Podcast Show Notes – Episode No 98: Career Possibilities in mid-career

Introduction:

Hello and a very warm welcome to Episode No 98 of the podcast.

Today, I’m talking about mid-career again, specifically all the possibilities that are available to you in your mid-career.

You may recall from a couple of episodes back, I mentioned that I’m in the process of writing my book about changing paths in mid-career.

And yes, I’m on the lookout for Beta readers—people, perhaps like you, who are interested in changing their career.

Ideally, you will be in your mid-career and willing to read an early version of the book in exchange for giving me some honest feedback to help me improve it further.

I hope you would get a lot of value from being a Beta reader. So, if you would like to be a beta reader, please do let me know at mark@bravocoaching.co.uk.

https://www.bravocoaching.co.uk

Anyway, let’s crack on with the show and my discussion about all the possibilities you have at your disposal in your mid-career.

This is a subject I know a lot about after changing things up in my mid-career and, of course, through helping many of my clients to change their paths at a similar stage.

The thing is, getting straight to the heart of the matter, what I want you to know is that …

in your mid-career, you possess a wealth of experience, knowledge, and skills.

You’re much more valuable than you realise.

And, at this stage I’ve worked with a lot of mid-career professionals, so I know that they under value themselves.

There was definitely a point in my career where I undervalued myself.

Which isn’t ideal ..

Because of course, recognising your value gives you more self-confidence and clarity of direction, particularly as you consider the possibility of changing paths in your mid-career.

I don’t think it helps that there is a preoccupation with new skills and fresh knowledge, especially in a world of automation and AI.

But we mustn’t forget that the most valuable skills endure over the long term. I’m talking about leadership, project management, empathy, and communication skills, for example.

You will have your own unique set of skills which endure over time.

And, you get to take these with you when you change paths, and they’re highly valued.

Most people in their mid-career are also pretty work savvy. This makes it easier for you to solve problems, overcome challenges, and get things done.

Problem-solving and getting things done are two of the most desirable skills employers look for. If you are thinking of starting your own business, these are even more important.

And lastly, your professional network is another valuable asset.

In my career, the most significant influences and pivotal moments have involved the support of others. When I changed careers to start my own career coaching business, connecting with others was a major factor in my initial success.

I reached out to many people who could support me and created invaluable connections along the way. Today, I consider many of these people to be my friends.

This network was crucial in helping me get myself out there and navigate the new challenges.

And, your network can help you professionally and support you as you navigate career transitions.

Your many career possibilities

Let’s now look at the many possibilities available to you in your career.

What’s out there. What opportunities there are.

If you’ve been thinking about staying in your own industry or sector, that’s fine, but just know that there is an abundance of alternative opportunities you might want to consider.

For example, there are 25 employment sectors in the UK. Each of these sectors has its own range of roles and professions.

For instance, if you are an IT professional, your skills could be applied in healthcare, finance, retail, education, and energy.

Beyond these more traditional paths, you also have the freedom to explore various alternative options and possibilities.

Whether it’s transitioning from a corporate role to entrepreneurship, pursuing some sort of passion project, or embarking on a career in the nonprofit sector, the possibilities are virtually limitless.

Then there’s unconventional paths, such as remote work or digital nomadism, where you can blend work with travel and lifestyle preferences.

These are options that were seldom available until relatively recently.

Ultimately, the key is to find a path that aligns with what’s important to you (your values), and your interests, and what you want from work.

I’ve talked about these before on the podcast. Episode 56 is a good episode to check out to understand your values better.

For now, approach your career journey with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to consider alternative paths.

As Paul Millerd writes in The Pathless Path, true fulfilment in work often comes not from finding the perfect job, but from cultivating a deeper relationship with work itself.

Embracing the Possibility Mindset

Central to the journey of career change is the concept of the possibility mindset – a powerful outlook that makes it easier to pursue new opportunities with confidence and optimism.

The possibility mindset acknowledges that most limitations are self-imposed, and by embracing the belief that change is not only possible but achievable, you can unlock your full potential and set yourself up for success.

Think about it like this, a quick thought experiment: if you’re seeking something in your career and you’re not sure if it’s possible, ask yourself, “Is this something that other people have achieved?” If the answer is yes, then you could ask the follow-up question. If other people have achieved this thing, is it possible that I could achieve it?

Of course, the answer is that there’s no reason why it can’t be possible for you too!

What sets successful career-changers apart is their ability to challenge any self-imposed limitations and keep moving ahead anyway.

By adopting a mindset of possibility, you negate any doubts and fears, allowing you to explore new paths, take calculated risks, and explore the various career options to which you are drawn.

You position yourself for success, regardless of the challenges you may encounter along the way.

There are actually four practical ways to implement the possibility mindset:

Change your self-talk: The way you speak to yourself influences your actions. Notice any negative self-talk but don’t engage with it. Just let it be.

Change your outward communication: Speak positively about your career aspirations. Share your vision with others.

Embrace challenges and setbacks: View obstacles as opportunities for growth. Learn from setbacks.

Seek out opportunities for learning and growth: Continuously look for ways to expand your knowledge and skills.

Conclusion:

So, what I’m saying here, and starting to wrap things up…

In your mid-career …

Recognising your intrinsic value is the first step in your journey.

Acknowledge the wealth of experience, knowledge, and skills you’ve gained over the years.

By embracing your transferable skills and using your professional networks, you gain the confidence and clarity needed to step onto a new career path.

Also, recognise the diverse range of career possibilities available to you.

From traditional career paths to unconventional pursuits, there’s a path that aligns with your values and aspirations.

For those of you with long memories you might remember Chris Wood on an earlier podcast episode who explained how he had changed careers from working in the police to being a crime fiction writer in his mid-career.

And, as we have just heard…

Embrace the possibility mindset by challenging self-imposed limitations and embracing change with optimism.

That way, you position yourself for success in your pursuit of new opportunities.

So, that wraps up today’s episode. I hope you have enjoyed the content.

And, a reminder if you do want to be a Beta reader for my new book about changing paths in mid-career do let me know.

It would really help me to make the book even better.

Thank you for joining me, I’ve enjoyed your company. See you next time.