Rediscovering your career path in midlife

A guide for women ready to pivot

BeWell | The Midst beauty, style & wellness newsletter

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.