What’s Inside:
Overcoming the Obstacles to Midlife Career Change
Note from the Coach
Link's Links
Worth Reading: “Dare to Change Your Job — and Your Life”

Overcoming the Obstacles to Midlife Career Change

Midlife is a lot like being a teenager again—only with more wisdom. We may not stay out all night and run with a wild crowd, but many in their 40s and 50s experience the same restlessness and yearning for change. We're still asking questions about what we want to be when we grow up, but the questions are deeper, more profound. This time we won't settle for less than what makes us truly happy.

This is especially true for the work we do. Yes, we want to pay the bills, support a family, save for old age. But, many of us now want our work to be meaningful and make a difference. We ask ourselves if not now, then when? What better time to act on those unfulfilled dreams? Work is one of the most profound ways we live our true selves, and now is the time to start doing that.

Yet, it can seem as if there's a chasm between the knowing and the doing. We know something's not right with our job or career path, but we tell ourselves to live with it. We set goals but feel too overwhelmed with daily life to try something new. We worry that to make a change to follow a dream would be selfish, especially if it means a loss of income, or upsets our family and friends.

In fact, every person living out his or her dreams gives a gift to the world—a gift because it inspires others to do the same.

“We often hesitate to follow our hearts, to grow, because of perceived barriers,“ writes Carole Kanchier in Dare to Change Your Job—and Your Life.

Breaking Down the Barriers
Her book is one of many resources that help break down those barriers, the two biggest of which are fear and confusion.

Fear
We think: I'm too old to change. If I switch jobs now, I'll have to start over at the bottom. What if I fail, then what? Fear is normal, and it's important to acknowledge it. There are numerous tactics to help you through the fear. The most powerful may be looking to others who've gone through life/career changes.

Confusion
Many of us are clearer about what we don't want than what we actually do want. We may have lived out others' expectations of us for so long we're not even sure what actually makes us happy. Or we're not certain how to turn our many talents and skills into meaningful work.

Coaches are an excellent resource to help you ask the right questions to sharpen your focus and goals. They can guide you to imagine and create real work that isn't just a job, but a whole new life.

If you'd like to feel that youthful zest you once had for your job again, but you're not sure that leaving your current position is the best option; there are things you can do to improve your satisfaction right where you are. If what you're currently doing is meaningful to you but there are problems that seem insurmountable because you don't know how to resolve them, working with a coach can help. With guidance, you can discover and practice new ways to approach certain problem areas of your job. Who knows? The changes you make to re-invent a better version of yourself may even result in this being the perfect job for you after all. Or it could result in your being recognized for the changes you've made and receiving that promotion you thought was out of reach.

Whether it's a new career or small shifts in how you work, making a change in midlife can bring new energy and joy for life. Like being a teenager again—only better.

Author's content used under license, ©2008 Claire Communications

Feeling the sting of baby boomer attrition in your business? It's not necessarily inevitable, particularly if you're well prepared. Contact Tim at Link Resource Group to start supporting your valued baby boomer employees to reach their full potential, while maintaining their employment with you.

Note from the Coach

The average baby boomer's life expectancy is currently 80 years of age. That means that collectively, we still have a good 20-35 years ahead of us. That gives us baby boomers greater opportunity to be even more productive during our “Golden” years than ever before. So for us, the “Golden Years” takes on a whole new meaning. It means we get a second chance to reach our full potential and shine!

Recognizing the value of this new lease on life cannot be underrated. And traversing it, risks and all, will be much easier with the support of a coach. Rather than hoping for the best, I encourage you to plan the second half of your life to be fulfilling.

Call or email me to discover how Link Resource Group's strengths-based coaching and consulting can guide your organization toward utilizing the talent you have on board to a better advantage for all.

Warm Regards,

Tim Link, MA, MCC

Link’s Links

Midlife represents a new opportunity to reassess our capabilities and take our destinies into our own hands. It's a time to discover alternatives that better suit our present abilities and personalities.

According to this article from the Harvard Business Review: “Organizations that are willing to be creative in finding ways to use the skills and experience of the midlife executive can gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.” To learn more, visit The Existential Necessity of Midlife Change.

Worth Reading

“Dare to Change Your Job — and Your Life”
by Carole Kanchier

Dare to Change Your Job — and Your Life not only inspires you to rethink your career and life; it actually shows you how. Based on Carole Kanchier's research with over 40,000 adults and proven psychological and business concepts, Dare to Change… demonstrates that voluntary and involuntary career transitions are a normal part of development. Dr. Kanchier's holistic, motivational approach to career/life revitalization helps you understand how you grow and change through life, where you fit in the career and life cycles, and how you make important decisions. Revealing quizzes, practical guidelines, and case studies help you move beyond traditional thinking about careers.

An award-winning, best seller, Dare to Change… is a powerful and positive resource for anyone wondering what to do with their lives, wanting courage to get out of a rut, or seeking knowledge and strategies to better understand and control their lives.