Midlife Career Change – Musings on a Post by a Career Coach

Midlife Career Change. . . .

Not a crisis but a change or transition, prompted by numerous factors – getting older but also more discerning; facing changes in relationships (addition or loss of family and friends); discovering the need for truly meaningful work (social responsibility); allowing for our outside passion to grow; recognizing that attitude has come with age and experience.



Career transition is just part of growth. At 50+, we Baby Boomers have accumulated years of experience and a portfolio of accomplishments. Now, we look to a transition to meaningful work.

My own career path was never about earning power, but instead I followed a trail—what interested me.

For that reason, I went from freelance journalism (not always easy or obvious because I worked abroad and in the States, where I took on numerous assignments, including articles, technical reports, exhibition catalogs and newsletters, not to mention translations).
Then, because of the uncertainty of a pay check and the need for something more fulfilling, as a single parent with two small kids, I went back to the university to work on my Ph.D and then entered a new world-- teaching, research and service. A graduate teaching assistantship, encouraging professors as well as a supportive family made this possible.

In an insightful post, career coach Kathy Caprino provides reasons as to why midlife is a period of transition. I’ve adapted her points below:

- It is a time of “re-evaluation.” The accumulation of experiences (good and bad) has allowed for reflection and self discovery.

- Kids now have their careers, friends and families. No more need to think about school zones, schedules. . . .

- Social and family networks change through loss or addition.

- We have a new understanding of success.

- We have an attitude (thanks to my friend, SL, for pointing out this quality).

- We have credentials, and in the words of the career coach, “We have earned it.”

Change is scary, but even more frightening is to avoid taking the step.

As Caprino concludes, “Midlife can pave the way to an exciting reclamation of your passion, power and purpose in life and work.”

Here we go!

Share your experiences!