Born Between 1965 and 1980? These Are 8 Industries That Still Want to Hire You

If you were born between 1965 and 1980, you bring a rare blend of experience and adaptability to the workforce. You grew up before the internet yet adapted technology as it evolved — making you a uniquely valuable asset in any job.

As Generation X moves through their 40s and 50s, many begin considering a career change. Whether you're looking to try out a new side hustle or you need to start fresh, you can find a myriad of jobs available that fit your specific skillset.

Here are eight roles you might want to check out if you're a Gen X member looking to switch it up.

If you love to help others chase their goals, then the role of a recruiter might be the one for you. Gen X members have had years to work with others, giving them a leg up on communication skills and teamwork.

A recruitment role allows a Gen Xer to serve as a mentor, sharing their knowledge and experience. They are available in multiple industries, from healthcare to retail.

Growing up before the internet and learning to navigate it as young adults gave Gen Xers a familiarity with technology that older generations lacked. Straddling the analog and digital ages, Gen X is both experienced and tech-savvy.

IT positions align well with Gen X's digital skill set — and many are remote, a work style this generation often prefers.

Despite the buzz surrounding Millennials and Gen Z in the housing market, Gen Xers bring valuable skills to this industry. Not only have they watched the market wax and wane, but they most likely have their own experience as a homebuyer.

Financially stable, tech-savvy, and seasoned in sales, Gen X makes strong candidates for real estate careers.

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It's no surprise that Gen Xers make up a large portion of the education system. With the Baby Boomers moving into their 60s and 70s, Gen X is now the generation of experienced educators, often with years of experience and academic success under their belts.

Given their tech-savvy characteristics, Gen Xers are more than capable of teaching online, an option that has soared in popularity since 2020.

According to Kaplan, as of 2024, about 33% of the U.S. workforce is considered Gen X. What better individuals to have as HR managers? They tend to have a vast background working with others and have the wisdom and guidance to resolve employee issues.

These types of roles often involve conflict management and require excellent communication skills, two duties in which Gen Xers tend to excel.

Speaking of the successful qualities of the Gen X generation, these workers make excellent project managers with their skillsets in time management and team leading. This generation has witnessed many technological and economic shifts, giving them the gift of resilience and adaptability.

Project managers often need the skills to not only generate new ideas but also resolve conflicts, which this generation has proven to be capable of taking on.

Who better to consult about your organization or career than a Gen Xer? These individuals bring valuable perspectives to all types of work. These roles tend to have a flexible schedule, including remote work.

Gen X is often considered the most flexible generation, giving them a leg up on other ages, as they are skilled at working with clients with varying personalities and needs to meet their personal goals.

Gen X workers are also excellent candidates for roles in customer success. These individuals have experienced a vast array of technological changes, and can connect with other age groups, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers.

According to a FlexJobs survey, 49% of Gen X workers would rather work from home, making the high remote options for this industry especially appealing.

If you're a Gen Exer looking to switch things up or if you're trying to maximize your retirement savings, you might want to look into changing up your field of work. These industries, from human resources to education, could be exactly what you're looking for.

You might also consider a specialized certificate in your new field—it can give you an edge with hiring managers.