Overcoming Six Fears of Midlife Career Change: A Guide to Success

Changing careers in midlife can feel overwhelming. It’s a time when the stakes seem higher, and the comfort of the familiar makes stepping into the unknown even more daunting. But here’s the thing: the fears that hold you back are often the very things keeping you from living a more fulfilling life. Let’s dive into six common fears that can stop you in your tracks and explore ways to overcome them.

1. The Fear of Taking Action

You’ve probably heard the saying, "The longer you wait to do something you should do now, the greater the odds that you will never actually do it." This is the law of diminishing intent, and it’s especially true in midlife. It’s easy to convince yourself that it’s too late to start something new. The fear of taking action often comes from overthinking and second-guessing every decision. Ultimately, action leads to clarity. When you let your passion guide you and take that first step, no matter how small, you start to break the cycle of inertia.

How to Overcome?

Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or perfect plan, commit to taking messy, imperfect action. Let your passion lead the way, and trust that the path will become clearer as you go.?

2. The Fear of Making Mistakes

We’ve all been taught to fear mistakes, but they’re an inevitable part of growth. The fear of making mistakes can paralyze you from moving forward, but here’s a secret: mistakes are where the magic happens. They’re the stepping stones to discovering what really works for you.

I like to say, “It will get messy before it gets pretty.” That means taking messy, imperfect action is part of the process. The journey won’t always be smooth, but every mistake gets you closer to your goal.

How to Overcome Embrace the mess. Know that mistakes are part of learning, and you won’t find the right way until you’ve stumbled a few times. Remember, leaders are those who take action and embrace imperfection.

3. The Fear of Failure

It’s ironic, but the fear of failure often leads us to avoid risks, thinking we’re protecting ourselves. We believe that we can avoid the pain of not achieving our dreams by not trying. But here’s the catch: we’re 100% guaranteed not to achieve our dreams by not taking action.

Failure is misunderstood. It’s not a sign to stop; it’s a sign to recalibrate. Little is learned from success; most of our growth comes from what we perceive as failures. The only true failure is giving up.

Personal Story

I've had my fair share of moments where fear of failure nearly stopped me from taking action, but I've also learned to push through that fear. One example that comes to mind is when I was asked to assist with an interview series in a Facebook group. At first, I almost said no—I was convinced I wouldn’t do a good job. The thought of interviewing amazing women was both exciting and terrifying! My biggest fear was that I wouldn’t be fully present and wouldn’t provide value to the listeners.?

However, the team assured me that each interview would follow the same set of questions, which helped ease some of my anxiety. For the first interview, I was incredibly nervous. I tried different locations around the house to find the perfect setup, practiced endlessly, and carefully wrote out all the questions to ensure I was prepared. By the time it was time to start, I felt like a total mess. But somehow, I managed to get through it, and it actually went well. By the time I did my tenth interview, which with every feedback from the team and my own, it was a breeze—and to my surprise, I loved it!

Looking back, I can't help but think how different things would have been if I had let my fear take over and declined the opportunity. I would have missed out on an experience that challenged me and became something I truly enjoyed.

How to Overcome Redefine failure as feedback. Use it to refine your approach and build resilience. Even if it’s imperfect, every step forward is closer to your dreams.

4. The Fear of the Unknown

The unknown can be scary, especially when you’re considering a major life change like a career shift. Even if it’s unfulfilling, the comfort of the familiar can feel safer than venturing into uncharted territory. Change your mindset to certainty doesn’t exist. The only way to discover what you’re capable of is to take the leap.

It often feels safer to stay in a situation where you know the terrain, even if it doesn’t make you happy. However, staying in this space of familiarity guarantees that you remain unfulfilled.

How to Overcome Embrace the unknown as an opportunity for growth and discovery. Trust that the journey, while uncertain, will lead to new opportunities and experiences that you wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. Satisfy that curiosity.

5. The Fear of What Others Think

By midlife, many of us have spent years building our identities around our careers, roles, and relationships. The idea of changing careers can stir up fear of judgment from others—family, friends, colleagues, and even society at large. We worry about how we’ll be perceived if we take a risk, especially if it doesn’t go as planned.

This fear often stems from a desire for approval and a fear of rejection. However, the opinions of others shouldn’t dictate the course of your life. You are the one who has to live with the consequences of your choices, not them.

How to Overcome Remind yourself that you are living your life for you, not for others. The opinions of others are just that—opinions. They don’t have to define you or limit your potential. Focus on what you want, and let go of the need for external validation.

6. The Fear That Success Will Alienate You

Success can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s what we strive for, but on the other, it can create distance between us and those we care about. The fear that success will alienate you from your peers, friends, or family can hold you back from pursuing your true potential.

You might worry that as you achieve success, you’ll no longer fit in with those around you. This fear can cause you to subconsciously sabotage your efforts to succeed.

Client story

I had a client who was afraid to accept a promotion because she worried it might distance her from the colleagues she had worked alongside for years.

How to Overcome Understand that true relationships are built on mutual respect and support. Those who care about you will celebrate your success, not resent it. If success does create distance, it may be an opportunity to connect with others who share your aspirations and values. Embrace the idea that success can bring new, enriching relationships into your life.

Conclusion

Facing these fears head-on is the key to unlocking a fulfilling and successful career transition in midlife. It’s not about being fearless; it’s about moving forward despite the fear. Each step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to the life and career you truly desire.

Call to Action: Rediscover Yourself Workshop

If these fears resonate with you, I invite you to join my upcoming workshop, Rediscover Yourself, on September 21. This workshop is designed to help you navigate the complexities of midlife career transitions, confront your fears, and take actionable steps toward your goals. Let’s work together to move past these obstacles and create the career and life you’ve always dreamed of.

Click here for more details and to register.

To get a $50 discount, message me or book a call here if you have any questions or if you would like more information.

Let's embark on this journey together and unlock the potential that lies within your midlife transition. Remember, it's never too late to rediscover your passion and create a life that brings you joy and purpose.

I'd love to hear your story! Share a moment when you overcame fear in the comments below—your experience could inspire others!

Be at peace right where you are.

Joanne Savoie-Malone