Empty nesters: The overlooked talent pool

22.5 million empty nesters are redefining midlife careers. This is the biggest untapped opportunity in today’s market.

The numbers: 62% feel more financially stable since kids moved out. 82% of midlife career changers report equal or higher earnings within two years. They’re not winding down — they’re redirecting talents.

What they bring: Relationship skills that can’t be automated, institutional knowledge preventing costly mistakes, natural mentoring abilities. Plus more schedule flexibility than younger professionals juggling families.

Who’s getting it right: Real estate (median agent age 52), healthcare (values patience and experience), consulting (leverages expertise with flexibility).

The barrier: 64% over 40 experience age discrimination. Solutions: Remove graduation dates, focus on competencies over chronology, showcase age-diverse teams.

Your advantage: They bring stability, mentor naturally, and often prioritize meaningful work over maximum compensation. They’re not starting over, they’re building on decades of experience.