6 Insights I Gained from Switching Careers in Midlife

Let’s be real—job hunting in our 20s was a breeze compared to now. Back then, we had fewer responsibilities and more freedom to take risks. Fast forward to midlife, and it’s a different story. We have more on our plates, and the fear of being deemed “overqualified” can be daunting. Plus, the nagging thought of whether we’re really making the right move can keep us up at night. I mean, what if an interviewer asks about the latest TikTok trend?

After navigating those late-night worries, I emerged with fresh business cards and a revamped LinkedIn profile. I transitioned from a lengthy career in journalism to a brief stint in university communications, and ultimately found my groove as a freelance writer and editor—happier than ever (well, as happy as a grumpy ex-journalist can be). Here are some valuable lessons I picked up along the way that might ease your own career transition.

1. Rediscovering Myself

In the chaos of daily life, I lost sight of who I was when I wasn’t constantly busy. It’s easy to ignore those little sparks of joy that guide us toward what we truly want. I learned that I needed to listen to those nudges, focusing on what excited me rather than what I was leaving behind. Each tiny moment of inspiration—a compelling article, a fun afternoon—helped me find my path.

2. Silencing the Inner Critic

When contemplating a job change, fear can take over. Thoughts like “I only know this one field” or “It’s too late for me” can be overwhelming. I found that mentoring a young aspiring journalist through a local program helped shift my focus from self-doubt to what I could share with others.

3. Networking Authentically

For us Gen-Xers, networking can feel a bit cringeworthy. It’s easy to think it’s all about selling out. However, I discovered that networking can be genuine and fulfilling. Reading books by local authors helped me understand that building real connections can be rewarding, reminding me of the value I bring to others.

4. Getting Acquainted with the New Landscape

After years of being settled, my job search last year was my first since 1999, when dial-up was still a thing. I had to familiarize myself with the current job market before sending out resumes. If you’re job hunting too, there are plenty of articles I saved that can help you navigate this process.

5. Investing Time

It took me a while to realize that changing jobs requires a significant time commitment. I had to accept that my home might not be as tidy as usual during this process, and surprisingly, everyone managed just fine!

6. Letting Go of Perfection

I often found myself hesitating over minor aspects of potential jobs, turning small annoyances into deal-breakers. I learned that no job is without its downsides, but when the core elements align with my values, the annoyances become manageable. Focus on what truly matters to you and recognize that some complaints can be shared with future coworkers.

Happy job hunting! These insights helped me, and I hope they lessen the stress of your own career shift. If you’re looking for more guidance on this journey, check out Resolve for excellent resources. And if you’re curious about home insemination kits, Make a Mom is a great source of information. Don’t forget to visit Intracervical Insemination to keep exploring!

Summary

Changing careers in midlife can be daunting, but by rediscovering oneself, silencing negativity, networking authentically, learning the new landscape, committing time, and letting go of perfection, the transition can be smoother. Embrace the journey!