Laurie Harvey, Cognitive Hypnotherapist at Luck’s Yard Clinic advises that “It’s never too late to take your next step forward”.
There comes a time in life when you look at your career and wonder: Is this really what I want? For many women in midlife, this question can feel overwhelming. You’ve worked hard, made sacrifices, and reached a level of stability, yet something feels incomplete. The career that once seemed promising now feels like a burden, and deep down, you know it’s not fulfilling your true potential.
Here’s the truth: it’s never too late to start again
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Feeling stuck or unfulfilled is not a sign of failure—it’s an opportunity. It’s your inner voice reminding you that there’s more out there for you. Recognise that it’s okay to want more, even after years of doing what you thought was expected or practical. Your needs evolve, and so should your career. You are allowed to chase fulfilment at any stage in life.
Embrace the Power of Experience
As a midlife woman, you bring something invaluable to the table: experience. You’ve gained wisdom, resilience, and skills that can be leveraged in new and exciting ways. Instead of seeing your age as a limitation, recognise it as a strength. You have the ability to pivot, and that flexibility is born from years of learning, both professionally and personally.
Think of your life as a book. Your career thus far is just one chapter, and you get to decide what comes next. Use everything you’ve learned to fuel this new journey.
Reignite Your Passion
Ask yourself: What lights you up? Take time to reflect on what you genuinely enjoy doing. What are the things that bring you joy, that make you lose track of time? Maybe it’s a hobby you’ve set aside or a passion you’ve long forgotten. Start exploring those interests again. There may be a way to align them with a new career path.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. New skills can be learned at any age. Today’s world offers endless opportunities for learning, from online courses to mentorship programs, many of which are designed specifically for women in midlife. You don’t have to leap into the unknown blindly. I’ll shortly be running an online course to help women exactly like you to get out of the rut and feel inspired to change your life.
Shift Your Mindset
Fear can be paralysing. Whether it’s the fear of failure, rejection, or stepping into the unknown, these emotions are real but conquerable. Start shifting your mindset from “What if I fail?” to “What if I thrive?”
Imagine the joy you’ll feel when you wake up each day excited about the work you do. Picture yourself in a role that not only brings financial stability but personal satisfaction. Keep this vision at the forefront of your mind when doubts arise. Remember, every great transformation begins with a single step forward.
Surround Yourself with Support
Change can feel isolating, especially if you’ve been in the same field for years. Seek out a community of like-minded women who are on similar journeys. Whether it’s a professional networking group or a local women’s support circle, connecting with others who understand your challenges can provide the encouragement and advice you need.
Reach out to mentors who can guide you through this process. You’re not alone in feeling stuck, and many have navigated similar crossroads successfully. Learning from their experiences can give you the courage to keep moving forward.
You Deserve Fulfilment
At the end of the day, you owe it to yourself to live a life that fulfils you, not just financially but emotionally. Your career should be a reflection of your passions, talents, and values. You’ve already achieved so much, and there’s so much more waiting for you.
It’s time to rewrite the narrative. You have the power to change your story, to shift from feeling stuck to feeling empowered. And no matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to chase the dreams that set your soul on fire.
Closing Thoughts
Change may be daunting, but staying in a place that drains you is far scarier. Embrace the journey ahead with an open heart and an open mind. Remember, midlife is just the beginning of a new chapter, and you have the pen in your hand. Take the leap, trust yourself, and know that you are capable of so much more than you can even imagine.
Your best days are not behind you—they are right in front of you, you just need to take your next step forward.
You can book an appointment to see Laurie by emailing her at laurie@laurieharvey.co.uk
Photo by Polina Zimmerman: www.pexels.com
