give Up Your Day Job Too Quickly

If you’re planning a midlife career change, avoid leaving your current role too soon if you can help it.

I initially left work to give myself space to reset and think about what I wanted to do next. That time helped me realise I wanted to retrain as a Personal Trainer. While I did some contracting work alongside my training, trying to retrain in a completely different career while starting a new contract created unnecessary stress.

A career change in midlife already requires mental, emotional, and financial energy. Removing financial pressure where possible allows you to make clearer, more confident decisions.

2. Spend Time With People Already Doing the Job

One of the most valuable steps when changing careers in midlife is learning from people already established in that field.

I was incredibly fortunate to have experienced Personal Trainers in the studio who allowed me to shadow their sessions, ask questions, and understand how the job works in reality — not just in theory. Watching how they trained clients, managed their schedules, and built relationships accelerated my learning enormously.

If you’re retraining in midlife, seek out real-world exposure. It will save you time, mistakes, and frustration.

3. Be Realistic About Time, Money, and Expectations

Many people underestimate how long a midlife career change takes.

I had no real understanding of how long it would take to build a sustainable client base — or how financially challenging the first year could be. I was lucky to have savings to support myself, but even then, it wasn’t easy.

I recently read that around 80% of Personal Trainers leave the industry within their first year. While I don’t know how accurate that figure is, I understand why it happens. My first-year income wouldn’t have covered my mortgage.

If you’re considering a second career, take a hard look at your finances and ensure you have enough set aside to support yourself during the transition.

4. Keep Learning and Define Your Specialism

Retraining doesn’t end once you qualify.

As part of my midlife career change, I continued investing in education, including qualifications in pre- and post-natal exercise and menopause. As a menopausal woman myself, I had to learn how to support my changing body — managing weight shifts, understanding the benefits of HRT, and adjusting my nutrition to sustain a physically demanding role in my 50s.

Your lived experience in midlife can become your strongest professional asset. Let it shape your niche.

5. Learn the Tools That Support Your New Career

Modern career changes require more than technical skills.

Social media, websites, online booking systems, and AI tools play a huge role in building a successful second career. I avoided this area for far too long, until working with a social media and website coach helped everything click.

As a coach myself, I know the power of guidance — and I wish I’d sought that support sooner. You don’t need to master everything, but you do need to engage with the tools that help your business grow.

Finally - Enjoy the Process (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)

A midlife career change isn’t a straight line.

Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come — from retraining, to building a client base, to creating a website and writing this blog. There is still so much further to go, and that’s okay.

Changing careers in your 40s or 50s isn’t just about work. It’s about building a life and career that fits who you are now — and that, for me, has been worth every step.