Life coaches Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino and Dr. Katie Eastman know a thing or two about making midlife changes. Both are experts in topics related to change and success, and now, in their 50s and 60s, they’ve transitioned into more instructive roles as entrepreneurs, life coaches, speakers, professors, and authors. The two also co-host a podcast with millions of downloads and listens, frequently seeking each other's feedback and expertise while working closely on various projects. Each felt the call to do more and found a way to meet the needs of a larger audience.
Embarking on a new career in midlife can bring about a mix of excitement and challenges. Opting for a career change in midlife can prove to be a rewarding and impactful choice for various reasons.
"Too often, I hear people say, "If only I..." or "I wish I..."—usually after being diagnosed with a life-altering medical condition or experiencing the major loss of a loved one, says Dr. Katie Eastman. "If only we would listen to the inner messages that tell us we're missing something in our lives and grant ourselves permission to make changes before something happens to us. “Why don’t we take proactive steps to change our lives before life forces those changes upon us?” My mentor, Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, taught that we should all live as if we are dying—because, in fact, we are! None of us is promised tomorrow, so why waste today? Waiting until midlife to create the life we want is a missed opportunity to live our best life. My advice: make today better than yesterday, every day!
Below are compelling reasons to contemplate making a change:
Personal Fulfillment: If you're no longer satisfied or passionate about your current job, a career change can reignite your sense of purpose and enthusiasm.
Jen Rigley from The Best Ever You Community chimes in with, "Go for it! At this point in life you have a wealth of experience that can be applied across so many industries and functions. Consider freelance & contractor work so you can design both the job & life you love. And guess what - it's great to work for and with younger people - they bring a lot of energy, confidence, passion and the latest tech ideas and you'll learn lots while passing on your experience to them. I like to call changes like this The Art of the Pivot!" - Jen Rigley, Chicago, Flourishing Over Fifty
Pursuing Your Passion: Midlife is an opportunity to align your work with your true interests, allowing you to pursue a career that genuinely excites you.
Dr. Eastman adds, "Many of us, especially as we enter middle age, reach a plateau—a feeling that we've done the same thing long enough. Often, a sense of restlessness sets in, signaling that we're in the process of transitioning to something better. Some may feel drawn to career change, a move into leadership, applying what they've learned in a teaching or supervisory role. Others may feel unsettled because they want to work fewer hours, shift to a less demanding professional experience, or move toward semi-retirement. In either scenario, the key is to allow the feelings of dissatisfaction to settle in and inform you about what you need to feel more fulfilled."
"Go for it! You’re never too old to try something new. That’s what keeps life interesting - a “learn it all” mentality." said Natalie Palmer in Southbury, CT
Escape Burnout: If you've been feeling burnt out or exhausted in your current role, a change can offer a fresh start and reduce stress.
Tomeka Napper, a member of The Best Ever You Network says "Living your best life means being unapologetically you. If a career change is in order, go for it. At some point one has to make choices that is best for their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Choose you every time."
Gary Downing of Pennsylvania and a member of The Best Ever You Network adds, "You spent most of your life being important so you can put a period at the end of your sentence of life . Now you you spend the rest of your putting an explanation point at the sentence because you are not just important you are significant!!!!Be The Best Ever You!!!!"
Greater Flexibility: A career shift can provide the chance to find a role that better suits your lifestyle, offering more flexibility in terms of hours, location, or work-life balance.
New Challenges: Switching careers can provide intellectual stimulation and the opportunity to learn new skills, keeping your mind sharp and engaged.
"Life is kind of like driving a car down the highway. The best view is out the front windshield, not the rear view mirror. Move foreword into your new journey and don’t look back. Good luck on your new adventure, " says Jim Hanson of The Best Ever You Network.
Increased Earnings: Some careers offer higher earning potential or better financial stability, which might align more with your goals as you age.
Ralph Means of Mesa Arizona and Best Ever You Community Member, says to exercise caution, " My advice would be to look very carefully at this point. My Sister wanted to change her chosen profession. After looking into it she found out if she left after 14 years she would not get her retirement from the company. Look at everything: pay, benefits, retire benefits, 401k, time off, I mean everything."
Aligning Values: Over time, your values may evolve. A career change allows you to find work that better matches your current values and priorities.
Shaun Proulux from Toronto, Canada adds, "Don’t overthink and over plan. What does your gut say? If it’s yes to making a midlife career change, do it. Do you light up inside thinking of it? Do it. Jump in - and then learn to swim. If you over think and plan you can scare yourself away from making the move, it just looks too daunting. I knew I wanted to be a creative and so I left a lucrative finance career and did it. If I had planned and thought about it - and envisioned the hurdles to come - I might still be in finance right now, soulless."
Personal Growth: Transitioning into a new career can foster significant personal growth, helping you develop resilience, adaptability, and confidence.
Brian J. Esposito, CEO and Founder of Esposito Intellectual Enterprises says, "Making a drastic midlife career change decision does not have to be scary or a major risk. First thing first is make sure you are 100% ready to make that change, and make sure your household is behind you and will support you. The last thing you need is any doubt or additional stress or pressures from your family or loved ones. Secondly, begin to strategize at your current position a very stress free departure. Utilize the time where you are currently at, and resources, to align the support and opportunities needed to fuel the next wonderful chapter of your life. Once everything is in order; announce the news and roll into your new position or new startup.”
Embracing change and shifting your career in a new direction is always possible, regardless of the timing. Here are 20 recommendations from Dr. Katie Eastman and Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino to help you navigate this process successfully.
Review Your Objectives: Take the time to evaluate your reasons for wanting a career change and your desired outcomes.
Recognize Transferable Skills: Assess the skills you have acquired over time and how they can be relevant in a different industry.
Explore Potential Career Paths: Research industries that capture your interest and pinpoint positions that match your skills and principles.
Expand Your Network: Engage with professionals in your desired field to gain insights and guidance.
"Opting for a career change later in life is a feasible choice, as more people are deciding to switch directions rather than just gearing up for retirement. Regardless of the motivation behind your job switch, it presents an exciting chance to explore something different. It's never too late to discover a fulfilling new career." said Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino who adds, "You are likely to be able to apply many of the skills you have developed over the years to your new career path, but if there are any knowledge gaps, there's no need to fret. Many companies offer training programs for new hires, or you can undertake a relevant course to enhance your expertise and obtain a certification."
Revamp Your Resume: Customize your resume to emphasize pertinent experience and skills that will attract employers in your new field.
Consider Further Education: Enroll in courses or certifications to bridge any knowledge gaps and enhance your qualifications.
Utilize LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile and connect with individuals in your target industry.
Begin with Small Steps: Ponder part-time roles, internships, or freelance projects in your new field to gain practical experience.
Seek Mentorship: Identify a mentor who has transitioned successfully into a new career and can offer advice.
Financial Preparedness: Ensure you have financial stability or savings to support yourself during the transition.
Consider Entry-Level Positions: Be open to starting at a lower level in a new industry if required.
Focus on Personal Branding: Clearly define and communicate your unique value proposition to potential employers.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences to immerse yourself in your new field.
Maintain a Positive Outlook: Embrace the learning process and uphold a positive attitude throughout the transition.
Practice Patience: Career changes take time, so be patient and persistent.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice interviewing for roles in your new field, emphasizing your transferable skills.
Learn Industry Terminology: Familiarize yourself with the language and trends in your new industry.
Consider Career Coaching: A career coach can offer tailored advice and assistance during your transition.
Test the Waters: Before fully committing, try out your new career on a smaller scale, such as through side projects.
Embrace Lifelong Learning: Stay curious and dedicated to acquiring new knowledge as you navigate your career change.
The purpose of these suggestions is to assist you in confidently and effectively managing the complexities of transitioning to a new career in midlife. Reaching the ages of 40, 50, or 60 is a significant milestone for many individuals. This period is characterized by various expectations and the pressure to achieve 'success'. With a combination of maturity, experience, and increased self-awareness, the 'midlife' phase typically triggers a reevaluation of personal aspirations and objectives. This process can be intimidating yet empowering. In today's dynamic employment landscape, the traditional notion of a lifelong career is becoming outdated. A growing number of individuals are now considering making a substantial shift in their professional paths.
About Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino
Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino is a bestselling, award-winning author, multifaceted entrepreneur, master coach, and speaker with a deep commitment to personal development and positive change. She is widely recognized for her contributions to the self-help and wellness communities, particularly through her books The Change Guidebook and The Success Guidebook.
Hamilton-Guarino is the founder and CEO of The Best Ever You Network, a global platform that offers resources, coaching, and content to help individuals live their best lives. The network focuses on promoting well-being, personal growth, and success, aligning closely with the themes in her books.
Visit ElizabethGuarino.com for more information.
About Dr. Katie Eastman
Dr. Katie Eastman is a national grief/trauma therapist, speaker, and consultant with ReCreate Coaching and Counseling in Anacortes, Washington. As a licensed psychotherapist, licensed social worker, and life coach specializing in loss and transition, she supports individuals and communities before, during, and after serious loss for the past thirty years. By allowing the pain of loss to serve as an opportunity for positive change she helps people of all ages reaffirm and recreate meaning by revealing the individual and collective skills, gifts, and talents we each bring to the world. An engaging author and storyteller, she is known as an authentic force for good and love. Dr. Eastman was a student of Dr. Kubler-Ross and was deeply affected by her work throughout her career.
Dr. Eastman is the author and co-author of multiple books, including her new book UPLIFTING: Inspiring Stories of Loss, Change and Growth (Balboa Press, 2024) and PERCOLATE - Let Your Best Self Filter Through (Hay House 2014).
Visit: https://www.drkatieeastman.com/ for more information.
Editor's Note:
We recently asked our Best Ever You Community for their thoughts about making changes to their careers in midlife. We received a number of comments and have included many in this article. Thank you for your participation.
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