If you are over the age of 45 and thinking of changing careers, my first advice to you is to ignore all of the negative stuff you hear about being middle aged and changing careers. According to gerontologist and executive leadership coach Barbara Waxman, buying into middle age stereotypes becomes a form of self-sabotage, generating obstacles and limiting our personal growth and happiness.  

Here is the thing: there is little you can do about the general fact of age-ism and if ANYONE over the age of 45 has EVER changed careers successfully, who not you?

You are on the other side of the narrative that the world of work revolves around young, digital natives. Your experience and wisdom is invaluable. You have learned so much during your career that you are going to be very discerning about your next moves. And your network? What?! The size of your network has grown with time and you have a large tribe in great places to connect you and position you for your next opportunity.

Barbara Waxman coined the term “middlescence” to describe midlife as a developmental stage like “adolescence”. She defines it as follows:

A transitional period, between the ages of about 45 and 65, marked by an increased desire to find or create greater meaning in one’s life. Often accompanied by physical, social, and economic changes, it is a turning point from which adults continue to develop and grow.

That is a completely different framing of what is commonly called a midlife “crisis”, right? So no, youth is not wasted on the young. Youth is for gaining all of the experience and making all the mistakes that helped you become the brilliant person you are now!

So, if you really want to make a career change, focus on your mindset and doing everything within your control to make your next move. Do your research, starting with research on yourself. I highly recommend What Color is Your Parachute (especially the flower petal exercise) for getting clear on who you are and what you want next.

Buy some books, pray, meditate, write in your journal, get a coach, talk to people who have done it before. Do whatever it takes to inspire, inform and motivate you.

As we live longer and longer, we have more years in the middle of our lives, not the end. So middle age is not the beginning of the end. It is the beginning of the middle. Do you want those middle work years to be “meh?” or “amazing?”

“You are not too old
and it is not too late
to dive into your increasing depths
where life calmly gives out
its own secret.”

—Rilke

I have been on this journey personally, so I know how you feel. If you want support for your career transition, I’d love to help. Let’s schedule a call to discuss your goals and dreams.