The other day someone reached out to me in my text community. She said “Chase, I’m a 50-year old woman who has had a long career, but I’m feeling stuck and uninspired. I feel like it’s too late to do anything different!”
Let me tell you what I told her. It’s never too late. It doesn’t matter if you’re just mid-career, or retired.
If something is telling you it’s time for something different. There is something else calling to you. It starts a whisper. But the more you resist that calling, the louder it can get. And I don’t mean yelling… I mean in the form of discomfort, dissatisfaction, and even regret. You can start feeling misaligned with your true self, and that can be painful. What may start as “feeling stuck” may soon manifest into feeling disconnected.
We’re constantly evolving. So it’s okay to want something different or to want to change no matter how long you’ve been at it. If something is calling you, listen and explore it.
The Myth of Being “Too Late”
When we think about making a career switch mid-life, it’s easy to be bogged down by doubts and what-ifs. However, history is replete with luminaries who not only switched careers but thrived, becoming beacons of inspiration for those contemplating a similar leap.
Julia Child, for instance, worked in advertising and media before joining the Office of Strategic Services (precursor to the CIA) during World War II. It wasn’t until she was 36 and had moved to France with her husband that she discovered her passion for French cuisine. This led to the iconic career in cooking we associate her with today, culminating in her first cookbook when she was nearly 50 and her groundbreaking television show shortly after.
Then there’s Arnold Schwarzenegger, who transitioned from being a world-renowned bodybuilder to an international movie star and eventually served two terms as the Governor of California. Schwarzenegger’s career is a testament to the power of reinvention, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, it’s possible to succeed across vastly different fields.
Another compelling example is Colonel Harland Sanders, who founded Kentucky Fried Chicken. Sanders didn’t start franchising his restaurant and sharing his signature recipe until he was 62, proving it’s never too late to start a business venture that can become a global phenomenon.
Understanding and Overcoming Fear
The fear of changing careers or learning new skills mid-life is multifaceted. It can stem from financial concerns, the anxiety of leaving a comfortable position, or the daunting prospect of being the “newbie” among younger peers. Recognizing and addressing these fears is the first step toward overcoming them.
Financial Fears
Financial security is a legitimate concern, especially for those with dependents. However, planning and preparation can mitigate these risks. Start by assessing your financial situation and exploring ways to transition that minimize financial instability. This might mean starting your new career path or learning journey as a side project until you’re ready to make a full switch.
Fear of Failure
Fear of failure is often the biggest hurdle. Remember, failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a part of it. Each setback is a lesson learned, pushing you closer to your goal. Embrace the mindset of continuous improvement and resilience. The only true failure is not trying at all.
Age-Related Concerns
Feeling out of place or concerned about age discrimination is understandable. However, your diverse experiences and perspectives are invaluable assets. Many employers and communities value the unique insights that come with varied life experiences. Leverage your background as a strength, not a limitation.
The skills you’ve honed over the years, even in non-professional settings, are often highly transferable and sought after in the workplace. For instance, if you’ve been a stay-at-home parent, you’ve managed ongoing chaos, schedules, activities, and teenage crises, which equips you with exceptional project management, negotiation, and crisis management skills. These capabilities are invaluable in any fast-paced, dynamic work environment that requires agility, emotional intelligence, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously.
Similarly, imagine someone with a background in teaching looking to transition into the corporate world. While they may not have direct experience in a business setting, teachers possess unparalleled skills in communication, leadership, organization, and the ability to engage and motivate others. These are critical competencies in corporate training, human resources, project management, and many other fields.
6 Strategies for a Successful Transition
The journey to a new career or mastering a new skill set is often riddled with uncertainties and the daunting task of starting from scratch. However, integrating the philosophy that “you must do the verb to be the noun” with an emphasis on creating momentum can transform this journey into a series of engaging, purposeful steps forward. Here’s how you can apply these principles across various strategies for a successful transition.
1. Leverage the Power of Micro-Habits
Incorporating small, consistent actions into your daily routine is more than just a strategy; it’s a practice in building momentum. For example, if you aspire to enter the digital marketing arena, set aside a few minutes each day not just for reading industry blogs or practicing copywriting, but also for reflecting on how these skills apply to real-world scenarios. This reflection turns micro-habits into purposeful actions, gradually laying a solid foundation for your new career path while reinforcing the principle that action breeds momentum.
2. Try Learning through Reverse Mentoring
Reverse mentoring flips the traditional mentoring model, pairing older professionals with younger ones to learn about current trends, technologies, and cultural shifts. It not only not only bridges the gap between current trends and seasoned expertise but also places you in the cycle of continuous action and learning.
3. Transform Volunteering into a Platform for Active Learning
When you volunteer strategically, aligning your efforts with your new career aspirations, you’re not just contributing your time; you’re actively engaging in the field of your interest. This hands-on experience is invaluable, offering a real-world application of your skills and an opportunity to solve problems on the fly. It embodies the notion that to understand and succeed in a new domain, you must be directly involved, creating momentum through each challenge you navigate and every project you complete. This approach not only enriches your resume but also positions you within networks and communities relevant to your field of interest, opening doors to potential job offers and collaborations.
4. Cultivate a Portfolio Career as a Laboratory for Growth
Instead of aiming for a single, linear career path, consider building a portfolio career—a tapestry of part-time positions, freelance work, consulting gigs, and personal projects. This approach allows for greater flexibility and exploration, enabling you to gradually transition into a new field while diversifying your income sources. It’s an excellent way to test the waters in various sectors, refine your skills, and discover where your true passion lies.
5. Practice Thought Leadership
Even as you learn, you can share your journey, insights, and discoveries through blogging, podcasting, or speaking at industry events. This practice establishes your voice in the field, helps you process what you’re learning, and builds your personal brand. It can also attract opportunities by showcasing your proactive approach and dedication to your new career path.
6. Embrace a Learning Sabbatical as an Intensive Action Period
If you have the means or some vacation time, taking a learning sabbatical can be an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in intensive skill development or project work. This dedicated period of focused action is a testament to the power of concentrated effort, providing a rapid acceleration in learning and application that can significantly impact your career transition. It exemplifies the ultimate form of momentum, driven by undivided attention and relentless pursuit of growth.
The Time is Now
The decision to change careers or learn something new mid-life is no small feat. It requires courage, determination, and resilience. But remember, it’s never too late to pursue your passions and achieve your dreams. Your wealth of life experience is a powerful asset, not a liability.
Embrace the fear, for it signifies that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, where true growth occurs. The path may not be smooth or straightforward, but it’s yours to explore.
Today is as good a day as any to start. After all, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time? Today.
Until Next Time
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