8 Career Risks Worth Taking Before You Turn 40
The path to a fulfilling career is rarely a straight line. It’s often a series of calculated leaps, strategic pivots, and bold moves that push us beyond what we thought possible. As you navigate your professional life, especially in the years leading up to 40, your tolerance for risk and capacity for growth are at a unique intersection. This is a prime time to make choices that can set the stage for long-term success and personal satisfaction. Taking calculated risks can feel daunting, but playing it too safe can lead to stagnation.
A recent poll conducted by the CFA Institute, surveying 897 individuals, revealed that a substantial 79% had undertaken some form of career risk. Among these participants, a striking 41% reported being glad they took the plunge, whereas a mere 9% ultimately expressed regret.
Many professionals find that the boldest moves they made in their 20s and 30s paid the biggest dividends later on. By stepping out of your comfort zone, you open the door to new skills, opportunities, and a deeper understanding of your own potential. Here are eight career risks worth considering before you hit the big 4-0.
Starting Your Own Business
The entrepreneurial dream is a powerful one, but it comes with significant uncertainty. However, the years before 40 can be an ideal time to launch a venture. You likely have valuable industry experience, but may have fewer financial and personal commitments than you will later in life. Statistics show that the average age of a successful startup founder is around 45, meaning many start their journey in their 30s.
“Entrepreneurship is the ultimate form of career ownership,” says business strategist Maria Forleo. “It’s about creating something from nothing and betting on yourself. The lessons you learn, whether you succeed or fail, are invaluable.” The experience of building a business from the ground up teaches you about finance, marketing, leadership, and resilience—skills that are transferable to any future role.
Making a Drastic Career Change
Are you in a field that no longer excites you? Making a complete industry switch is a major risk, but it can lead to a more authentic and engaging work life. Research indicates that the average person will change careers—not just jobs—5 to 7 times during their working life. Pursuing a career aligned with your passions before you become too entrenched in one field can be a game-changer.
This might mean going back to school for a new degree or certification, or it could involve leveraging transferable skills to enter a new industry. The key is to do your research, connect with people in your desired field, and create a strategic transition plan.
Asking for a Leadership Role (Even if You Feel Unqualified)
Many people, particularly women, wait until they meet 100% of the qualifications before applying for a leadership position. This hesitation can stall career growth. According to the Behavioral Insights Team, men apply for a job when they meet only 52% of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 56% of them.
Stepping up to ask for a promotion or to lead a high-stakes project before you feel completely ready is a risk that demonstrates ambition and confidence. As leadership expert Sheryl Sandberg advises, “We hold ourselves back in ways both big and small, by lacking self-confidence, by not raising our hands, and by pulling back when we should be leaning in.” Leap; you will likely grow into the role faster than you think.
Relocating for An Opportunity
Impact Group reports that 56% of employees experience emotional or personal challenges that last 3 months or longer following their move. Despite these challenges, relocating for an opportunity can be one of the most rewarding risks you take. It forces you to build a new network, adapt to a different culture, and become more self-reliant.
Professionally, it can open doors to roles or industries that are not available in your current location. In our increasingly globalized economy, international experience is a highly valued asset.
While the personal challenges are real, the professional payoff can be immense. You’ll gain a broader perspective and demonstrate a level of adaptability that is attractive to future employers.
Taking a Lower-Paying Job for Better Experience
It may seem counterintuitive to take a pay cut, but sometimes the right opportunity is about more than the salary. A job at a fast-growing startup, a role with a visionary mentor, or a position that offers the exact skills you want to acquire can be worth a temporary financial step back.
Think of it as an investment in your future earning potential. According to a LinkedIn report, 50% of Gen Zs would take a pay cut for a job that offered better career opportunities and flexibility. Prioritizing growth and experience over short-term financial gain can put you on a much steeper career trajectory in the long run.
Negotiating Your Salary and Benefits Aggressively
Many professionals are hesitant to negotiate their compensation for fear of seeming greedy or losing an offer. However, failing to negotiate can have a massive long-term financial impact. According to Linda Babcock, author of Women Don’t Ask, only 7% of women negotiate their starting salary, while 57% of men do. As reported by Inc. Magazine, this single decision can result in over $1.5 million in lost income throughout a 40-year career.
“You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate,” says negotiation expert Keld Jensen. Before 40 is a critical time to hone this skill. Each successful negotiation builds on the last, setting a higher baseline for all future earnings. Do your research, know your market value, and be prepared to advocate for yourself confidently and professionally.
Leaving a “Safe” Job Without Another Lined Up
Quitting a stable but unfulfilling job without a safety net is arguably the riskiest move on this list. It’s not a decision to be made lightly and requires a solid financial cushion. However, sometimes the security of a “golden handcuffs” job is the very thing holding you back from finding your true calling.
This radical move can provide the space and motivation needed to truly evaluate what you want and to pursue it with full focus. It’s a powerful statement of self-belief. It signals that you value your own happiness and potential more than a steady paycheck.
Investing in Yourself Through a Major Sabbatical or Education
Taking time off for a sabbatical or to pursue an advanced degree can feel like a step backward, especially when your peers are climbing the corporate ladder. Yet, this investment in yourself can yield incredible returns. Whether it’s an MBA, a coding bootcamp, or a six-month sabbatical to travel and recharge, this time away can provide clarity, new skills, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Returning to the workforce after a period of growth can make you a more competitive and insightful candidate. It shows a commitment to lifelong learning and personal development—qualities that are highly sought after in any leader.
Conclusion
Your career before 40 is a time for building, learning, and daring. The risks you take during these formative years can define the scope of your professional life for decades to come. While playing it safe offers comfort, calculated risks offer growth.
By embracing opportunities that challenge you, whether it’s starting a business, changing careers, or simply asking for what you’re worth, you are actively shaping a future that is not just successful but truly fulfilling.
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