6 Insights Gained from Switching Careers in Midlife

Looking back, my job transitions in my 20s were a breeze compared to the complexities of today’s career changes. Back then, we were adventurous, less burdened, and ready to take risks. Now, life is packed with responsibilities, and the thought of venturing into a new field can be daunting. There’s that lingering concern about being “too experienced” and whether employers will be put off by our career pivots. Plus, the fear of making the wrong choice can loom large, especially when faced with unexpected questions in interviews.

After navigating these challenges myself, I’ve emerged on the other side with fresh business cards and a revitalized LinkedIn profile. I transitioned from a lengthy career in journalism to a brief stint in university communications, ultimately finding joy as a freelance writer and editor. Here are some key lessons I learned during this process that I hope will ease your own career transition.

1. Reconnecting with Myself

I realized I had become so overwhelmed with daily tasks that I lost sight of my passions. It’s easy to overlook those small sparks of joy that guide us toward fulfilling work. During my job search, I made an effort to pay attention to what excited me, like articles that piqued my interest or activities that made time fly. This was crucial in steering my career in a direction that truly resonated with me.

2. Silencing the Inner Critic

Negative self-talk can be paralyzing when contemplating a job change. Thoughts like “I only know this one industry” or “It’s too late for me to switch careers” played on repeat in my mind. Becoming a mentor to a young veteran aspiring to be a journalist helped shift my focus to what I had to offer, reminding me of my value.

3. Authentic Networking

Networking can feel awkward, especially for us Gen-Xers who might associate it with insincerity. However, I discovered that building genuine connections can be fulfilling rather than soul-crushing. Books by local authors helped me understand the value of relationship-based networking, reinforcing that I had much to offer others as well.

4. Understanding the New Landscape

If your career path has been somewhat linear, like mine, a job search after many years can feel overwhelming. My last search was in 1999, back when I was using AOL! I had to familiarize myself with the current job market before diving into applications. If you’re in the same boat, I’ve saved some useful articles that could help guide your search.

5. Investing Time and Effort

I had to accept that changing jobs doesn’t just happen overnight. It requires significant time and effort, which meant prioritizing my job search over things like housework. Surprisingly, everyone adapted just fine!

6. Letting Go of Perfection

During my job hunt, I often fixated on minor drawbacks of potential roles, which made me hesitate. I learned that every job has its less appealing aspects, but as long as the major elements align with my values and priorities, those minor annoyances are manageable.

If you’re on the hunt for a new job, remember to stay focused on what truly matters to you. Happy job hunting!

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Summary

Changing careers at midlife can be daunting, but reconnecting with your passions, silencing negative self-talk, authentic networking, understanding the new job landscape, investing time, and letting go of perfection can ease the transition.