I changed careers at 55 to become a flight attendant. I didn't expect my age to be such an advantage.

Recently qualified flight attendant Craig Celek's favorite layover is Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Courtesy of Craig Celek Craig Celek left a retail position to become a flight attendant this year, in his mid-50s.

He said he brought life experience and a strong work ethic to the role because of his age.

The Gen-Xer described the job change as the "third act" in his career.

This story is based on an interview with Craig Celek, 56, a flight attendant from Brooklyn.

It has been edited for length and clarity.

In February 2026, I embarked on what I call "act three" of my career.

Right out of college, I worked for a publishing company in Hong Kong for 15 years before becoming a store manager at New Balance, and then taking a leadership role at Saks Off 5th.

My 15 years in retail were amazing, but I started to get itchy feet.

I started looking for my next opportunity, and a job on an airline was attractive to me.

Friends my age are flight attendants I have a lot of friends my in their late 40s and 50s who have turned their second or third act into becoming flight attendants .

They encouraged me to apply in November 2025.

Have you got a story about launching a career in mid or later life? Please email Jane Ridley at [email protected] if you'd like to be interviewed by Business Insider.

I knew that the main US airlines — American, United, and Delta — were open to hiring older people, especially those with a background in customer service.