Finding Purpose and Passion After a Forced Career Pivot at almost 50

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes those twists can lead us down a path we never imagined. For many people, a forced career pivot at almost 50 years old can feel like the end of their professional career. Believe me, I know. But what if it's just the beginning of something even better? Today I'm going to explore how I'm finding purpose and joy after a career pivot at 48 years old, and why it might be the best thing that ever happened to me. It can be for you as well. So get ready, because our next years are going to be filled with adventure, growth, and endless potential.

The Reality of Forced Career Pivots in middle age

A career pivot, or changing professions, can be a terrifying thing at any age. However, when faced with a forced career pivot after about 45 year old, it can be an even scarier and more overwhelming experience.

Many people in their late 40's and 50s have spent decades building their careers and reaching important milestones like promotions, tenure, and financial security. Suddenly being faced with a forced career change due to things such as downsizing, health issues, personal commitments, a new boss, or other reasons can feel like starting from scratch.

The truth is that forced career pivots later in life are becoming more and more common in today's world - both in secular roles and in ministry roles. With new technology, industries are always evolving and certain jobs become obsolete, churches and non-profits are trying to stay competitive, and younger generations communicate and see the world differently. This means that many who have been working in the same profession for most of their lives may find themselves needing to adapt to new roles or industries.

While facing a forced career pivot later in life probably feels overwhelming and uncertain, remember that this is a normal part of today's work environment. It is not something to be ashamed of or seen as a failure. Plus, many people view this stage as an opportunity for growth and reinvention.

It is also important to understand that there are different challenges associated with making a career change at this stage of life as compared to earlier stages. By the mid-40s, most people have financial obligations like mortgage payments or children's educational costs which make it scarier to take that risk or start over in an entry-level position. There may also be fears about age discrimination or feeling out-of-touch with modern workplace practices.

Even with these challenges, it's important to stay positive and forward-leaning while navigating a forced career pivot. By accepting this change and approaching it with the right attitiude, maybe we can discover new opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

Understanding the Impact of a Career Change at This Stage in Life

One of the first things to think about with a career change at this stage in life is the financial impact. It's important to realistically assess your financial situation and determine how long you can sustain yourself during this transition period. Making a drastic shift may mean taking a pay cut, starting from entry-level positions, or even going back to school for additional education and training. For me, I saw the change coming in the year ahead and went back to school for another Master's degree back in 2019...thank goodness I did!

Another important thing to consider is the emotional toll that a career change will have on you and those around you. At this stage in life, you probably have well-established relationships with workmates, clients, or church members. An abrupt exit from your current job could leave some of your relationships strained or even damaged. Again, trust me, I know this first hand. This may also impact your sense of self-worth and identity, which can take time to rebuild. This is especially true for those in ministry work because your whole life is wrapped up in the church. All your friends, income, insurance, place of worship, etc. are wrapped up in the very same job that you just walked away from.

Changing careers at this stage means embracing new challenges and learning new skills. As we get older, our brains are not as flexible as they once were, making it harder to learn new things quickly. This does not mean that we can't adapt or attain new knowledge...but it might mean requires more effort and patience than when we were younger.

It's also important to acknowledge the possible impact that this shift may have on your family dynamics. Your spouse might need to adjust his or her work schedule or take on more responsibilities while you transition into your new role, which could create additional stress in your relationship. If children are involved, they may also need time to adjust and understand why mom or dad is not working in the same job anymore. Again, for those in ministry, this is hard on your kids...it might seem like their whole life is falling apart.

Making a career change at this stage in life may also have an impact on your retirement plans. Changing careers might mean delaying your retirement date, as you will need more time to build up a new pension plan or financial stability. Alternatively, it could even accelerate your retirement plans if the new career allows for more flexible working hours or better work-life balance.

Acknowledging Your Emotions and Grieving the Loss

This is a hard one. I find most of us underestimate the grief and loss we will feel with a forced career change. There may be feelings of betrayal, confusion, and hopelessness. Forced career pivots can be a difficult and emotional experience, especially if you were not prepared for it. Suddenly losing a job or being forced to change your career path can feel like a major loss, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and uncertain about your future.

The first step in finding purpose after a forced career pivot is to acknowledge your emotions and grieve the loss of what was once familiar and comfortable. It's important to give yourself time to process your feelings before moving forward.

Allow yourself to feel whatever comes up - whether it's anger, sadness, disappointment or fear. This is an important lesson for all of life. Emotions are not the enemy. Trying to suppress feelings will only stretch out the healing process. Instead, find healthy ways to express them such as journaling, talking with a trusted friend or therapist, or engaging in activities that bring you joy.

It's also important to recognize that there may be stages of grief that you will go through during this process - denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Everyone experiences these stages differently and at their own pace so try not to compare your journey with others.

During this time of grieving the loss of your previous career path or job security, it's essential to practice self-care. This could mean taking breaks when needed, getting enough restful sleep each night, eating healthily and staying active through exercise or other activities that uplift you.

Another helpful way of dealing with emotions around a forced career pivot is by reframing the situation as an exciting opportunity for growth. While it may be challenging initially, remind yourself that change often brings new possibilities for development and discovering new passions.

Grieving loss also involves acknowledging any fears or doubts that may arise about starting over in a different field or industry. For example; 'Will I be good enough?', 'Will I make enough money?' These thoughts are normal but try not to let them hold you back from exploring new opportunities and possibilities.

It's important to surround yourself with a supportive network during this time. Seek out people who will offer non-judgmental support and encouragement as you walk through this transition. This could be friends, family members, or even online communities where others have gone through the same experiences.

Accepting and acknowledging your emotions and grieving the loss is crucial for finding purpose and passion after a forced career pivot. Be gentle with yourself during this time and remember that these emotions are a natural part of the process. Allow yourself time to heal before moving forward on your journey towards discovering your new career path.

Reflecting on Your Past Experiences and Skills

As you walk through a forced career pivot, it's important to take the time to reflect on your past work and relational experiences and skills.

First, start by identifying the skills you have acquired throughout the life of your career. These can include technical skills such as project management or marketing expertise, as well as soft skills like communication and adaptability. Write down a list of all these skills, no matter how small they may seem.

Next, think about any achievements or accomplishments you have made in your past career. This could be completing a challenging project or receiving recognition for your work. These successes can serve as a source of motivation and confidence as you embark on a new journey.

It's also important to remember the aspects of your previous jobs that you enjoyed and what brought you success. Was it the daily interactions with coworkers? Was it the opportunity to solve problems? Was it the chance to lead a team? Understanding what motivated you in the past will help you understand what drives you professionally.

Additionally, examining moments where you faced challenges or setbacks can provide valuable lessons and growth opportunities to bring into your new career path. Think about how you overcame those things...these experiences have helped shape you into who you are today and can be applied to future situations.

Don't underestimate the power of self-reflection during this time of transition. Take some time to journal or reflect on questions like What do I enjoy doing? or What are my core values? These questions can help clarify what you want out of your new career and where your passions lie.

Exploring New Possibilities and Identifying Your Passions

The first step in finding your purpose after a forced career change is figuring out what truly gets you excited. This may require some deep introspection and reflection on your values, interests, skills, and strengths. Take time to think about what brings you joy, what brings you energy, and what gives you a sense of fulfillment. Remember that passions can go beyond just work; they can include hobbies or personal pursuits.

One thing you might try is making a list of things that you enjoy doing, whether it's playing an instrument, writing, or volunteering. Then ask yourself why you enjoy these activities and how they align with your values or potential career paths. You could also consider reaching out to friends or family members on what they see as your strengths or areas where you excel.

Exploring possibilities may require stepping out of your comfort zone and trying things that are unfamiliar or intimidating at first. Taking classes in different subjects, attending networking events outside of your usual industry, or even considering freelance work while searching for full-time employment.

In addition to exploring outside opportunities, take the time to evaluate internal things such as transferrable skills from previous roles or education that could be applied in a different way. Also, consider guidance from career coaches or counselors who specialize in helping individuals navigate through career changes.

Remember that finding your passion takes time and patience; it's not something that can be rushed. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself the space to experiment and try new things until you find what truly resonates with you.

Taking Practical Steps Towards a Successful Career Pivot

Reflect on Your Passions and Values

Before embarking on a new career path, it is important to take some time to reflect on your passions and values. Ask yourself what truly makes you happy? What are the things that bring purpose and meaning to your life? Identifying these aspects will help guide you towards finding the right career fit for you.

Identify Transferable Skills

Just because you are changing careers does not mean that your previous skills and experiences are no longer valuable. Take inventory of your transferable skills – those abilities that can be applied in different industries or roles – such as communication, problem-solving, project management, or leadership skills.

Research Different Industries and Roles

Once you have identified your passions and transferable skills, start exploring different industries and roles that align with them. This will require some research on job market trends, salary ranges, job requirements, growth opportunities, etc. It may also be helpful to reach out to professionals in those fields for informational interviews or shadowing experiences.

Consider Upgrading Your Skills

Depending on the industry or role you want to pursue, upgrading or acquiring new skills may be necessary. Consider enrolling in online courses or taking up internships/volunteer work to gain hands-on experience in your desired field.

Jumpstart Your Networking Efforts

Networking is an essential tool for anyone looking to make a career change or pivot. It involves connecting with people who share similar interests, experiences, or goals as you do. These connections can be made through attending events, joining professional organizations, reaching out to friends and acquaintances, or utilizing online platforms such as LinkedIn.

Through networking, you can gain access to insider information about job openings, industry trends, and potential mentors who can offer guidance on your path towards finding purpose and passion after a forced career pivot. Additionally, building relationships with individuals in your desired field can lead to referrals or recommendations that may help you stand out during the application process.

Prepare Yourself Mentally

A career pivot comes with a lot of change and uncertainty, which can be overwhelming. It is essential to prepare yourself mentally for this transition. Embrace the change, be open-minded and stay positive throughout the process.

By implementing these steps, you will have a clearer understanding of what you want from your career and how to get there. Remember, career pivots take time and effort, but with dedication and determination, they can lead to a fulfilling and successful new chapter in your professional life.

Update Your Resume

Highlight transferable skills: When changing careers, you may feel like your previous job experiences are no longer relevant. However, many skills are transferable between industries and can showcase your adaptability and versatility as a professional. For example, if you were previously a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company but are now looking for marketing roles in the food industry, highlight skills such as relationship building, communication abilities, and market research experience on your resume.

Focus on accomplishments: Instead of just listing out job responsibilities on your resume, focus on highlighting specific achievements from each role. This helps potential employers see the impact you made in previous positions and can give them an idea of what you can bring to their organization.

Customize for each job application: It’s tempting to have one general resume that you send out for all job applications; however, taking the time to tailor your resume specifically for each position will greatly increase your chances of getting an interview. Read through the job description thoroughly and incorporate keywords that match with your skillset into your resume.

Update your LinkedIn Profile:

Update your headline and summary: Your headline is the first thing people see when they come across your profile, so make sure it accurately reflects your current career goals. Additionally, use the summary section to briefly explain your career pivot and highlight any relevant skills or experiences.

Use keywords: Just like with a traditional resume, using keywords in your LinkedIn profile can help optimize it for search results and increase visibility to potential employers.

Connect with industry professionals: Building connections with people in your desired industry can be beneficial when trying to break into a new field. Reach out to individuals who have similar career paths as you or work in companies that interest you.

Exploring Education and Training - The Benefits

One cannot underestimate the countless benefits that education and training bring to an individual's life. First and foremost, it equips us with knowledge, skills, and expertise that can help us excel in our chosen careers. Whether through formal education or on-the-job training, continuous learning allows individuals to stay updated with the latest industry trends, techniques, and best practices.

Additionally, education provides opportunities for personal growth by enabling individuals to explore new interests, challenge themselves intellectually, and gain a broader perspective on various subjects. It also helps build critical thinking skills and enhances problem-solving abilities – both essential qualities employers seek in their employees.

Moreover, higher levels of education have shown to be linked with increased job satisfaction as individuals feel more competent in their roles when they possess relevant knowledge and qualifications. This can lead to better job performance, higher wages or promotions within their current organization.

Education Beyond Traditional Learning

While traditional channels such as universities or colleges offer valuable educational opportunities for individuals seeking structured learning experiences; there are now numerous alternative options available for those looking to broaden their skill sets.

Online courses have greatly expanded access to quality education globally – providing people from different backgrounds an opportunity to learn at their own pace while balancing other commitments such as work or family responsibilities.

Furthermore, workshops or seminars hosted by industry professionals can be another effective means of gaining specific skills or knowledge quickly without committing to long-term studies.

Education and training are important in the journey towards finding purpose and passion in a career. Whether it is through formal education, online learning or vocational training; committing to continuous learning can lead to greater success and fulfillment in both personal and professional lives.