Transforming your midlife career: top tips for success

Telegraph

03-03-2025

It may be that you've sat at the same desk for a decade, eaten lunch with the same colleagues and taken that same commute for too long. We're living and working longer, with fresh expectations around our workplace identities. Retirement may seem distant, but we seek fulfilment, making a difference and new ways of working.
Perhaps you dream of lives you once imagined – scuba instructor or sheep-shearing. A midlife career change is no longer an anomaly but a strategic pivot. More individuals are reimagining their professional paths, proving it's never too late for passion and growth.
Herminia Ibarra, professor of organisational behaviour at LBS shares strategies for navigating midlife career transitions.
Embrace an explorer mindset
Career paths aren't linear, and organisations shapeshift. We're living longer, allowing for multiple reinventions. Many wonder, 'What's next? Am I in the right place?'
Adaptability is key. Losing a job or professional identity creates a void. Embrace freedom to explore diverse pathways. Rather than rigid plans, be open to opportunities. London Business School offers a range of online learning courses and degree programmes, as well as providing thought-provoking content, which can help develop this explorer mindset.
There are two approaches: Plan and Implement, which works well when you know what you want; and Experiment and Learn, common in midlife career changes when you know what you don't want but not what you do.
Envision 'possible selves'. Ask yourself: is this attractive? Is it feasible financially? Then, take small steps – courses, side projects – towards reinvention. Learning and growth involve setbacks, but they're part of the journey.
Experiment with purpose
Play around with your interests. Explore hobbies and curiosities. Be open to serendipity – unexpected opportunities may arise. Attend networking events, volunteer or try new hobbies to discover what resonates. London Business School hosts a regular event series, called Think Ahead, where leading faculty and other global experts explore today's big business issues. These events could be an ideal opportunity to network and learn more about new topics in the business world.
People often assume they know what they like, but reality can be different. Before making a big leap, test options actively. We know what we dislike about our current job but may not know what we'd enjoy.
Balance exploration with intentionality. Reflect on patterns and themes that align with your authentic self. Aligning exploration with values leads to fulfilling transitions.
Cultivate diverse networks
Networking is crucial. Many hesitate, but without starting, you won't figure it out. Career changes require many conversations – coffees, LinkedIn messages and informal chats.
The more people you talk to, the more confident you'll become. You'll gain encouragement and ideas. Be honest about your exploration. Say, 'I'm considering a change and brainstorming options.' Later, refine your message: 'I'm interested in this sector and figuring out positioning.' Eventually, it becomes, 'I'm trying to get a foot in this door.'
Reach out to mentors, peers and acquaintances, who can often provide fresh insights, as well as valuable resources and support.
Listen to our Think Ahead podcast on career reinvention.
Don't listen to naysayers
Some will call a midlife career change courageous, while others may think it's reckless. They'll project their fears onto you.
Talking helps. Ask yourself, 'What am I feeling, thinking, experiencing, and how do I want to feel in the future?' Discuss with your partner: 'How do we foresee our future? Will this change our lifestyle? Are we aligned in values?'
But don't put all your fears on your partner! While their support is valuable, they have 'skin in the game'. Instead, reach out to other people for guidance.
Make wise decisions
Wise decisions blend head and heart. The worst choices often involve roles that look great on paper but feel wrong internally. Slow down – early opportunities might feel urgent but aren't always right. Buy time if needed through advisory work, consulting, or freelancing.
Choosing between multiple options is tough. Ask: 'Does this step take me closer to my goal?' Leaving a stable job is difficult. Most people develop something in parallel before making the leap. At some point, you must commit: 'This won't succeed unless I give it my all.' But ensure viability – don't burn bridges.
Change is tough. Finding a new self while working full-time is challenging. Some manage through sabbaticals or courses to regain momentum. The transition period is uncomfortable – you're letting go of an old identity while shaping a new one.
Develop your own story
Crafting and articulating your career narrative is crucial. Transition periods complicate storytelling, as uncertainty clouds clarity. However, with practice, you can refine and convey your aspirations effectively.
Develop a succinct 'headline' about your desired future. A clear, concise message grabs attention and leaves an impression.
Storytelling also provides self-insight. As you refine your narrative, you gain clarity on the environments and roles that energise you. This clarity sharpens your job search and aligns you with fitting opportunities.
Developing your story isn't about aimless experimentation – it's about direction and clarity. Investing in this process ensures you present a compelling, purposeful career transition.
Don't retire, reinvent!
Midlife career changes require courage, curiosity and reinvention. Following these tips, inspired by Herminia Ibarra, helps navigate this transformative journey with confidence. It's never too late to pursue passions, redefine your professional identity and embrace lifelong growth.
Want to learn more about career changes?
Think at London Business School is your gateway to fresh ideas, expert insights and actionable knowledge from one of the world's leading business schools. Drawing on cutting-edge research from LBS faculty, Think offers a unique perspective on the latest trends shaping business, leadership, and global markets.
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