How midlife coaching can support career change

Are you in midlife? No longer loving your job? Feeling a lack of energy and drive?

You’re not alone. It’s not unusual for people in the middle stages of life to feel less engaged with their careers or current jobs. I experienced it in my corporate life and, over time, transitioned to a more meaningful and rewarding career, coaching others who are experiencing the same.

However, persistent or unexplained low energy can have many causes. If it is affecting your daily life, consider speaking to your GP.

What is midlife?

Midlife is commonly associated with the period between approximately 40 and 65, although there is no universally agreed age range.

Psychologist Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development associated middle adulthood with “generativity versus stagnation”. Generativity describes a desire to contribute to society and support future generations, which might be expressed through parenting, mentoring, meaningful work, creativity or community involvement.

The midlife journey

The midlife journey is often referred to as a “midlife crisis”, which has negative connotations. However, not everyone experiences a crisis or a significant period of uncertainty during midlife.

For those who do experience uncertainty, this period may offer an opportunity for reflection, personal growth and reinvention. Feeling disengaged from your current life may contribute to low motivation or a lack of momentum. You may be able to resist or ignore these feelings for a while, but they can grow and create challenges in your professional and personal life if they are not acknowledged.

Midlife can be a time to explore where you are in your life journey and consider the adjustments that could help you engage with its next stage. This might involve work, relationships, health, interests or another important part of your life.

Plan for your future, rather than getting stuck in the past

With many people working later in life, it can be helpful to consider what you want from the years ahead. This may be a time to become more proactive, develop your thinking and allow your lifestyle to evolve.

Lifelong learning can help you explore new possibilities and acquire different skills, knowledge and experience. Try to incorporate optimism and your aspirations when thinking about your future.

If your current lifestyle is affecting your health or well-being, it may be time to consider some changes. Looking after your stress levels, physical activity, relationships and overall physical and emotional health may help you remain active and engaged as you get older.

Change is normal

Many people experience significant changes during midlife, such as redundancy, divorce, health concerns or an empty nest. These events can prompt reflection, although they can happen at other stages of life too.

You can wait for change to happen or take greater ownership of your life and proactively consider what you want from its next stage.

Everyone’s midlife journey is different. Some people do not experience an extended period of reflection and simply move forward, while others feel a strong pull to explore different priorities, including:

• Retraining and following a new career direction.
• Developing their creativity.
• Focusing on health and well-being.
• Prioritising relationships.
• Getting involved in community or volunteering activities.

A midlife transformation is not a time for judgement or comparison. It can be a time for acceptance, reflection and considering what would make the next stage of life more meaningful.

Midlife coaching

Working with a coach in midlife can give you time and space to explore where you are in your professional and personal life. Coaching may help you examine and clarify your values, strengths, interests and goals and consider how they fit with your current career.

This exploration may lead to a change of some kind. It could involve changing jobs, retraining or developing a different perspective on your current role. A coach can support you during this process, challenge unhelpful beliefs and help you consider the possibilities ahead.

New beginnings in midlife are not necessarily easy. However, taking time to reflect and becoming more proactive may help you make considered decisions about what happens next.