My Midlife Career Switch: Lessons Learned

I'm Nola Simon and I recently shared my story of making a midlife career switch in Maclean's magazine.  Why I Made a Midlife Career Switch - Macleans.ca

 

While the article provides context about my personal career journey, I wanted to offer more specific actions and advice based on my experience. Here's what I've learned:

Start Earlier Than You Think

I began contemplating a career change back in 2014, but due to life circumstances, I didn't make the leap until years later. This taught me that you need to start preparing for a career transition much sooner than you might expect. Life happens – responsibilities, family obligations, and unexpected events can delay your plans.

Reflection and Self-Assessment

A crucial part of my transition involved deep self-reflection:

- I assessed my skills and experiences
- I worked to understand what fueled and drained me
- I identified market trends and opportunities
- I tuned into my desires and aspirations

Supporting Practices

I found several practices invaluable in supporting my self-discovery and mental well-being:

- Yoga
- Walking
- Writing
- Meditation
- Mindfulness

These practices helped me tune into my authentic desires and navigate the emotional challenges of my career transition.

The Role of Career Coaches

I hired two career coaches at different times – Sarah Vermunt and Kerri Twigg. They provided:

- Guidance in navigating my career changes
- Support in developing new skills and mindsets
- Insights into personal branding and media presence

I found it particularly valuable to see how my coaches developed their own practices and applied their advice to their own work.

Dealing with Grief and Identity Shifts

An often overlooked aspect of career transitions is the grief associated with letting go of old identities. I experienced this firsthand:

- It was emotionally challenging to leave my long-term employer
- I struggled with letting go of professional certifications and knowledge that no longer seemed relevant
- It was difficult to shift away from the recognition that came with working for an established company brand

Taking Concrete Actions

I learned that reflection alone wasn't enough. I had to take tangible steps to breathe life into my new career path:

- I started a podcast to vocalize my thoughts
- I designed a website
- I networked and spoke at events
- I conducted interviews and research for potential projects

Personal Branding in the AI Era

I discovered the importance of considering how AI perceives my online presence:

- I developed a comprehensive online presence across multiple platforms
- I considered how AI tools like ChatGPT interpret my personal brand
- I ensured my digital footprint accurately reflects my expertise and aspirations

Optimizing for Fulfillment

Ultimately, I focused on work that excites and fulfills me:

- I identified tasks and projects that energize me
- I minimized involvement in work that drains me
- I sought out opportunities that align with my strengths and interests

I hope these insights from my personal journey are helpful to those considering a midlife career switch. Remember, it's a process that takes time, reflection, and action. Be patient with yourself and stay true to what truly fulfills you.

Citations:
[1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/15878539/7d224e2c-0923-4f46-8d78-fb79ab585537/paste.txt

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