A New Chapter Begins: Insights from 'Mid Career Change'

Hey everyone! Welcome back to the podcast. I’m so glad you’re here.

 If you’re listening today, chances are you’re looking for inspiration or guidance for your career journey, especially if you’re navigating that mid-career stage.

And let’s be honest, it can be tricky.

You might be in the middle of it, wondering, “Wait, Is this it?

 Is there something more?”

Well, that’s exactly what I want to talk about today. I’ll be sharing insights from my new book, Mid Career Change – A Guide for Hope, Clarity and Action.

The book will be released on 1 January 2025 but is available on Amazon now for pre-order. Kindle and paperback.

The book is packed with practical advice and real-life stories from people who’ve faced the challenges you might be facing right now.

They overcame the challenges of mid-career and successfully made the leap into a more fulfilling path.

One of the things I address head-on in the book is that feeling we all have but don’t often talk about.

As the years pass, you might find yourself asking:

• Shouldn’t I still be excited about my career?

• Shouldn’t my work and career give me energy and purpose?

  And,

• When did work stop being enjoyable?

These are questions many of us ponder quietly.

It’s normal to long for that lost spark or wonder why work doesn’t feel as good as it once did. Maybe any good vibes you had about your job are gone—maybe long gone.

Henry David Thoreau talked about us leading lives of quiet desperation.  We silently yearn for something more.

But don’t despair.

A powerful question to ask is: How can I make the rest of my life the best years of my life?

That question really gets to the heart of the matter, doesn’t it?

Suddenly, you’re not just thinking about your job but about your whole future.

It’s not just about finding a new role—it’s about creating a life that fits you better.

A life that’s enjoyable, fulfilling, and rewarding—a career that contributes to the richness of your life.

The truth is, you’re not alone in this. Nearly half of professionals in their thirties and forties are already considering a career change.

And the good news?

Change is a natural part of the career cycle.

We change, what we want changes, and the world of work changes.

Take my own story, for example. I made a big shift from civil engineering management to career coaching.

At first, it was daunting to step away from the stability and familiarity of a long-standing career.

I’d spent years building expertise as a manager and engineer, but deep down, I knew I needed a change.

I’ve talked about this before, it was a good job but not a good job for me.

My journey involved reassessing what I was good at, what was important to me, and contemplating what I enjoyed doing—the activities that gave me energy.

I discovered that guiding others through their career challenges was what truly brought me to life.

It was a great fit for me.

Already a coach / Further training as a career coach / One of the best feelings during that coach training in London

That’s why I became a career coach.

And, getting my career back on track made all the difference in other areas of my life.

And that’s what I want for you—to take control of your career.

Whether it means making a career transition or improving where you are now, you can do it, no matter how daunting it seems.

With the right mindset and steps, it’s possible to turn uncertainty into a rewarding new chapter.

In the book, I break the process down into a five-phase model: Hope, Clarity, Action, Taking the Leap, and Fresh Start.

This structure turns what feels overwhelming into smaller, manageable steps—a roadmap to guide you.

The journey begins with hope—the belief that change is possible.

Hope fuels that first step, reminding you that even when the path feels uncertain, there’s potential for a better future.

Next comes clarity—figuring out what you really want. This has two parts:

• Clarity about what you need to feel fulfilled in your career, and

• Clarity about what opportunities are out there.

When you understand these two things, your mid-career options become clearer—not just options, but attractive, well-fitting ones.

In the book, I also talk about your career assets. I use the analogy of a treasure chest to describe the valuable skills, experiences, and relationships you’ve built over the years.

These aren’t just things to leave in the past—they’re resources to carry into your new career.

Of course, at some point, you need to take action.

This is where real progress happens.

Action turns your hope and clarity into tangible steps.

In the book, I outline ways you can take action – how to explore and experiment, like trying new projects, upskilling, or engaging in informational interviews with people who can guide you.

These steps bridge the gap between knowing what you want and making it a reality.

Action builds momentum and confidence, showing that change isn’t just possible—it’s within your reach.

Then comes the leap. Sounds dramatic, doesn’t it?

This stage can feel daunting, but with preparation and groundwork, it becomes a natural step, not a risky jump.

By this stage, you’ve gathered clarity, explored options, and taken actions that reinforce your readiness.

The leap isn’t a blind jump—it’s an informed move toward a future that aligns with your aspirations.

Preparation is the key here.

Preparation reduces uncertainty and builds trust in your plan, making the transition smoother and more achievable.

The stories I share in the book highlight just how transferable your skills can be. Take Rajesh, a 45-year-old IT project manager.

He wanted more direct impact and shifted into healthcare by starting small—volunteering and taking a health informatics course.

Within 18 months, he landed a role as a digital transformation manager, leading projects that enhance patient care.

Or Melanie, a teacher who transitioned into editing and proofreading.

Initially, she felt unsure about leaving her teaching career, but her love for language, precision with words, and supporting others found a perfect outlet.

By using her skills and training, Melanie created a career that was a great fit for her.

She now has a YouTube channel helping other teachers to find routes out of teaching and she came on this podcast in April 2023, you can find the interview in the back catalogue – episode 64.

So, that’s the core message: finding work that aligns with your values and feels meaningful.

Melanie’s story shows that meaningful change is possible when you align yourself with you strengths and the things that matter to you. The things that bring you to life.

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Challenges like confidence, fear of the unknown, and financial concerns are real.

I address these in the book with strategies that have helped others navigate them.

If you’re considering a mid-career change, remember—it’s never too late.

You have experience, skills, and the potential to create a career that truly fits who you are.

I’ll leave you with this: If you could design your ideal work life, what would it look like?

What kind of impact would you be making?

Set aside some of the practical considerations.

Just imagine what you ideal work life would look life.

Let these questions guide your journey and ignite your passion for creating a career that brings joy and purpose.

Thanks for listening.

Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and trust in your ability to create a fulfilling career.

And if you’re ready to take that step, my book, Mid Career Change – A Guide for Hope, Clarity and Action, is available on Amazon for pre-order now.

Link in the show notes, or just search for mid career change on Amazon.co.uk.

Get started,

Take that first step toward the career and life you deserve.

And I’ll see you in a couple of weeks time.

Bye for now.