People who excel in their careers after 50 usually share 8 these characteristics

Tina Fey by Tina Fey | January 16, 2025, 1:38 am

There’s this nagging perception that after a certain age, career growth slows down or even stops. That doors close rather than open. But is that really the case?

I’m here to tell you, that’s not the story for everyone.

Some people are just hitting their stride at 50, and they’re not doing it by magic or luck. They share a set of characteristics, a common thread that sets them apart.

Without further ado, let me share with you what I’ve observed about these late bloomers.

1. They have an insatiable curiosity

Curiosity is a powerful tool.

You see, a common trait among those who excel in their careers after 50 is an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. They’re not content with what they already know; they’re always looking to learn more, to understand better.

This doesn’t just happen.

It’s not a fleeting interest or a passing phase. It’s a deep-seated desire to continually grow, to constantly improve, and this is what sets them apart.

They’re the ones asking questions, seeking new perspectives, exploring fresh ideas. They’re the ones who are never satisfied with the status quo.

And this curiosity?

It’s not limited to their field or industry. It extends to everything around them, everything that could possibly influence their work.

This insatiable curiosity keeps them relevant, keeps them sharp. It ensures they don’t stagnate or become complacent. 

2. They’re lifelong learners

This isn’t too far off from curiosity, but it deserves its own spot on this list.

The people who truly excel after 50, they’re the ones who haven’t stopped learning. They’re lifelong learners, always seeking to broaden their knowledge and skills.

This isn’t about formal education, although that can certainly be a part of it. It’s more about a mindset, a way of approaching life and work.

Let me give you an example from my own life.

I’ve always been a bit of a bookworm, but after I turned 50, I realized there were so many things I wanted to learn about, so many areas I wanted to explore.

So, I made a commitment to myself: every month, I would learn something new.

It could be a new skill, like learning how to code or play a musical instrument, or it could be something academic, like studying history or philosophy.

The point was to keep learning, to keep growing.

And you know what?

That commitment changed everything for me. It invigorated my career, opened up new opportunities and kept me engaged and excited about my work.

3. They embrace change

“Change is the only constant in life,” said the ancient philosopher, Heraclitus. And he wasn’t wrong.

Those who excel in their careers after 50, they understand this. They don’t fight change; they embrace it.

It’s easy to get comfortable, to get set in our ways. It’s easy to resist change, to cling to what we know. But the world is always changing, and if we’re not changing with it, we’re falling behind.

I remember a former boss of mine, an incredible woman who started her own successful company in her 50s.

She once told me, “The only way to stay ahead is to keep moving. You have to be willing to adapt, to change.”

This isn’t about abandoning what’s worked for you in the past. It’s about understanding that what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. It’s about being flexible, being adaptable.

It’s about seeing change not as a threat, but as an opportunity – an opportunity to learn, to grow and to excel. And that’s exactly what these people do. They embrace change and they use it to their advantage.

4. They value relationships

In a world that’s increasingly digitized and automated, there’s something that remains as important as ever: human relationships.

Those who excel in their careers after 50, they understand this.

They know that success isn’t just about what you know or what you can do; it’s about who you know and how you interact with them.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies in history, found that close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives.

And it’s not just about happiness. Relationships are crucial for career success as well.

They’re the ones who make time for networking, for mentoring, for building meaningful connections.

They understand that their relationships are not just a nice-to-have; they’re a must-have.

These people realize that success isn’t a solo journey. It’s about collaboration, about mutual support, about working together to achieve common goals.

5. They’re resilient

Life can throw a lot of curveballs your way, especially when you’re in the middle of a career.

But the folks who continue to excel after 50, they have this uncanny ability to bounce back from setbacks. They’re resilient.

This isn’t about never failing or never facing obstacles. On the contrary, these individuals have likely faced their fair share of challenges.

But they don’t let these challenges derail them.

Instead, they learn from their failures. They pick themselves up, dust themselves off and keep moving forward.

Their resilience isn’t just about grit or determination, although those are certainly important. It’s also about perspective.

They don’t see failure as a dead end; they see it as a detour, a chance to learn and grow and come back stronger.

And that’s precisely what they do. They keep going, keep pushing, keep striving for success, no matter what life throws their way.

Resiliency is a powerful trait, and it’s one that these individuals have in spades.

6. They stay healthy

You’ve heard it before, “Health is wealth.” But let me tell you, those who are thriving in their careers after 50, they truly live by this.

It’s not just about avoiding illness. It’s about maintaining a level of physical and mental health that allows you to keep pushing, keep achieving, keep excelling.

These individuals understand that their health is their most valuable asset. Without it, all the drive, all the knowledge, all the skills in the world won’t mean a thing.

They make time for exercise, eat balanced meals, and ensure they’re getting enough sleep. They pay attention to their mental health, taking time to unwind and de-stress.

But it’s not just about self-care. It’s also about longevity. They want to be around for a long time, to keep learning, to keep growing, to keep contributing.

And so they prioritize their health, because they understand that a healthy body and mind are essential for sustained success.

7. They maintain a positive attitude

When you’re navigating the professional landscape, especially after 50, your attitude can make all the difference.

Those who keep excelling in their careers at this stage, they know this all too well. They maintain a positive attitude, no matter what.

This isn’t about being blindly optimistic or ignoring problems. It’s about choosing to focus on solutions rather than dwell on obstacles. It’s about seeing the glass as half full rather than half empty.

They believe in their abilities, in their potential to succeed. They radiate positivity and this not only motivates them, but also those around them.

Their positive attitude isn’t just infectious; it’s a catalyst for success. It fuels their determination, it drives their ambition, it propels them forward.

8. They never stop dreaming

The folks who are excelling in their careers after 50, they have one thing in common: they never stop dreaming.

You see, age is just a number for them. They don’t see it as a barrier or a limitation. Instead, they see it as an asset, a testament to their experience and wisdom.

They have dreams, ambitions, goals. And they’re not afraid to chase them, no matter how big or audacious they might seem.

This isn’t about being unrealistic or impractical. It’s about having a vision, a direction, a purpose. And it’s about having the courage to pursue it.

They’re not content with just getting by or settling for mediocrity. They strive for greatness, for excellence, for success.

So if there’s one thing you should take away from this, it’s this: never stop dreaming. Because those who excel in their careers after 50, they certainly haven’t.

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