Five steps I wish I knew before my messy midlife career change

When I went through a midlife career transition, I did it messy.

I felt lost, scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to even begin.

Looking back now, I realize there were a few super important steps that could have made the process less stressful, smoother, and far more empowering.

Here are the five steps I wish I had known before I made the leap:

1. Take the decision to pursue change

I remember how every day felt heavier than the last. Sitting at my desk, staring at tasks that no longer excited me.

If you’re in a similar situation, chances are that by the time you get home, you’re drained; not just physically, but emotionally.

The frustration seeps into every part of your life, and you can’t even remember the last time you felt inspired by your work.

You’ve been postponing the decision for months, or even years.

I used to tell myself: “It’s not the right time,” or, “I’ll just push through a little longer.”

But deep down, you know the truth: the longer you wait, the more drained and disconnected you’ll feel.

Take the decision - today.

This isn’t your first step forward.

It’s your ground zero, the moment when you say to yourself, “I’ve had enough. I can’t keep living like this, and I deserve more.”

2. Make the first move

Once you’ve committed, the next step is action. Don’t let fear or overwhelm stall you.

Start with small, tangible steps to create momentum.

Write down three actions you can take right now. Make sure at least one can be done immediately, for example:

?? Call someone you know who’s working in a career that interests you. Ask questions, explore possibilities.

?? Open your resume and block 30 minutes in your calendar each day to update it until it’s ready.

?? Scribble out a rough draft of that business idea/program/book... you’ve been dreaming of. No pressure, just start.

The key is to start today and then show up every day with small, consistent steps.

Momentum creates action. Action leads to results. Results foster confidence and motivation to pursue even greater goals.

3. Imagine your perfect day and write your vision down

Picture this:

You wake up excited to start your day. Your work feels meaningful, aligned with your values and by the end of the day, you still have the energy to enjoy time with loved ones.

You’re no longer just surviving. You’re thriving.

Use all your senses to make it come alive:

What do you see, hear, and feel?

What’s happening around you?

Who are you helping, and how does it feel to make an impact?

When your vision is vivid and detailed, it becomes a powerful guide to keep you inspired.

Keep this vision close.

Read it every morning and evening because these are the moments when your subconscious mind is most open and receptive. Repeating your vision during these times can deeply shape your beliefs and drive your actions.

4. Shift your mindset

Ever find yourself thinking, “What if I fail?” or, “I’m not confident enough to take this leap”?

These fears are normal, but they don’t have to control you. Changing careers isn’t just about new opportunities. It’s about growing into a stronger, more courageous version of yourself.

As you work on your career shift, dedicate time to your own mindset:

Build the courage to step out of your comfort zone.

Overcome limiting beliefs that hold you back.

Your mindset is the foundation for navigating this journey with more resilience and confidence.

5. Embrace your new identity

Leaving behind what’s familiar can feel intimidating, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow into the person you’ve always wanted to be.

As you move forward, embrace the new you. Step into your power, confidence, and the vision you’ve created for yourself.

Remember: a career change isn’t just about a new role. It’s about becoming a new version of yourself.

Your career transition doesn’t have to be overwhelming or messy like mine was.

With the right steps, you can make it less stressful, more intentional, and far more empowering.

Are you ready to take control and make your career transition smooth, intentional, and empowering?