Career Transitions in Midlife: Embracing Change and Finding New Opportunities
Welcome to midlife, where you have just enough experience to know what you don’t want and just enough courage to go after what you do! Today, let’s talk about a topic that’s hotter than a yoga class in July: career transitions in midlife. Whether you’re itching to ditch your 9-to-5 grind or craving a complete professional makeover, this post is for you.
This post may contain affiliate links. I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links but at no additional cost to you. Thank you for continuing to support LaChaCha!
The Midlife Career Crossroads
Picture this: It’s Monday morning, and you’re staring at your coffee, wondering if it’s too late to become a marine biologist. Sound familiar? If you’ve been feeling more “meh” than motivated about your job, it might be time for a change. The good news? Midlife is the perfect time to hit the reset button.
Why? Because you’re a seasoned pro. You’ve got experience, wisdom, and a keen sense of what you want (and don’t want). Plus, let’s be real: midlife crises are so last century. We’re all about midlife celebrations now!
The Benefits of a Midlife Career Change
First things first: making a career change in midlife isn’t about running away from something; it’s about running toward something better. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
Reignited Passion: Remember that thing you loved doing before life got in the way? Yeah, that. Midlife is your chance to get back to what makes you tick.
Flexibility and Freedom: Many midlife career changers find roles that offer better work-life balance. Imagine having the time to pursue hobbies, travel, or just binge-watch your favorite shows guilt-free.
New Challenges: Embrace the chance to learn new skills and meet new people. It’s like the first day of school, but with better snacks.
Practical Steps to Make the Leap
Alright, let’s get down to business. Here’s your step-by-step guide to making a midlife career transition without losing your mind (or your savings).
Self-Assessment: Take stock of your skills, interests, and values. What do you enjoy? What are you good at? What matters most to you in a job? Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Enneagram or the StrengthsFinder assessment can be incredibly insightful. I am also a fan of the Human Design chart as an “outside-the-box” personality indicator.
Research: Dive into the industries or roles you’re interested in. What qualifications do you need? What’s the job market like? Websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics are great starting points.
Networking: Reach out to people in your desired field. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and don’t be shy about connecting on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s not just about who you know—it’s about who knows you.
Hire a Consultant: There are times in our lives that we can use an impartial opinion from someone with experience – in my experience, this is usually much more effective than talking with friends and/or family, who mean well, but are probably not experts in the field of midlife career transitions. Here are a few standout consultants to checkout: Midlife Unstuck, Patricia Ezechie, The Goodlife Institute.
Education and Training: Consider taking courses or earning certifications relevant to your new field. Many universities and online platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer flexible learning options.
Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: Tailor your resume to highlight transferable skills and relevant experience. Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your new career aspirations.
Start Small: If a full-blown career change feels daunting, consider starting with a side hustle or freelance gig. This can provide valuable experience and help you build a network in your new field.
My Midlife Career Transition: A Personal Story
Four months before my 49th birthday my son moved out of our home in Portland, Oregon and moved to Missoula, Montana with his childhood friend. When I moved back to my home town of Portland 17 years prior, I vowed that when my then 2 year old son left home I would leave Portland and explore the world. Which is exactly what I did.
Nearly 20 years in real estate, coupled with the difficult years we all experienced during the pandemic, left me feeling uninspired and drained. The idea of a career change seemed both thrilling and terrifying. I knew in every ounce of my being that I needed a change, so I made a decision that would change my life. I decided to follow my passion for travel and storytelling.
Starting LaChaCha was a leap of faith. I had no formal background in blogging or midlife and travel writing, but I knew I had stories to tell and a desire to inspire others. I began by documenting my adventures and sharing tips for midlife travelers. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and I am quickly building a community of like-minded individuals who are eager to redefine their midlife years.
Embrace the Adventure
Remember, a midlife career change isn’t just about finding a new job; it’s about rediscovering yourself and embracing new adventures. It’s about saying yes to opportunities that excite you and no to the things that don’t serve you anymore.
So, whether you’re dreaming of becoming a pastry chef, an artist, or the next tech innovator, know that the best is yet to come. Midlife is your time to shine, so go ahead and take the leap!
Ready to swap your midlife crisis for a midlife celebration? Connect with our community using the hashtag #CelebrateMidlife and #MyMidlifeCelebration and show the world that midlife is just the beginning.
Midlife is also a fantastic time to rediscover passions and find new hobbies. Read more here: Rediscovering Passions: How Midlife is the Perfect Time to Reignite Your Hobbies.
I ❤️ Your Comments
Let’s build a community together!! Join our community of like-minded individuals who are embracing life’s second act with enthusiasm and passion and share your inspiration and tips on celebrating midlife below. Want to connect on a more personal level!? You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, & Pinterest!
xo, ChaCha
