Happy mature woman handshaking for partnership in office
Fewer people change jobs in their fifties than in their twenties or thirties. But for those who do, ABS figures show about one in four Australians make the change to find something better, more meaningful, or different1. If that sounds like it could be you, here's how to job-search with confidence at this stage of your work life, and what to check on your super along the way.
Why people change jobs after 50
People move for a range of reasons: to swap pressure for balance, to try something new before they stop working altogether, or to ease back hours and approach retirement on their own terms.
One person we spoke with spent decades in government, then made the move into part-time work caring for older Australians. Another has landed in what she calls her last role before retirement, and stopped chasing promotions on purpose, valuing personal time over a rung on the career ladder*.
No matter what's behind the move for you, it's worth backing yourself. Good employers are increasingly looking for the reliability, judgement, and steady hands that come with experience.
Job-search tips for over 50s
Lead with value, not years. Instead of placing the focus on how long you've worked, show what you've delivered and your capabilities. “Highly experienced” isn’t measured just in years.
Position your skills for the role you want. Spotlight the skills that transfer, even if your last job title doesn't match.
Get ahead of the unspoken concerns. Some employers wonder about technology skills, adaptability, or salary expectations. Address these before they're asked.
Use your network. Many roles never make it to a job advertisement. Use your contacts and let people know you're looking.
Negotiate beyond salary. Flexibility, hours, or how you're managed can matter just as much as the pay packet.
What a job change means for your super
A new role can impact your super, so it's worth checking a few things:
Less hours and lower pay may mean lower super contributions. If your new role pays less, your employer's super contributions will be smaller too. But there are options that can help.
- Look ahead to a Transition to Retirement (TTR) strategy. A TTR strategy usually pairs staying in paid work, often at reduced hours, with receiving a regular income from a super pension account and can be combined with salary sacrificing more into super for extra tax benefits. A super pension account only becomes available once you reach age 60, like Aware Super’s Retirement Transition account. So, if you're in your 50s, it's worth keeping in mind as you navigate when and how to make the move to a new role.
- Insurance through super may not match your new income. It's worth checking your cover and occupation category when your role or income changes, to decide whether the level of cover still suits your situation and that you’re not over or under insured.
How we can help
You don’t have to work this out by yourself. Our specialists speak to members every day about their super and work/ life changes they’re planning. As part of your Aware Super membership, at no extra cost you’re entitled to a Super Helpful Check-in with one of our Super Advice Specialists. Book your appointment today. When you’re ready to make a move, our team can help you check your accounts, insurance, and contributions.
1 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Participation, Job Search and Mobility, Australia, February 2026.
* For illustrative purposes only. It relies on anonymised market research survey data. If actual circumstances differ from these assumptions, actual results will be different.
Retirement income and investment earnings are not guaranteed. Payments will cease once the account balance is depleted. Salary sacrifice will save tax in many but not all circumstances and will cause a reduction in your take home pay.
Aware Super’s Insurance is provided under group life insurance and group income protection policies issued by TAL Life Limited, ABN 70 050 109 450, AFSL 237848 (‘the insurer’, or ‘TAL’). This communication is intended to be a guide to the insurance available through Aware Super under the policies, however, all insurance is subject to the precise terms of those policies which will prevail to the extent of any inconsistency. Insurance cover is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the applicable policy. For more information refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Insurance Handbook.