It’s time to give it some serious thought. Doing something meaningful in your career that is. Whether you’re taking on a meaningful career at 40, if you’re not quite at 40 yet, or if you said goodbye to those years a while back, it doesn’t really matter.
The point is, the time has come now for you to think about doing something you actually care about instead of wasting time on doing something because you’re afraid of what happens if you stop doing the same old thing every day.
Listen, I fully understand that you need money to live. I’m no dummy. I get it that not only do YOU need to eat, but more than likely, you’ve got some people relying on you and some expenses and commitments to take care of. And because I understand that, you’re never going to find me advocating for dropping everything this very afternoon and buying a plane ticket to where ever your coin lands on the bingo card and making a go of your life in your new-found destination.
I’m too practical for that. Call me boring. But I think my coaching clients appreciate my well-reasoned approach to creating a sustainable plan and then going for it. Because I think most people are the same flavor of vanilla as me. That’s kind of the point. If we were all willing and able to tear into life in that daredevil kind of way, it would be easy to have a meaningful career. But we can’t just drop everything and do it. So let’s find a way to do it that’s doable. Yes?
Yes.
And there is a way out of this boring job.
The hope for this post is to start a conversation. I’m going to answer you in the comments section, and let’s see if we can’t shift some mindsets this week! (After all, who doesn’t love some free coaching!)
A New Career At 40
What ideas do you need to get you going on finding ways to inspire and energize your meaningful career move at 40 or beyond?
Where do you find that you’re stuck?
Do you believe that in order to do something meaningful and inspiring you have to give up salary, a reasonable work/life balance, or that it’s just not possible for you for some other reason?
What is it about starting a new career at 40 that scares you (as opposed to doing it when you’re younger?)
Let me know in the comments below!!
Ever heard of The Golden Handcuff theory? Yeah, that’s me. I’ve got it so “good” where I’ve been for the last two decades that it is hard–super hard–to leave to pursue my real passions. I’ve tried to put them to work here, but there is insurmountable resistance. So, I’ve resorted to trying to find fulfillment outside the 40+ hours per week I put in to earn a paycheck. Only thing is…I am a conscienscious employee and it is tough for me to be a “clock puncher.” I want to do and give MORE! I’m struggling to find a reasonable way to make a change.
Any advice?
Yes, Titi, I’ve heard of it. It sounds like you’ve got it bad! Two decades is a long time to be stuck! Here’s my advice: Your biggest responsibility isn’t to your employer – it’s to the world, which demands that you be the highest version of yourself that you can be. Let your virtue of consciensciousness guide you toward being that version of yourself which the world actually needs you to be. If you need help implementing it, that’s what I do. Please don’t hesitate to contact me. Good luck! 🙂
“Your biggest responsibility isn’t to your employer – it’s to the world, which demands that you be the highest version of yourself that you can be.”
==> Wow, I love this so much!
Jeremy recently posted…Learn About A Man From The Quotes That Resonate With Him
Thanks! 😉
Thank you, Jessica. That is a good reminder. Yes, implementation has been the challenge and I need help in this area. I have tried everything I know (hence sticking things out for so darn long!) and haven’t had lasting results. I would welcome any advice you’d like to share.
Great topic Jessica! I know that there are meaningful new career paths no matter what age you are as it’s all about being open to change and new possibilities.
When I was 18 I entered nursing school. Why? Because I loved people wanted to serve, however at 25 I was no longer enjoying nursing so I asked myself how else can I serve I became a restaurant manager, see I love people and being around people, the employees and customer I felt alive. (Guess I’m an extrovert lol).
At 27 I bought my first home and I was curious by the real estate home buying process so I went back to school to obtain my real estate license and in my first year in real estate I was in the Million Dollar Selling Club (again my love for people and wiliness to serve) At 34 I gave birth to my daughter and decided to be a full time Mom (my best and most demanding job ever). I cut my hair short and bought a wash and go wardrobe and everyday became an adventure, I had great clothes however if I needed anything I would checkout the local thrift store first and found great buys there. When my daughter was 3 we moved so I decided to enroll her in pre-school so she could make new friends. I volunteered at her school so I could I be around my child, yet work and meet new people. Soon I was offered a job as a teacher so I went back to school on Saturdays and obtained an early childhood teaching certification (it was not a degree). I had discovered a new way to serve, be with my child and make money!!.
I started noticing possible dangerous situations at schools for children, for example; bucket of water left on the ground that a child would easily drown in, food not cut in bite size pieces, teachers not trained in any first aid/emergency care, so I opened my business, CPR and Safety business (www.cprsavinglives.com) became a certified CPR and First Aid, Poison and car safety instructor. Facilitating classes, teaching parents, and teachers how to keep children safe in supporting my community. Soon my company started to grow and I was offered a school nurse position at one of the top private schools as my passion for keeping children safe at school grew. I could schedule being at home with my daughter most evenings and holidays.
I involved my daughter in my business when she was very young having her draw pictures of hearts and happy children even though they where never used she knew that she was part of the business soon she was helping with equipment etc.
I became very interested in Life Coaching and I enrolled in a year long coaching program, which I was able to do on line, and only travelling to Colorado for in person parts of the program. After I completed the program I knew there was a missing piece for me and that is when I discovered BraveHeart Women (BHW) and Ellie Drake who is the founder of BHW at 50 years old, I began learning about the Female Success Model, releasing what no longer brought value to my life and embracing a life with amazing community of women helping women to be all that they were meant to be, if you are ready to move forward and are open to growing. I completing the training for BHW and I’m now creating BHW Resonate Chapters, Harmony Circle and DYBO in my community. I just returned from Australia and New Zealand as each year BHW travel together (families are invited).
My point is without a doubt each one of us can choose a meaningful new career at any age, spending 40 years just dreaming of retirement is not a life. Imagine continuing to grow into your life, embracing change and making choices.
Jess,
This post hits the right buttons!! Here I am in my late 50’s setting up my own little business ….. and the thing is, while working for myself, I am helping others, while earning a little money. I have to go back to ‘school’ for one aspect of my work … but that will be a ‘doodle’.
The work life balance is struck .. I work from home, looking over my garden.
Keep well …
Rob, sounds heavenly. . . keep learning, growing, earning!
Hi. This is the perfect post for me as I am really struggling with the whole work / life balance thing right now. I have a crazy busy house, three adult children living at home, two puppies (under a year old), and 2 very sick parents to look after (cancer, and heart issues). I am well over 40, and need to fix the balance also. I had decided that I would take online courses in Animal Sciences to further my education and do the job I have always wanted to do. However, I find myself wondering if I am too old.. (48).. maybe Im crazy???
Also I am not working right now. (Laid off). and was offered a part time midnight job which doesn’t work well at all. I don’t really want to take it but could use some money. I am struggling with going back to work, what shifts or job I should get(even tho there isn’t many jobs).. I am just struggling in general I guess. I need to work to pay for my courses also. I have a crazy life.. I guess. any advice.???
Thanks
Laurie
WOAH! I think you already know what my first suggestion is going to be, and that is to breathe! Things sound absolutely insane in your house and so I think right now you have to place a huge priority on your own peace of mind. I’d think long and hard about the benefits of the money that the midnight job brings in vs the toll it’s going to take because of the hours you’d be working. Does it really seem worth it? Is there any alternative that seems to offer more balance? Even if you took a job that paid less, it might make more sense if the hours were better – but only you know what the exact financial situation is and what tradeoffs you’re willing to make. As someone who is just starting to be able to sleep through the night (my little one is 2 1/2), I will say a good night’s sleep is a precious thing!!
You’re certainly not too old for furthering your education – far from it!! But make sure you’re not burning the candle on both ends to do it. See if you can get creative about earning some money in a way that doesn’t run you ragged. List 10 -15 ideas (doesn’t matter if they’re good) and then go back and see if there’s anything promising on your list. Do this until you hit on an idea that makes sense. Keep scouring the want ads. Go back to the people that offered the job and see if they have a better shift for you. . .
Good luck, and keep us posted!
I’ve discovered that the only limitations in life are those in which you impose on yourself.
One thing that I believe will always remain true, is that there is never a ‘right time’. If you think 30 is too old to start something new, then you’ll have the same thoughts at 40, except you’ll think – ‘damn, I wish I did this 10 years ago’..
Then at 50 you’ll think the same thoughts again.
In my opinion, if you’re going to screw up – it may as well be now. 🙂 it gives you more time to recover and try again!
jamie flexman recently posted…Are You Getting Better Or Are You Happy Being Average?
If there’s one thing I love about you, Jamie, it’s your attitude and your way of framing things! I think I’m going to have that put on a t-shirt: “If I’m going to screw it up, it may as well be now.” Love it! 🙂 Thank you dear.
Aww you’ve now gone and made me all warm and fuzzy inside! 🙂
If that T-shirt becomes popular and makes you a fortune, remember me! Haha.
jamie flexman recently posted…Are You Getting Better Or Are You Happy Being Average?
You got it, Jamie!
Life really does begin at 40! I’m so glad I found the courage to leave my corporate career behind and create something more meaningful in my life. I’ve never looked back.
Shann recently posted…Life Coaching Discovery Session
THANKS, Shann! That’s what we really needed to hear!! 🙂
Jessica, I’m ready to start a new career. I even know what it is that makes my eyes light up: I’m a writer and I love to talk about it. Unfortunately, I was laid off from a job I hated two years ago but could not afford to become a writer. The one job I was able to find leaves me wanting to do anything other than turn the computer on when I get home (my work involves doing research on the Internet all day). While I’m not young I don’t feel like I’m in a hurry; I just want to determine what steps to take to become a freelance writer and make it my day job, say by year’s end or in 2015.
Hi Louis, and congrats!! I’d say that you’re in a great position. You know what you love and it sounds like you’re in a real situation to actually make it happen.
Of course, I’m not an expert in how you become a freelance writer – but I am an expert in creating change. So one of the first steps I’d recommend is doing your research. Find some freelance writers and learn how they got started. Read up on how to get started. Find some places you’d like to freelance for and stalk their writers for informational interviews. Get creative in your research phase.
Figure out where else you have questions, and how to go about getting those answers. What other questions or fears are standing in your way? Write those down. Don’t just let them lurk in your subconscious.
One of my new favorite quotes (from the lovely Marie Forleo) “Everything is figureoutable!”
Jessica, this post describes my situation to a great extent. I more or less found my present career around the time I was 40 and there was no looking back. I certainly had misgivings – after all, “writing” is still not taken seriously as a career unless one is famous or contributing to top publications – but thanks to the encouragement I received, I eased into it and fit in quite nicely after a hectic corporate career, simply because I chose to work from home. And yes, today I have dependents who look pretty much like the photo in your post – I am privileged to share my earnings with my favorite welfare homes.
40 is a wonderful stage to take stock of our lives, and actually consider doing what we’re passionate about. By this time, most of us are experienced, confident and have a good idea about what we enjoy doing the most. For me, it was a radical change to convert a hobby into a profession. But I know lots of people whose formal education has nothing to do with what they’re working at, now. And oh yes, I have an MBA in Marketing and HR and I say that education never goes waste – it just helps you perform better.
Great post! 🙂 I am eager to follow the discussion here!
Vidya Sury recently posted…International Womens Day. My SHeros #WomenInspire Change
Vidya, Thank you so much! I’m honored to count you among one of my newest friends, and I’m excited to learn more of your story. This is amazing stuff! But I couldn’t agree more that our education is never wasted! So many people worry that when they make a pivot in their career that they’ll be wasting the stuff that they’ve learned up to this point, but it’s never true. No matter how divergent the path, I find that what you learned in your “past life” somehow always informs and enriches what you’re doing now!
At the age of 45, my husband is finally following his lifetime passion of being a professional artist. We’re working through the scary and exciting process of opening his own gallery. It was always possible but it took this long to get past all the mental and emotional blocks that kept him in a job he hated.
Yes, it’s a bit scary but it’s the most exciting and fun thing we’ve done together in a long time. I think he’s also setting a great example for our three little kids to follow their dreams, even when it means overcoming some obstacles.
Paige | Simple Mindfulness recently posted…How to Mindfully Boost Your Self-Confidence
Wow Paige, this is just awesome!! Think about what that actually means for your children – well, I’m sure you have. . . but it’s really mind-blowing! I think that’s one of the biggest gifts that I had as a kid – seeing a vision and then a plan to actually achieve it. One without the other is no good. You need both, and when you do the sky truly is the limit!!! Please keep us all posted!
Midlife is the time to do what we care about. Sooooo true! There’s more and more support for us to do this with groups and life coaches like you Jessica! Thanks for this encouragement.
Martine Joseph recently posted…Play and Thrive: 7 Ways to Choose Joy
Thanks so much, Martine! People out there have so much to offer, I think it’s such as shame when they give up on themselves! Thanks for helping me get the word out that they shouldn’t give up!
One thing I’ve learned Jessica, 9 or 90 it’s never too early and it’s never too late to live life to the fullest. Having a mentor or a coach is a great way to get the support needed and as we know oftentimes looking at our life through someone else’s eyes can open our own a little wider to the boundless possibilities. And they are there for us all.
Elle recently posted…Fix Those Bad Habits And Let The Good Times Roll
Elle, it’s so true. We all get so used to seeing life the way we see it, but having another perspective is one of the most valuable things we can give ourselves. Never give up on the idea that there’s something else out there for you – regardless of age any thing else – just because you can’t see it. Keep searching and talking to others. Maybe someone else can see it and show it to you!!
I recently got laid off from a job that I had been doing for 10 years which I hated! I stuck with it because it paid well and gave me the flexibility that was very important to me and my family. Now that I am back in the job market, it is difficult trying to find my ideal job that I am passionate about with the pressure of mounting bills! I am so burned out from my last two jobs and can’t seem to see dream about anything in the future other than finding a job to pay the bills.
I am 50 years old and feel the clock is ticking away and I need to find my dream job soon before it is too late.
Help!!!
Hi Pat, Thanks for being here!! I don’t know the exact details of your situation, but I’d say you’re right, under the pressure of bills the first priority is to find a job to take care of that. THEN when some of that has been relieved you can focus on looking for your dream job. It doesn’t have to be a long term situation – a couple of months might do the trick depending on your finances. But when you’re stressed and panicked, you can’t get your brain in a place of dreaming.
I’m 27. A little over a year ago, I left a job that made me extremely unhappy. I decided to hit the reset button. I’ve improved myself tremendously in both mental and physical health, but my job situation is not at all where I want it to be. I currently work two part time jobs and while both have some qualities that I like, I would not hesitate to leave it given the chance. I know what kind of career I want, but scared I won’t enjoy it if I get it and end up back at square one
Hi Nicole Thanks for commenting! It seems to me that you have already proved to yourself that you have what it takes to make big changes in your life. It also seems that you have no choice but to make a move.
Do you really think that if you get what you want and it’s not quite what you thought that everything will crumble around you, or that you’ll be able to re-group and make new choices? I think you’ve got what it takes to be on the move and in pursuit of your own happiness, rather than stagnant and afraid, willing to settle for something that you already KNOW isn’t the right thing for you. . .
Nicole,
I was in your shoes when I was your age (I’m 46 now). I left a successful career (with plenty of money and benefits) with a vague notion of where I was headed. What I learned in the ensuing years is that life should be seen as a constant experiment. As we get older we change. What we love evolves. Jobs come and go. Experiences come and go. As you move through life, notice what strikes a cord for you and weave all the things you’ve loved from past experiences into your future experiences by setting intentions as you move forward (I loved A and B from my past few jobs/experiences but I hated X and Y. I know I want more of A and B so where might I find that?).
If you can’t find a job that puts it all together for you, create one – either in a company or by creating your own business (I’ve done both).
There’s no such thing as “square one.” You can’t ever go back to where you’ve started because you’re a different person from the experiences you’ve had and all that you’ve learned. If you don’t enjoy something, congratulations! You’ve learned more about what you do and don’t like. Just move forward from there.
If you see every step as an experiment, there’s no failure, only learning more about yourself. The journey of life is like peeling an onion but there’s no end point. You’re never “done.” That’s why it’s so important to simply enjoy the journey and reach out and help others along the way using your unique gifts.
The more you can focus on your gifts and how they can help other people, the more fun the journey becomes. There’s no one answer. It’s all an experiment.
Paige | Simple Mindfulness recently posted…How To Change Your Life In The Moment
Age; burn-out; having to make a living; society rejecting older people; mid-life hormones: these are big hurdles that make it difficult to feel hopeful. I certainly notice less energy / motivation to try than I had when younger.
Hi Jane! Is there something that does draw you? Something you get excited to think about doing? I find that some of my clients get really excited talking about ideas that they never imagined they could get paid to do, or some of them find ways to get paid and live a more flexible lifestyle so they can travel and do things they have dreamt of for a long time. Is there anything that does make you feel vibrant still?
Hi Jane,
I understand completely and share your concerns , and i agree their are many hurdles especially for women i encourage you never be defeated by what other people say implicit or explicit you are in control and you have the power to control your destiny and your mind . There is no doubt that the hormones can interrupt your day to day activities and thought processes i have and am going through a similar experience but with help from my GP i am being treated for an under active thyroid gland first time ever. My physical and mental well being certainly suffered but i believe i have got my positive self back and feeling more energized and positive and motivated about my future goals .Take care
It’s amazing what an impact your health can have!! You really do have to take good care of yourself and get the help you need to do so. There is help out there, but just like everything else, follow your instincts about getting the help that’s right for you.
I’m far from hitting 40, haha! Maybe I’m lucky for starting out early. It’s still tough going through the path less travelled, but it would be worse if I were older and had a ton more responsibilities and commitments.
BUT it’s not impossible! Just makes it more challenging and would even make you a much better person for conquering those fears.
Jeremy recently posted…The Cost Of Leadership Is Self-Interest
Hi Jeremy, Yes, you are starting young for sure – but I think your generation is less bought in to the whole idea of having to work “for the man” the same way that 30, 40, 50 somethings and beyonds do. . . but your mindset, which to us might be “outside the box” is becoming more mainstream. There will be new challenges in this way of doing things to be sure, and eventually the pendulum will swing back and eventually people will get a brilliant idea that by working together we can get a ton more done! 🙂 But for now, keep doing what you’re doing, and let us all be inspired by it!!
Agreed!!