Before diving into the exploration of mid-career changes, it's essential to recognize that stability, income, and basic survival are paramount. Without a foundation of stability, it becomes challenging to focus on and pursue the next meaningful steps in one's career journey. This awareness ensures that we approach career transitions with both practical and aspirational perspectives.

Have you ever caught yourself staring out of your office window, wondering if this is it? If this job, this routine, is all there is until you retire? Well, it might be time to rethink that plan. I recently came across some fascinating research from the OECD, that really hit home. The findings suggest that change is not only good for us but is essential for our work, wealth, and overall wellness.

“But Marco, I’m young! This is DFW Young and Social not DFW Young at heart!” -- Very true, we still have so much life left to live, but in a time where mid-career changes are happening due to layoffs and redundancy; it important to shift the narrative on how to best set yourself up to capitalize on this moment should it ever happen. It’s important to be prepared or at the very least aware of where you might be in the future rather than need to adapt the moment it happens.

Embracing Job Mobility and Overcoming Fears

For those of us feeling restless or contemplating a change, the research is promising. Traditional career paths, defined by stability and linear progression, are being replaced by more dynamic and flexible models. The corporate ladder, with its emphasis on upward mobility, is giving way to career paths that reward disruption, redefinition, and mobility. Data for ADP show that people who voluntarily change jobs tend to get wage increases compared to those who don’t.

Despite these benefits, many workers remain hesitant to embrace job mobility. Only 11% of people aged 25-44 change jobs annually, and that drops by half to 6% for people aged 55-64. Those who do make the move often experience greater work flexibility and improved mental health. But let’s be honest, there are numerous obstacles, including age, location, health, care responsibilities, motherhood penalties, and technological changes that can make job mobility seem like an insurmountable challenge. Confidence becomes a major issue, with all people who are daunted by the prospect of change.

Government and Corporate Support

Governments also play a crucial role in promoting career mobility. They can introduce policies that support apprenticeships, recognize workers’ of all skills and experience, and facilitate transitions out of physically demanding jobs. Reducing institutional and regulatory barriers, like occupational licensing, can also make it easier for workers to switch careers. Japan, Italy, and Austria are leading examples of countries prioritizing longevity in their national planning agendas. Japan’s Society 5.0 concept integrates AI and information technologies to address the needs of an ageing population. These countries are exploring various strategies to support workers, from facilitating geographic mobility to addressing barriers to entrepreneurship.

Companies, too, have a significant role to play. Many are starting to see the value in investing in their employees regardless of age. For example, Schneider Electric’s “Future Ready” program focuses on engaging their Q3 employees through midlife career reviews, training programs, and upskilling opportunities. By recognizing the diverse needs of their workforce, companies can better support employees in planning their next career moves. However, I believe the hardest part of a career change isn’t the one that companies place on us but the….

The Emotional Journey of Career Change

Navigating a mid-career crisis can be daunting. If you view the chart attached, it shows a positive viewpoint of the job satisfaction for in-office employees. It’s in this writer’s opinion that 51% isn’t a good metric, it is scraping the bottom of the barrel, and more work needs to be done to ensure all people feel meaningful in their roles. This type of method of “portraying” current state of affairs is exactly why many professionals reach a point where they question their career choices and seek more fulfilling paths.

I advocate that during this period of introspection and reevaluation, it can be an opportunity for reinvention and renewed focus. Identifying the signs of a mid-career shift is the first step. Persistent unhappiness, lack of motivation, health implications, increased comparisons to peers, and reluctance towards long-term career commitments are common indicators. Acknowledging these signs and addressing them proactively can lead to positive outcomes.

Once you’ve recognized that you’re amidst the want of a mid-career shift, there are several unique and constructive approaches to navigating through it. Embracing optionality and multiplicity in the search for a new career makes a lot of sense intellectually, but emotionally it’s a roller-coaster ride. That’s because it puts you in what anthropologists call a liminal state, where you must navigate between a past that’s clearly over and a future that’s still uncertain.

Liminality can be unpleasant, especially for those of us used to single-mindedly pursuing clear goals on a well-trodden path. But when you’re changing careers, liminality gives you the necessary time and space to question the old givens. Think of it as an identity time-out, when you can let go of your commitment to who you used to be and focus more creatively on who you might become. It takes time to discover what you want to change, identify the habits and assumptions that might be holding you back, and build sufficient skills experience and connections in a new arena. So instead of trying to land your next role as quickly as possible, you must embrace liminality. You have to be willing to get and stay lost for a while.

Conclusion

So, what’s the takeaway? The same one I always preach, Embrace change. For those who are in the middle of job searching, try and keep your head above water and view this as an opportunity to find true value in your next steps. For those who are in the middle of a rutt, it’s never too late to rethink your career path and make a move that brings more satisfaction and fulfillment. Whether it’s switching industries, taking on new roles within your current organization, or even going back to school to learn a new skill, the opportunities are endless. Remember, it’s not just about surviving in your career; it’s about thriving and finding joy in what you do. The journey might be challenging, but it’s worth it. After all, as the old saying goes, “The only constant in life is change.”