Maneuvering a Mid-life Career Crisis
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You’ve no doubt heard of the mid-life crisis and the quarter-life crisis – now it’s time to get acquainted with the mid-life career crisis.
The mid-life career crisis hits most people about halfway through their career, when they start thinking about all they have not achieved professionally. For example, maybe you’re not as successful or accomplished as you thought you’d be by now. Maybe you’re unhappy because you dislike your boss, are unfulfilled, or are tired of traveling all the time. Maybe you’re even fantasizing about starting your own business or transitioning into a new industry. Regardless of the specifics, you thought you’d have your career figured out by now, and instead everything feels very uncertain.
As scary, painful, and confusing as a mid-life career crisis can be, rest assured that it’s a natural aspect of life and absolutely something you can handle. In fact, with the right preparation and attitude, you can move through this crisis with grace, and create a stronger, more fulfilling, and more successful career than ever. Here’s how to get started:
- Identify what you need from your career. What do you need your career to do for you? Do you need your work to provide you with a sense of fulfillment, accomplishment, or meaning? Or, do you need your career to offer financial stability and flexible hours so you can still spend time with your family? Figuring out what you need from your career is the first step towards creating one that makes you happy.
- Figure out which career path is right for you. Close your eyes and picture the career, position, or business venture you’ve been dreaming about. Does it feel right? Does it seem natural? If the answers to all of those questions are “yes”, you’re on the right track. If the picture doesn’t quite seem to fit, you may need to continue exploring your options.
- Evaluate your skills. Once you’ve chosen the new career or position you’d like to pursue, figure out what you can bring to the table based on your skills, background, and experience. What unique value can you offer to this new career possibility?
- Make a list of your achievements from most to least important. What are the past personal and professional achievements that have meant the most to you? Why do they mean so much? Knowing this information will not only allow you to present yourself to potential employers in the best possible light, but it will also build your confidence by reminding you of all you have accomplished.
- Revisit your career history. Write out the history of your career, beginning with your very first job and ending with your current work situation. Fill in what occurred each time you changed jobs, roles, and positions. Become an expert in your career history and be able to speak fluently about your experiences. This will enable you to connect the dots in new ways and discover a career move that makes sense.
