- Eliana Leal
- Jun 17
- 6 min read
In this context, we will explore five key aspects to better understand and navigate this phase of professional transformation.
At 40 and beyond, many women find themselves at a career crossroads. Whether driven by a desire for change, the need to adapt, or the pursuit of fulfillment, career transitions become a tangible reality. According to research from the Maturi platform, 70% of women over 50 are currently in career transition, seeking greater professional fulfillment and a better balance between work and personal life.
This movement isn’t just a response to market changes; it’s also a statement of autonomy and resilience. With decades of experience, these women bring valuable skills such as emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and adaptability. Yet, they still face real challenges like ageism and the need for reskilling.
Breaking Barriers: Ageism and Sexism
Ageism and sexism remain significant barriers for mature women in the workforce.
Despite growing conversations around diversity, age bias still poses a serious obstacle—especially for women over 40. A study conducted by EY in partnership with Maturi revealed that 54% of Brazilian companies do not have structured policies for hiring professionals over 50. In the corporate world, this often translates into a silent — and sometimes blatant — exclusion of experienced talent. And when it comes to women, structural sexism compounds the issue, creating an even tougher environment.
This pattern is echoed in the entertainment industry. American actress Viola Davis has spoken publicly about battling both ageism and racism to land complex roles worthy of her talent. Even after achieving the Triple Crown of Acting (Oscar, Emmy, and Tony), she faced industry limitations for not fitting the expected "young and white" mold. She founded her own production company to create opportunities for other women like herself — mature, diverse, and exceptionally talented.
Meryl Streep, one of the most respected actresses of our time, has also talked about losing roles after turning 40. In interviews, she mentioned being cast only as witches or grandmothers, as if her relevance had an expiration date. Her continued success is, therefore, a result of resistance and redefining what it means to be a powerful woman at any age.
Emma Thompson has criticized Hollywood’s obsession with youth, openly calling out the aesthetic pressure and erasure of older actresses. She pointed out how men age and still get lead roles, while women are relegated to secondary or caricatured parts.
These examples expose ageism as a concrete challenge—not just on screen. In the corporate world, in entrepreneurship, and in leadership roles, experienced women still have to prove that age equals value, not obsolescence.
Despite systemic barriers—like ageism, pay gaps, and the lack of inclusive policies—many women are turning these challenges into fuel for reinvention. Professional maturity is no longer seen as the end of a cycle but the start of a new chapter—one rich in purpose, autonomy, and intentional choices. More and more, women over 40 are channeling their life experience into new opportunities: through entrepreneurship, shifting into consulting roles, working as mentors, or pursuing more flexible and autonomous careers.
The rise of independent work and the creative economy has opened fertile ground for these professionals to use their voice, build authority, and choose projects aligned with their values. Many launch their own businesses — online or brick-and-mortar — centered around causes they care about, like ethical fashion, integrative health, emotional education, or digital inclusion. Others venture into mentorship, offering guidance to younger talents and fellow women in transition, combining technical skill, deep listening, and life experience.
Digital platforms, support networks, and collaborative initiatives have also played a key role in this movement. Groups like Mulheres do Brasil, Elas Lideram, and various female-led accelerator programs are providing connections, visibility, and upskilling. Rather than waiting for a job opening, many are creating their own doors — and holding them open for others.
What emerges is a new definition of success: less dependent on fixed titles, more rooted in the freedom to create, lead, and make meaningful impact. Maturity isn’t a burden — it’s a force that, when embraced and properly channeled, redefines not just careers but entire life paths.
Promising Fields for a Fresh Start: Where Maturity Is an Asset
Starting over at 40, 50, or 60 is no longer a solitary challenge—it’s a strategic repositioning. Maturity brings with it essential skills for today’s market: emotional intelligence, a systems-thinking mindset, conflict resolution, and refined communication. Several sectors are recognizing this potential and opening doors to women looking to begin new professional cycles with autonomy:
Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Though this field still struggles with inclusion, professionals with a more analytical and ethical profile are gaining ground. Women are standing out in areas like UX Design, agile project management, and data analysis—especially after completing technical courses and bootcamps aimed at digital reintegration.
Integrative Health and Wellness: Caring for body and mind has never been more in demand. Mature women are finding opportunities as integrative therapists, yoga instructors, functional nutrition specialists, and health coaches. Empathy, active listening, and sensitivity are prized assets in this growing field.
Education, Mentorship, and Facilitation: With a solid career foundation, many women are becoming group facilitators, keynote speakers, online course tutors, and mentors. Platforms like Hotmart, Udemy, and Even3 have democratized digital education, allowing them to share their expertise with broad and diverse audiences.
Sustainability, ESG, and Social Responsibility: Social and environmental impact projects are seeking professionals with ethical awareness and long-term vision. Opportunities exist within NGOs, ESG consulting, circular economy initiatives, and social impact businesses across both the public and private sectors.
Creative Economy: Fields like content creation, design, signature fashion, contemporary crafts, and writing offer fertile ground for women seeking to build authentic businesses. The internet and social media increase visibility and make it possible to monetize talents that were once just hobbies.
Consulting and Conflict Mediation: Professionals with leadership and communication experience are well-positioned to work as independent consultants or mediators—especially during times of cultural change within companies. Formal mediation training combined with strong listening skills can open solid pathways.
Personal Finance and Investing: Women who’ve gone through financial transformations are turning their stories into professions. Financial coaches for women, personal finance planners, and financial educators are in high demand—especially those targeting niche audiences like single mothers, entrepreneurs, or divorced women.
Beauty, Aesthetics, and Purpose-Driven Fashion: Brands are increasingly looking to represent age diversity. Mature professionals are carving out space as image consultants, beauty content creators for women over 40, and specialists in female self-care with a more realistic and welcoming approach.
This landscape shows there’s no single path. There are multiple possibilities where life experience becomes the launchpad for a more aligned, liberated, and impactful career. The secret lies in identifying your transferable skills, investing in upskilling, and allowing yourself to begin—again.
Reskilling and Lifelong Learning
Professional reskilling is a crucial step for mature women seeking to remain competitive in the job market. With the market's constant evolution, it’s vital to invest in courses, workshops, and certifications that update or complement existing skills.
Beyond technical capabilities, the development of soft skills—such as leadership, adaptability, and critical thinking—is highly valued. Participating in mentorship or coaching programs can also provide valuable insight and guidance throughout the career transition journey.
Pursuing lifelong learning not only expands career opportunities but also strengthens self-confidence and resilience—both critical traits for navigating a new professional path.
The Boldness to Begin Again
When this reinvention comes at 40, 50, or 60, it carries even more strength, meaning, and wisdom. Mature women are showing that age is not an obstacle, but a source of power. They’re rewriting their own stories, challenging outdated standards, and reclaiming their place at the center of their professional lives — with boldness.
Career transformation at this stage is not just a market response — it’s a declaration of worth, a reunion with dormant dreams, and the start of a new chapter rooted in clarity, authenticity, and the desire to make a difference.
With each decision, each step forward, these women prove there is no expiration date on success. There is the right time — and that time can be now.
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