Craving a more fulfilling and meaningful career is just one facet of midlife transition. Upon reaching middle age, the realization dawns that our lives, too, will end when parents and older relatives die. At this point in life, the importance of achieving goals and doing what makes us happy becomes even more apparent.
Life cycles are relatively predictable for most people. During adolescence and into our thirties, almost everyone is overwhelmed with learning how to become who they think they want to be. Work and living that role continues into our forties. When one reaches forty, or midlife, achieving this goal, they discover it was not what they had intended. Reaching this midlife point, after accomplishing much and still lacking, many of us will take on the challenge of more risk and free ourselves from others’ expectations.
This mindset is well represented by women, with more embracing midlife as a catalyst for career advancement. Their goal is to find a career that can match their energy and succeed as individuals. More women who start their businesses gain respect and find purpose after they reach middle age.
It may take some work to change your career, job, or lifestyle. The effort will produce positive results if you truly follow your passion. To start a successful second career, here are a few tips:
Things missing in your life?
Have you ever wished you had time to pursue a passion you had back in your youth? Could it be music, writing, cooking, or entrepreneurship? You can start incorporating your passions into your life in small, manageable ways if you already have a clear idea of what you’d like to accomplish.
Re-evaluate your current career path using your wisdom and experience
Look for what isn’t working and change those things. Try volunteering to develop new interests if you aren’t sure what you are interested in. Find the passion that drives you and make it your life’s work.
Identify your passions, as well as your attributes
An inventory of your life will help you decide what’s crucial for you. List your passion and then prioritize items that can generate income. What prevents you from pursuing your plan?
Don’t quit your day job!
The pursuit of your passion doesn’t require you to quit your job. There is no all-or-nothing requirement. While you transition onto your alternative path, you may still need to earn a living. The same applies whether you’re starting a business or searching for a new job.
Act right now!
Do one thing each day in line of your dream and commit to yourself. Take the first steps toward your second career by integrating your goals with your current obligations. You’ll discover the key to becoming your best self is living and working on your passion.
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