Rediscovering your career path in midlife: A guide for women ready to pivot
7 research-backed steps to successfully pivot your career
Midlife often brings a period of reflection and reassessment for many women. Whether prompted by an empty nest, a desire for personal growth, or simply a yearning for a change, this phase can be the perfect time to pivot and redefine your career.
However, navigating such a transition can feel daunting. Here’s a guide, backed by research and expert advice, to help you take the right steps to align your career with your passions and skills.
Step 1: Reflect on your goals and values
Research shows that self-reflection is critical when making career decisions. A study published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior found that individuals who align their careers with their core values experience greater job satisfaction and success. Ask yourself:
- What aspects of your current career no longer resonate with you?
- What values and interests do you want your new career to reflect?
- What kind of impact do you want your work to have on your life and others?
Journaling or working with a career coach can help clarify your thoughts and uncover recurring themes about what truly matters to you.
Step 2: Conduct a skills and experience audit
The skills you’ve accumulated over the years — both professionally and personally — are invaluable. Many women underestimate the transferability of their skills. For example:
- Leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities developed in previous roles can apply to a wide range of industries.
- Volunteer work or hobbies might provide project management, organizational, or creative skills.
A survey by LinkedIn revealed that 59% of women considering a career change felt their existing skills could translate into a new field. Create a list of your skills and identify gaps that might need to be addressed through training or certifications.
Step 3: Explore potential career paths
Midlife is an opportunity to explore careers that you may have overlooked earlier in life. Utilize these tools and strategies:
- Take career assessments: Tools like the Strong Interest Inventory or CliftonStrengths can reveal careers aligned with your personality and strengths.
- Research emerging fields: According to a report by McKinsey, fields like renewable energy, healthcare technology, and digital marketing are rapidly growing, making them appealing for career pivots.
- Conduct informational interviews: Reach out to professionals in industries or roles that intrigue you to learn about their experiences and the skills required.
Step 4: Upskill and reskill
If your desired career requires new knowledge or certifications, invest in education. A 2023 report by the World Economic Forum highlights that lifelong learning is critical to staying competitive in today’s job market. Consider:
- Online courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable courses in diverse fields.
- Networking events and workshops: Attend industry-specific events to stay updated on trends and gain practical skills. (Stay tuned for our upcoming community + career connection live events in your area.)
- Mentorship: Find a mentor in your target industry to guide you through the learning process.
Step 5: Create a transition plan
Once you’ve identified your path and started building skills, create a roadmap to ensure a smooth transition:
- Set realistic timelines for achieving milestones like completing training or applying for jobs.
- Build a financial cushion to manage potential income gaps during the transition period.
- Tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight transferable skills and newly acquired expertise.
A 2022 survey by AARP found that women over 50 are the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs, suggesting that midlife can also be an excellent time to consider starting your own business if traditional employment doesn’t appeal to you.
Read the entire story here on The Midst Substack.
