Getting Back in the Game After 50: Your Comeback Guide

Trooth Careers
Oct 8
4 min read

Let’s cut to it: being “over 50 and job hunting” isn’t the stuff of fairy tales. There are extra hurdles. But here’s the good news — you’ve got something many younger folks don’t: experience, grit, perspective, and (usually) a better sense of what you really want.

This post will walk you through the barriers, the stats, advice + action steps, and support in the UK you can tap. (Yes, it’s going to be helpful and cheerful.)

Reality Check: Stats That Matter

As of recent data, about 71-72% of people aged 50–64 are employed in the UK. Ageing Better+2GOV.UK+2
The gap remains: 50–64 year olds have lower employment rates than those aged 35–49. Ageing Better+2Ageing Better+2
Around 3.6 million people aged 50–64 are economically inactive (i.e. not working and not actively looking) in the UK. The Guardian+2Office for National Statistics+2
Many over-50s left work post-pandemic: among those aged 50–54, stress (19%) or lack of support (17%) were top reasons for leaving. Office for National Statistics
Also: over-60s are increasingly turning to self-employment. In 2023, nearly 991,000 people aged 60+ in the UK were self-employed — record levels. The Guardian

So — you’re not alone. If you’re reading this, you’re part of a large group. The obstacles are real, but so are the possibilities.

🚧 Barriers You’ll Probably Face (and How to Push Through)

Let’s list them, then arm you with solutions.

Barrier	Why It Happens	What You Can Do
Age bias & stereotypes	Employers may think you’re “too old,” slow to adapt, or overqualified	Use your experience positively. Emphasise adaptability, lifelong learning, tech comfort. Show you’re current.
Skills gap / tech changes	New tools, software, systems may not have been around when you last worked	Take refresher courses, online training (many free or subsidised). Show you’re tech-curious.
Health / energy constraints	Physical health, stamina, caring responsibilities may limit full-time work	Look for part-time, job share, flexible, remote roles. Be upfront about what you can do.
Long employment gaps	Gaps are often judged harshly	Prepare a narrative: “I used that time for [learning, caring, volunteering] and stayed sharp.”
Lack of confidence / fear	After a spell out, you might feel “rusty”	Start small (volunteering, temp roles). Use support networks. Build momentum with wins.
Job requirements / credentials	Some jobs demand years of recent experience or recent credentials	Look for roles that value experience, transferable skills; tailor applications to show relevant strengths.

Also bear in mind intersectionality — being over 50 intersects with gender, race, disability, caring responsibilities. What is a barrier for one person might not be for another. No one-size-fits-all.

🧰 Advice & Action Steps: How to Make Your Over-50 Comeback

Here are game-plans that help turn the odds in your favour:

Audit your strengths & update your storyYou’ve got experience in teamwork, leadership, managing crises, dealing with politics, stakeholder relations. Make those your lead.
Bridge the skill gapsUse free or low-cost courses. For example:
- OpenLearn (The Open University)
- FutureLearn
- Local adult education colleges
- Digital skills training from charities
Be strategic: part-time, freelance, consultancyYou don’t have to jump straight into a 9–5. Many over-50s find flexibility is the sweet spot. And self-employment is growing among older age groups. The Guardian+2OECD+2
Leverage networks & age-friendly employersUse your contacts from past work. Attend meetups, professional groups. Seek companies known for inclusive hiring, or those with programs for mature workers.
Tailor your CV & cover letterDon’t list 30 years indiscriminately. Pick the most recent 10–15 years. Emphasise adaptability, recent training, results.
Prepare for interview questions about “age” or “gap”Stay positive. For example: “During that time, I kept up with [industry news / online courses / volunteer work], and I’m eager to bring that onto your team.”
Stay current / tech comfortableEven if your role won’t need heavy tech, being confident in communication tools, remote meeting software, spreadsheets gives you an edge.
Seek specialised supportThere are programmes and charities designed to help 50+ people into work. (See next section.)

🏛️ UK Support & Programmes for Over 50s

Here are resources you can tap (or share) in the UK:

Age UK — guidance, advice, often local branches run “Back to Work” support.
Wise Age UK / Women’s Age UK — some focus on women 50+, specific barriers.
Jobcentre Plus / DWP — ask for ‘back-to-work’ support; some local schemes favour older workers.
The Prince’s Trust (for mature) / The Prince’s Trust Enterprise (older group programmes)
Centre for Ageing Better — research & policy, and often local initiatives. Ageing Better+1
Local adult education colleges, community learning centres — many offer free/subsidised classes.
Kickstart / Employment programmes in certain local areas sometimes prioritise older jobseekers.
Business support / enterprise hubs — for starting small businesses or consultancy roles.

Also check your local council or charity networks — they often run targeted “50+ employment support” or “mature worker” programmes.

🎯 Why You’re Still a Valuable Asset

Don’t let anyone sell you “past your prime” — here’s what you bring:

Depth of experience & institutional memory
Strong work ethic, reliability
Emotional maturity, conflict resolution
Wider networks & gravitas
Perspective: you’ve seen trends, cycles, failures — you bring wisdom

Plus, many employers are desperate to retain and attract older talent in a labour-short market.

A Story Snapshot

Imagine Linda, 57, who was a manager in retail until 10 years ago. She spent years caring for family, but through local free courses she updated her digital skills. She offers her services as a part-time operations consultant, combining her old experience with new tools (CRM, spreadsheets). She also does volunteer mentoring. Now she works 3 days a week and brings in steady income.

Or George, 62, who always loved woodcraft. After leaving full-time work, he turned a shed into a small workshop and offers bespoke furniture. He uses online marketing, local word-of-mouth, and his lifetime of project management to run the business.

Their paths are different — but each leverages what they already know.