Shifting Career Gears in Midlife
In this week's episode of Pause to Go, I talked with career and leadership coach Julie Artis about the challenges of midlife -- and mid-career -- shifts. (You can check out the episode HERE -- I'm getting great feedback!)
We have yet to talk much about mid-career shifts on P2G, so I wanted to dig into why mid-career changes are on the rise -- and how you can get the support you need to have a fulfilling and sustainable work-life!
As we ride the crest of our professional lives, the wave of mid-life often brings a surge of reflection and, sometimes, the desire for change.
Why Mid-Life Career Changes Are On The Rise
Gone are the days of a linear career path. The 21st century has ushered in a revolution in the job market, with technology and global connectivity at the helm. As such, mid-lifers are re-evaluating their careers, seeking fulfillment beyond the paycheck, and aligning their work with evolving personal values and passions. Some of the top reasons that women in midlife are changing careers post-pandemic include Seeking flexibility in the workplace to have a greater work-life balance, desire for a higher-paying position, and finding a less stressful job.
The Freedom to Explore
With children often grown and personal finances potentially more stable, many in their 40s, 50s, and beyond are taking calculated risks they couldn't afford earlier in life. This stage offers a liberating opportunity to explore new industries, start businesses, or pivot to roles that were once considered hobbies or side passions.
Leveraging Experience as a Springboard
One of the greatest assets mid-life professionals possess is a wealth of experience. Far from starting from scratch, many are finding ways to pivot their skills into new domains. Transferable skills such as leadership, project management, and strategic thinking are invaluable commodities in any field. In this week's episode, Julie Artis discusses the advantages of making lateral career moves that allow professionals to leverage their skills in a department or realm that is more appealing to them without starting from scratch!
The Rise of Lifelong Learning
Learning isn't just for the young. Mid-lifers are returning to formal and informal education to sharpen old skills and gain new ones. With an array of online courses, workshops, and certifications, the opportunity to become a student again is more accessible than ever. This can help people build their professional toolbox and lead to feelings of curiosity and accomplishment.
Embracing Technology
Adapting to new technologies is no longer optional, and mid-life career changers are embracing this. Digital literacy is opening doors to remote work, freelancing, and the gig economy, offering flexibility that is highly valued at this life stage. If you want to take a closer look at the effect of technology on women's careers in 2023, I recommend checking out this article.
Your Stories
Every career path is as unique as the individual walking it, and on Pause to Go, we love to share inspiring stories from those who've successfully ridden the wave of change. Have you made a change, or are you considering it? What challenges do you face, and what opportunities excite you? Whether it's the former banker turned tech startup founder or the teacher who now runs a successful online business, these narratives provide hope and actionable insights. If YOU have a story about your midlife career transformation that you'd like to share on the pod, leave us a message! We're collecting uplifting stories from people who have made significant career changes over the age of 40 -- and we want to share yours!
As we round off the discussion, remember that a mid-life career change isn't just about finding a new way to work; it's about redefining success on your own terms and discovering work that resonates with the person you've become and the dreams you still want to fulfill.
You can tune into this compelling episode and let us know how you navigate your mid-life career journey.
https://www.pausetogopodcast.com/julie-artis-midlife-career-makeover/
