5 answers
Edward
Student
Claremont, California
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How does it feel to transition careers midlife?
Thinking about people who are not sure about their career choices
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5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3928
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Edward,
Embarking on a Midlife Career Change: A Personal and Emotional Adventure
Embarking on a midlife career change can be a multi-layered and emotionally charged journey. It often requires leaving the comfort of the known to embrace the thrill of the unknown, stirring up a cocktail of emotions such as excitement, fear, uncertainty, and hope. Here's a closer look at what it feels like to undertake a midlife career change:
1. Fear and Uncertainty: One of the most prevalent emotions during a midlife career change is uncertainty. People often worry about their future, especially if they've spent a significant amount of time in their current profession. The fear of the unknown, such as the success of their new career path or the validity of their decision, can be daunting.
2. Excitement and Revitalized Purpose: On the other hand, a midlife career change can also spark excitement and a revitalized sense of purpose. For some, the chance to chase a new passion or interest can reignite their drive and zest for work. This newfound purpose can be energizing, motivating them to excel in their fresh career path.
3. Reflection and Self-Exploration: A midlife career switch often encourages individuals to ponder their values, goals, and dreams. It can be a period of self-exploration and introspection, where individuals reassess what truly matters to them, both professionally and personally. This time of reflection can lead to a deeper self-understanding and clearer career aspirations.
4. Obstacles and Setbacks: A midlife career change isn't without its hurdles and setbacks. From potential financial instability to grappling with feeling like an imposter in a new field, individuals may face obstacles. Overcoming these challenges calls for resilience, flexibility, and a readiness to learn from mistakes.
5. Support Networks and Networking: Constructing a robust support network during a midlife career change is vital. Whether it's seeking advice from mentors, connecting with peers in the new field, or leaning on friends and family for emotional support, having a network of people who believe in you can ease the journey.
6. Growth and Personal Evolution: Despite the initial obstacles, a midlife career change can lead to substantial personal growth and evolution. Leaving one's comfort zone compels individuals to learn new skills, expand their horizons, and embrace change—all of which contribute to personal enhancement.
In summary, a midlife career change is a rich journey that includes a spectrum of emotions, challenges, opportunities, and personal growth. While it may seem intimidating at times, it also offers a unique opportunity for individuals to reshape their professional identity and seek satisfaction in their work.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review is renowned for its thought-provoking articles on career advancement, leadership tactics, and workplace trends. It offers research-backed insights on effectively handling career transitions.
Forbes: Forbes is a respected source for business news, entrepreneurial guidance, and career-related content. Its articles frequently feature expert viewpoints on managing career shifts at various life stages.
Psychology Today: Psychology Today provides psychological viewpoints on various life transitions, including career changes. It explores the emotional facets of midlife career transitions and offers valuable advice on coping mechanisms.
GOD BLESS!
Embarking on a Midlife Career Change: A Personal and Emotional Adventure
Embarking on a midlife career change can be a multi-layered and emotionally charged journey. It often requires leaving the comfort of the known to embrace the thrill of the unknown, stirring up a cocktail of emotions such as excitement, fear, uncertainty, and hope. Here's a closer look at what it feels like to undertake a midlife career change:
1. Fear and Uncertainty: One of the most prevalent emotions during a midlife career change is uncertainty. People often worry about their future, especially if they've spent a significant amount of time in their current profession. The fear of the unknown, such as the success of their new career path or the validity of their decision, can be daunting.
2. Excitement and Revitalized Purpose: On the other hand, a midlife career change can also spark excitement and a revitalized sense of purpose. For some, the chance to chase a new passion or interest can reignite their drive and zest for work. This newfound purpose can be energizing, motivating them to excel in their fresh career path.
3. Reflection and Self-Exploration: A midlife career switch often encourages individuals to ponder their values, goals, and dreams. It can be a period of self-exploration and introspection, where individuals reassess what truly matters to them, both professionally and personally. This time of reflection can lead to a deeper self-understanding and clearer career aspirations.
4. Obstacles and Setbacks: A midlife career change isn't without its hurdles and setbacks. From potential financial instability to grappling with feeling like an imposter in a new field, individuals may face obstacles. Overcoming these challenges calls for resilience, flexibility, and a readiness to learn from mistakes.
5. Support Networks and Networking: Constructing a robust support network during a midlife career change is vital. Whether it's seeking advice from mentors, connecting with peers in the new field, or leaning on friends and family for emotional support, having a network of people who believe in you can ease the journey.
6. Growth and Personal Evolution: Despite the initial obstacles, a midlife career change can lead to substantial personal growth and evolution. Leaving one's comfort zone compels individuals to learn new skills, expand their horizons, and embrace change—all of which contribute to personal enhancement.
In summary, a midlife career change is a rich journey that includes a spectrum of emotions, challenges, opportunities, and personal growth. While it may seem intimidating at times, it also offers a unique opportunity for individuals to reshape their professional identity and seek satisfaction in their work.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review is renowned for its thought-provoking articles on career advancement, leadership tactics, and workplace trends. It offers research-backed insights on effectively handling career transitions.
Forbes: Forbes is a respected source for business news, entrepreneurial guidance, and career-related content. Its articles frequently feature expert viewpoints on managing career shifts at various life stages.
Psychology Today: Psychology Today provides psychological viewpoints on various life transitions, including career changes. It explores the emotional facets of midlife career transitions and offers valuable advice on coping mechanisms.
GOD BLESS!
Mark Evans
Industrial Arts STEM Teacher
19
Answers
Crete, Illinois
Updated
Mark’s Answer
I decided to pursue Engineering as my professional path. However, after enduring it for 5 years, I realized it wasn't for me. I then returned to college for another 3 years to earn a Bachelor's degree in Education. I have been passionately teaching for the past 33 years and I absolutely love it!
Here's a piece of advice I'd like to share: Refrain from tying the knot until you've discovered your desired career path and completed the necessary college education or vocational training required for it. Balancing marriage and education can be an incredibly difficult task.
Here's a piece of advice I'd like to share: Refrain from tying the knot until you've discovered your desired career path and completed the necessary college education or vocational training required for it. Balancing marriage and education can be an incredibly difficult task.
Charles Brodsky
6
Answers
Updated
Charles’s Answer
Edward,
Although I didn’t switch careers ‘midlife’, I did go from Musician/Music Teacher to IT professional in my mid 20’s. I was teaching music since early High School, so it feels like a second (i.e. midlife) career. I also know some people who migrated to/from IT careers midlife, or after ‘retiring’ from IT (obviously not retiring from the workforce.)
James gave some great advice and insight on this, and I second what he shared.
One idea I would like to add is not to think of changing careers as a leap from where you are to where you want to go. Try to make the transition smoother and ‘step’ from what you’re doing into what you want to do. What I mean by that is don’t just stop working in your current field and role (you likely have personal and financial responsibilities that still need to be taken care of) but add in education and experience during evenings or weekends. Try to build up your network (people in the industry/role), skills, and experience in the new area to be sure it is what you want and that it can financially support you before you leave your current job.
This is also true for entrepreneurs that want to start their own business. You should grow and test that business over time to build it to where it can cover your basic needs, so when you stop doing your ‘previous’ job you are still financially ‘okay.’ This reduces the financial risks, and helps confirm that this is the work you want to do.
I recommend that you spend a lot of time (before money and education) talking to people you know and trust in the new career you want. *REALLY* talking to them about the job itself, pros/cons, what you need to be successful, the environment, etc. I’ve found that almost every job I’ve ever had (in the same career or different) was not exactly what I expected or envisioned. Be sure it’s actually what you think it will be before you commit time and resources to pursuing it.
You should also consider that you may currently have the right career/job, but are working in the wrong place. It’s possible that the work itself isn’t the problem, or what’s making you questioning your choices, but the environment (company, boss, industry the company operates in, etc.) is actually the problem. You may be happier doing the same type of work/career somewhere else, and don’t actually want to transition to a new career.
One last thought, sometimes people feel like they made a mistake if they decide they take on a different career ‘midlife.’ I don’t think anyone should feel that way. People make decisions at the time based on their experience, priorities, opportunities, etc. If you decide that what you’re doing now isn’t what you want to be doing going forward, don’t feel regret. Realize that you gained knowledge and experience that will likely help you in ways you don’t even realize yet, and that this can be a positive experience for you if you make it one.
Although I didn’t switch careers ‘midlife’, I did go from Musician/Music Teacher to IT professional in my mid 20’s. I was teaching music since early High School, so it feels like a second (i.e. midlife) career. I also know some people who migrated to/from IT careers midlife, or after ‘retiring’ from IT (obviously not retiring from the workforce.)
James gave some great advice and insight on this, and I second what he shared.
One idea I would like to add is not to think of changing careers as a leap from where you are to where you want to go. Try to make the transition smoother and ‘step’ from what you’re doing into what you want to do. What I mean by that is don’t just stop working in your current field and role (you likely have personal and financial responsibilities that still need to be taken care of) but add in education and experience during evenings or weekends. Try to build up your network (people in the industry/role), skills, and experience in the new area to be sure it is what you want and that it can financially support you before you leave your current job.
This is also true for entrepreneurs that want to start their own business. You should grow and test that business over time to build it to where it can cover your basic needs, so when you stop doing your ‘previous’ job you are still financially ‘okay.’ This reduces the financial risks, and helps confirm that this is the work you want to do.
I recommend that you spend a lot of time (before money and education) talking to people you know and trust in the new career you want. *REALLY* talking to them about the job itself, pros/cons, what you need to be successful, the environment, etc. I’ve found that almost every job I’ve ever had (in the same career or different) was not exactly what I expected or envisioned. Be sure it’s actually what you think it will be before you commit time and resources to pursuing it.
You should also consider that you may currently have the right career/job, but are working in the wrong place. It’s possible that the work itself isn’t the problem, or what’s making you questioning your choices, but the environment (company, boss, industry the company operates in, etc.) is actually the problem. You may be happier doing the same type of work/career somewhere else, and don’t actually want to transition to a new career.
One last thought, sometimes people feel like they made a mistake if they decide they take on a different career ‘midlife.’ I don’t think anyone should feel that way. People make decisions at the time based on their experience, priorities, opportunities, etc. If you decide that what you’re doing now isn’t what you want to be doing going forward, don’t feel regret. Realize that you gained knowledge and experience that will likely help you in ways you don’t even realize yet, and that this can be a positive experience for you if you make it one.
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
157
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
You may get satisfaction for changing your career in the middle if your motivations are met.
Self discovery is a special kind of advantage that can propagate career change. When you enjoy your job, you are happy.
Switch to the job you love doing. Make sure of backup plans for your sustenance during your career transition period so that the disaster of failure due to improper planning does not discourage you from making headway.
There are many cases of persons who switched their careers at later times in their lives, and we're still successful.
Self discovery is a special kind of advantage that can propagate career change. When you enjoy your job, you are happy.
Switch to the job you love doing. Make sure of backup plans for your sustenance during your career transition period so that the disaster of failure due to improper planning does not discourage you from making headway.
There are many cases of persons who switched their careers at later times in their lives, and we're still successful.
Mudita Lionheart 🪄🔥
Employer Partnerships Manager
7
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Mudita’s Answer
Hi there! I broke into the world of technology after eight years of being a stay at home Mom. I had a lot of trepidation about entering the corporate world, and honestly, the learning curve was steep for the first few months but my enthusiasm and vision for the future helped pull me through that time. So, despite challenges I did often feel excitement, enthusiasm, hopefulness, and a healthy sense of challenge. I also felt a lot of imposter syndrome and would sometimes get down on myself that I couldn't master skills soon enough and that occasionally caused me to feel quite disconnected from the people I was working with.
My advice, for what it's worth, to help someone stay in the excitement of the career change instead of hanging out in the scary parts of it, is to adopt a growth mindset as much as possible. Practice really good self care (whatever that looks like for you), focus on being around positive people, be curious, find out what you love and what brings you joy and contribute in those arenas of work and life as much as you possibly can. Also, having go to resources to motivate and inspire are very helpful. That can include people who are uplifting and can offer guidance when you need it (finding a mentor to help you through this time that has had the experience before can be very helpful!), inspirational podcasts, meet up groups, etc.
You've got this!
My advice, for what it's worth, to help someone stay in the excitement of the career change instead of hanging out in the scary parts of it, is to adopt a growth mindset as much as possible. Practice really good self care (whatever that looks like for you), focus on being around positive people, be curious, find out what you love and what brings you joy and contribute in those arenas of work and life as much as you possibly can. Also, having go to resources to motivate and inspire are very helpful. That can include people who are uplifting and can offer guidance when you need it (finding a mentor to help you through this time that has had the experience before can be very helpful!), inspirational podcasts, meet up groups, etc.
You've got this!