1 in 2 women would happily consider totally changing their career in their 40s, according to survey by Age with Attitude and Durham Business School, supporting the view that Cafties (Careers after Forties) are on the rise.

Out of over 130 women who participated in the anonymous online survey which explored the attitudes of 40+ women across the UK, 55% said they would consider changing their career during midlife years. 68% also believed they could improve their status in the workplace despite feeling that they were treated differently to their younger female counterparts.

Lindsey Agness, founder of the Age with Attitude programme, who jointly conducted the research with Dr Julie Hodges of Durham Business School, believes the research helps to dispel the myth that midlife women can’t continue to have a successful career and proves that older women are prepared to challenge the stereotypes associated with working women ‘over a certain age’.

“This research shows what mid-life business women have suspected for some time.  Experienced and motivated woman are being passed over for younger women and men.  This has a massive cost implication for organisations who are training others to do the work that their mid-life female employees can already do, and do better. It is great to see that so many women are prepared to challenge that trend and show why they are the better candidate,” says Agness.

Agness herself changed her career completely in her forties after she went from being a successful change management consultant to a published author. She is now busy planning her fourth book and running her Age with Attitude course designed to empower 40+ women to take control of their lives and careers and strive for new achievements during their midlife years.

“Many women in their forties are incredibly valuable assets to organisations.  In the current climate of cost cuts this presents a major opportunity for all organisations and especially those in the public sector. Those who fail to nurture and support these individuals could see their best talent walk out of the door and start a new career that gives them the recognition they deserve,” says Agness

Dr Julie Hodges of Durham Business School agrees. She says, “This research shows that there are still key issues which midlife women are facing in the world of work and which need to be addressed by employers. I believe organisations are cutting themselves short by not using the experience and knowledge of midlife women. This view is certainly evident in the new collation government, where there are very few women.”

Julie also changed her career in her early 40s moving from the corporate world to the academic world.  She is passionate about teaching and research and focuses her attention on research which is relevant and has impact on business issues.  Her areas of interest are women in business; leadership branding; and sustaining change in organizations.

For more information please visit: www.agewithattitude.co.uk