Over-50s considering a career change have several lucrative options available, with financial advice roles offering average annual earnings of almost £96,000 according to data from BWD. The shift comes as the number of over-50s receiving out of work benefits has climbed to a record 2.15 million, according to analysis of official figures by the Centre for Social Justice. Half of over-50s have considered a new career, research from easyJet showed.
Financial advice is one sector actively recruiting older workers. The Financial Conduct Authority's 2021 data showed one in three retail investment advisers were aged between 50 and 59, while just one in 20 were younger than 30. Financial advice company St James's Place said a trainee financial adviser can expect to earn between £20,000 and £46,000 a year, but established advisers have uncapped earning potential. To qualify, the National Careers Service says you will need knowledge of economics and accounting, excellent communication skills and thorough attention to detail. The minimum qualification is the Diploma for Financial Advisers, which takes around nine months to complete and costs £1,380. The FCA also requires advisers to have a Statement of Professional Standing from an accredited body such as the Chartered Insurance Institute or Chartered Banking Institute.
Driving instruction offers another route, with the AA saying a full-time driving instructor can expect to earn between £30,000 and £40,000 a year, though the national hourly average is £28. Research from Bill Plant Driving School revealed that 65 per cent of driving instructors surveyed five years ago were aged over 50. Camilla Benitz, managing director of AA Driving School, said the role offers flexibility and that life experience from prior careers such as teaching or coaching is an asset. Qualifying takes around six to nine months and involves three tests costing £303 in total, plus a £300 fee for your first Approved Driving Instructor badge. You can start charging for lessons once you have passed the first two tests and obtained a trainee licence, which costs £140.
Wedding and funeral celebrants represent a third option. According to the Academy of Modern Celebrancy, wedding celebrants charged £650 to £1,500 in 2026, with some offering services up to £2,500, while funeral celebrants typically charged £200 to £600 and conducted three to five ceremonies weekly if full-time. The International College of Professional Celebrants noted that many celebrants are older and their life experience is valuable to the role. The UK Society of Celebrants said celebrants should be good listeners, unafraid of public speaking, have good writing skills and put the client first. Income fluctuates depending on how many services are booked, and building a client base takes time.
For savers and borrowers, the financial adviser role is particularly relevant as these professionals help people reach financial goals by recommending products and assessing personal circumstances. The shift reflects growing recognition that older workers bring valuable experience to roles requiring customer trust and knowledge of complex financial products.