Late Career Job Change

Later in your career, you may want to explore another area of employment to pursue a passion or work on different tasks. A job or career change may also become necessary in situations such as a collective layoff or a business closure. 

Losing a job or changing fields can mean taking a break in your income. Whether you are prepared for it or not, you need to accept and manage the effect on your finances.

A job change can end your active participation in the retirement plan offered by your former employer. For more details about the impact, see the You change jobs page on the Retraite Québec website. A retirement plan may be offered by your new employer. Find out the advantages of participating.

Before you consider retirement, you must evaluate your sources of retirement income and make the necessary calculations to know if you are saving enough. For more details, see the Financial planning of your retirement page.

You may apply for your retirement pension later and keep working for a few years. This way, you can make sure that your pensions and your savings are sufficient for your retirement. See the factors to consider before applying for your retirement pension under the Québec Pension Plan.

Various employment paths are possible when changing late in your career. You can check your options with the company you work for or look elsewhere and change fields.

Progress within the same company

Other types of jobs may be available in the company where you are working. The human resources department can help you evaluate your internal career change opportunities. You would then maintain your social network and your knowledge of the company and its culture.

Explore other areas of employment

A career change, whether imposed or wanted, can be an opportunity to explore another field or trade based on your interests and passions. The questionnaire Bien se connaître (French only) is made available to support you in this process. You may also explore trades and occupations and discover a field that interests you.

Then, various types of jobs are available to you. If your goal is to work only certain times of the year, seasonal jobs may be of interest to you. You can also work in your area of expertise as a self-employed worker.

Preparation is necessary before finding a new job. You must update your résumé (CV) and prepare a cover letter tailored to the targeted job. You should also have your desired working conditions in mind in order to discuss them with the employer at the interview.

Job and career fairs are held on a regular basis in all Québec regions. They are a good opportunity to connect with different employers looking for employees like you. You can also view job offers available according to your preferences.

Even late in your career, it is important to upgrade your skills. Your employer’s human resources department can assist you in this process. Various training courses are also offered to get on-the-job training so you can learn new tasks while working.

The Workplace Apprenticeship Program (PAMT) allows an apprentice to develop their skills by being paired with an older worker who will pass on their know-how.

The PAMT allows the older worker (journeyperson) to value their professional expertise. The program also leads them to obtaining a certificate of professional qualification or attestation of competency.

Tax credit

Starting with the 2025 fiscal year, if you are an older worker aged 65 or over, you could be entitled to a non-refundable tax credit to extend your career, even if you are making a career change.

For more details, see the Tax Credit for Career Extension page.

Employability organizations

Employability service organizations are available throughout Québec to help you with your job change. Among other things, they can help you prepare for interviews and inform you about the trades that are most in demand in a given region.

For more details, see the Find an Employment Agency page.

Wage Subsidy

If you have to change jobs or careers, the Wage Subsidy measure could help you find a job or better settle into your new workplace.

To submit an application, you can use the following online form:

Apply online

You can also submit your application by filling out and printing the PDF form: Application for services (3003-01) (PDF 818 Kb).

Visit a Services Québec office with the completed form, and be sure to have a photo ID issued by a public agency with you. Otherwise, you can also send your form to a Services Québec office by mail.

Extending your working life on the labour market

Help for people aged 50 and over is available to support your return to the labour market.