4 answers
Taylor
Student
Grapevine, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What made you believe it wasn’t too late to start over?
For those who have hit 'reset' on life in their late 20s or beyond (whether by tackling mental health, going back to school, or changing careers) what was the moment or mindset shift that made you believe it wasn’t too late to start over?
I'm a 27 year old student at a community college and I’d love to hear how others found strength, purpose, or clarity in their own second chapters.
#Spring25
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4 answers
Brittany Crosthwait
Software Engineer
10
Answers
Tempe, Arizona
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
I've hit 'reset' twice! Once in my late twenties and once in my mid thirties. In both cases it meant changing careers, in the second case it also required further education.
Both times, that 'aha' moment was when I realized that while I had previously enjoyed what I had been doing, I no longer did. I realized that those roles were perfect for me at certain times, but I had outgrown them. I didn't see any shifts or promotions within the careers that would have reinvigorated my enthusiasm, so I knew it was time to consider a change.
The mindset shift around whether it was too late was simple for me. I looked ahead until a "retirement" age in my mind. Could I see myself still in my current role and be fulfilled, happy, and challenged? That meant considering several decades down the road. Those decades were a lot longer than the amount of time I had put into my previous roles at that point, so I wouldn't be losing much of anything by tackling a new challenge.
I did have to start over at entry level both times, but previous job and life experience makes it a lot easier to move up more quickly. I'm now in a role I absolutely love, doing fulfilling work, and looking ahead into the future doesn't spark dread anymore. I am 100% glad I made the changes both times, and while it was hard work it was definitely worth it.
Try being open about your fresh start. You will be shocked how many people have made big changes too! It will be an encouragement.
Turn your second chapter into a win on resumes and in interviews. What you are doing takes courage, initiative, hard work, dedication, etc. All qualities your perspective employer is looking for
Both times, that 'aha' moment was when I realized that while I had previously enjoyed what I had been doing, I no longer did. I realized that those roles were perfect for me at certain times, but I had outgrown them. I didn't see any shifts or promotions within the careers that would have reinvigorated my enthusiasm, so I knew it was time to consider a change.
The mindset shift around whether it was too late was simple for me. I looked ahead until a "retirement" age in my mind. Could I see myself still in my current role and be fulfilled, happy, and challenged? That meant considering several decades down the road. Those decades were a lot longer than the amount of time I had put into my previous roles at that point, so I wouldn't be losing much of anything by tackling a new challenge.
I did have to start over at entry level both times, but previous job and life experience makes it a lot easier to move up more quickly. I'm now in a role I absolutely love, doing fulfilling work, and looking ahead into the future doesn't spark dread anymore. I am 100% glad I made the changes both times, and while it was hard work it was definitely worth it.
Brittany recommends the following next steps:
Kate Wang
PM
12
Answers
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
Kate’s Answer
What made me believe it wasnt too late was realizing that life doesnt follow one timeline - and growth doesn't have an expiration date. For many, the shift comes when they stop comparing themselves to others and starting asking "what kind of life do I actually want?" At 27, you are not behind. You are just getting clearer on who you are and what matters. Starting over can be beginning of something way more algned with your purpose.
Caitlin Canton
Human Resources Manager
31
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
I began my career in consulting, with a background in accounting and management information systems. I was really excited about working with all different types of clients, solving lots of different types of problems in the world of forensics. I loved the people that I worked with, and I did a lot of travel. At that point in my life, it was exciting and engaging. But it was also a lot of work - long hours, time away from home, etc.
Once I was married and had my first child, my circumstances had changed and so had my perspective. I knew that I could not sustain the travel and the volume of hours and also give my family the attention that I wanted (and that they deserved). It was time to explore a new career path and figure out what I wanted to do.
I talked to lots of people - my family, friends, colleagues that I trusted. I asked them to describe what they thought were my strengths. I reflected on my strengths and about the different things that I do - not only technical things like Excel skills, but interpersonal skills and intangible things. I discovered that one of my favorite things about my current job was developing those below me. I really liked mentoring and taking the time to problem solve together and help explain how to do things, while allowing flexibility so they could try their own approach.
In talking with someone in Human Resources at my company, she felt that I would be really suited to be an HR manager. I was fortunate in that my company had some openings, and I applied and accepted an offer to transfer from consulting to the internal part of our business in HR. I LOVED it. Interacting with people as an objective person, I was able to help people with all kinds of problems. It felt really fulfilling and rewarding.
I hope this helps! Self reflection is really powerful. Ask yourself what things you like to do - when you think about the work you are doing now, what sparks some joy. You might have to dig deep, but the path it takes you down can be amazing!
Once I was married and had my first child, my circumstances had changed and so had my perspective. I knew that I could not sustain the travel and the volume of hours and also give my family the attention that I wanted (and that they deserved). It was time to explore a new career path and figure out what I wanted to do.
I talked to lots of people - my family, friends, colleagues that I trusted. I asked them to describe what they thought were my strengths. I reflected on my strengths and about the different things that I do - not only technical things like Excel skills, but interpersonal skills and intangible things. I discovered that one of my favorite things about my current job was developing those below me. I really liked mentoring and taking the time to problem solve together and help explain how to do things, while allowing flexibility so they could try their own approach.
In talking with someone in Human Resources at my company, she felt that I would be really suited to be an HR manager. I was fortunate in that my company had some openings, and I applied and accepted an offer to transfer from consulting to the internal part of our business in HR. I LOVED it. Interacting with people as an objective person, I was able to help people with all kinds of problems. It felt really fulfilling and rewarding.
I hope this helps! Self reflection is really powerful. Ask yourself what things you like to do - when you think about the work you are doing now, what sparks some joy. You might have to dig deep, but the path it takes you down can be amazing!
Sean Alexander
Retired
34
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sean’s Answer
It's never too late to begin again...
Hi Sean! I agree! Can you give Taylor some more insight into starting again?
Sharyn Grose, Admin