How to Navigate Midlife Career Pivots

“Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you that you’re past your prime,” Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh.

If you’re a woman over 40, there’s a high likelihood that you feel like the days of making bold career moves are behind you. Embracing a midlife career transition can feel like a monumental leap, yet it’s a pivotal decision resonating with a growing cohort of women today. Gone are the days of linear career trajectories within a single company; the contemporary landscape requires adaptability and foresight. Whether reentering the workforce after a lengthy gap, maybe to be a caregiver, or boldly pivoting careers, women are realizing how important is it to be proactive about their career navigation in this rapidly changing workplace environment.

For insight on this topic, I sat down with Julie Flakstad, a speaker, women’s advocate, and founder of The Midlife Truth Project. Julie’s career journey embodies the essence of embracing change and pursuing one’s passion. Having created and produced over 350 events, workshops, and programs on women’s issues, Julie is passionate about bringing women together around complex and vulnerable topics. One of her tips was to throw out the rule book and see your career path in a different light.

See your career as an S-curve

Julie describes her career pivot as less of a hard pivot and more of what she terms an S-curve—a series of soft, left, and right-hand turns that kept her moving forward with momentum. She likens this curve to riding a wave, where each turn presents an opportunity for growth and exploration. One significant wave in her career occurred when she jumped off the corporate ladder at age 33 to start her own beauty business. Feeling stuck in an industry she wasn’t passionate about, Julie took the bold step of creating something of her own, marking a pivotal turning point in her career.

Apply this you your life by asking yourself if there’s a dream you had that has felt like it’s gotten further out of reach—yet you still fantasize about doing it someday. Then, take baby steps to explore if it’s still a viable option.

It’s never too late

When asked if it’s ever too late to make a major career pivot, Julie offers a resounding “no.” She emphasizes that it’s never too late to switch direction, pause, or even stop altogether. However, she acknowledges the societal pressures and the prescribed timeline that often inhibit individuals from introspection and questioning their path. Julie advocates for a cultural shift that embraces the idea of pausing and reflecting on one’s journey, rather than blindly following a predetermined recipe for success.

Remove the illusion of gold medals

Many times, women think they will reap the fruits of their labor and someday they’ll be magically acknowledged for all of their personal sacrifice. Julie challenges the notion of “gold medals”—societal markers of success ingrained in us from an early age. She explains that this prescribed life recipe dictates specific milestones and timelines, leading individuals to prioritize external validation over personal fulfillment. Julie urges women to question this narrative and emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s path with personal values and desires, rather than seeking validation from external sources.

Three Steps to Finding Fulfillment

Julie outlines three steps women can take if they feel called to pursue more in their lives:

Pause: Grant yourself permission to pause and explore what “more” may look like for you. Whether it’s for an hour, a day, or a month, taking the time to reflect can lead to profound insights and clarity.

Follow the Breadcrumbs: Identify moments or experiences that ignite passion and fulfillment within you. Stay curious, explore new avenues, and connect with yourself to uncover your true desires.

Rewind, then Fast-Forward: Reflect on past experiences and imagine future possibilities. Recognize that the present moment is always the right time to make a change and pursue your aspirations.

Destigmatize midlife

Julie’s passion for exploring midlife led her to establish The Midlife Truth Project—a platform for women to share their experiences and insights about navigating this transformative period. By uncovering midlife truths, Julie aims to demystify and normalize the challenges and opportunities that come with aging, fostering a sense of community and support among women. The best way to counteract midlife fears is by shining the light of truth on them.

Key Midlife Truths

There are no gold medals: Stop chasing external validation and prioritize personal fulfillment.

Friends matter: Cultivate meaningful connections and relationships.

Time is finite: Lead with intention and make the most of each moment.

Age is a mindset: Shift focus from external appearance to internal well-being and fulfillment.

If you can stay open-minded and optimistic about life post-midlife, Julie’s insights can offer a roadmap for women navigating post-40 career pivots. By embracing change, questioning societal norms, and prioritizing personal fulfillment, women can chart a course that aligns with their true desires and aspirations. As the landscape of work continues to evolve, it’s essential for women to seize the opportunity to pursue their passions and redefine success on their own terms. If fear takes hold and puts you in choice-making paralysis, try to think through what will happen if you don’t take action to make yourself professionally fulfilled. I always ask clients, “What’s the alternative?” Most times it’s that they stay stuck, which shouldn’t be an option for any of us.