Nothing ventured, nothing gained

Hey there,

Many women reach a significant turning point in life where they can’t stop thinking about the need for change and a new sense of purpose.

A few years ago, my husband met a woman called Diana.

She walked into the kitchen one morning and was chatting to her son about what he was going to study at college and what career path he would take. 

He then asked, “Mom, what about you? What are you going to do for the rest of your life”.

This question ran circles in her mind all day and for the next week as she started to think about her life and career.  He was right, what now?

She had never really taken the time to think about it.

She had just turned 50, always been a medical receptionist and looked after the family.

Now that the kids were all grown up and the last one was going away to college, she began to dream about her passions and what she could do.

She let her mind run wild … and just like her son, she thought that maybe, just maybe, she could study the Universe and become an astrophysicist.

But what a joke, right? At 50? Hadn’t finished high school? Never been to college?

Diana told NO-ONE. She was too embarrassed to share her dream.

The only person who knew what she was planning was her son.

She went back to night school and finished high school.

She earned a place at college and did a degree, part-time, in science with a major in physics.

She finished that and got accepted into a doctoral program in astrophysics.

And wouldn’t you know it, just after she graduated with her PhD, she was accepted into a 1-year fellowship at NASA.

A NASA Space Scientist!

Secret Note: Diana recalls that the MAIN thing at the very beginning that gave her confidence to start was that she remembered being good at math at school …

.. and the fact could keep mental track of the cost of the groceries in her shopping trolley.

How can we pivot? This is what we will be exploring today in the Snack Bar.

But before we dive in ...

A message from our sponsor

Did you know?

This transitional phase accumulates after years of experience and wisdom fuel a yearning to pursue passions.

It usually happens when women, who have completely devoted themselves to family and career, are becoming empty nesters and find themselves looking for something new.

The prospect of changing careers can be exciting and daunting.

The familiarity of a current job, the security it provides and the routines it has established over the years can create a barrier to stepping into the unknown.

Yet the alternative, remaining in a job or business that no longer lights up your soul, can be stifling.

There are many women in their 40’s and 50’s reinventing themselves after being in one career most of their life.

Take Katie, a respected architect and at the top of her field.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was no longer fulfilled in that role. She had set up her business and had been working in it for 30 years.

“I just suddenly didn’t want to be an architect anymore”.

She decided it was time to follow her passion and bring positivity into the world through her passion which was dance, so she set up a dance studio.

There are many stories like these, of women pivoting careers in midlife and following their passions.

So how do we pivot in midlife?

Deep Dive

If you feel you are ready for a midlife refresh, here are some tips that will help.

Following the Human Behaviour Change Model, lets apply the steps of change to pivoting in midlife.

1. Not Thinking About It (Precontemplation): This is the stage where you are not thinking about change. Your job or business is comfortable, even if it doesn't make you truly happy anymore.

2. Starting to Think (Contemplation): Then, one day, something triggers you to start thinking.

Usually, the trigger comes out of nowhere.  It could be chatting with a stranger, listening to a podcast, watching a movie or documentary, reading a book or article.

You start to think "Maybe there's something else out there for me." 

3. Getting Ready (Preparation): You start doing some research and look deeply into what you would love to do. You set small goals, like taking a course or talking to people in the industry you are interested in.

4. Taking Action (Action): You are actively working towards your new goal. You might start a more detailed course, take a class, update your resume, get work experience or apply for a new job, or create a business in the field you are passionate about.

5. Keeping it Going (Maintenance): You are doing what you want to do. You love it and you want to keep learning and growing. This stage is about sticking with it and continuing to improve.

6. Embracing the Change (Fulfillment): Eventually, you become so skilled and comfortable in your new career that it feels like second nature. You have fully transitioned into your dream life.

It's never too late to follow your passion and pivot your career to follow your passion.

MEME OF THE DAY

Ready to Change the Things You Can Change?

You may be considering a change, starting to think about it, preparing for the change, taking action, maintaining the new path, or already fully embracing the change. It is never too late to pursue your passions and consider making a career pivot at any stage of life.

Reflection

Spend some time today thinking about what change would mean for you and what direction you would love to go.

The team at
The Snack Bar by Strong Woman Project