A practical guide for career reinvention

Have you ever found yourself questioning if the path you're on is still the right one? For many mid-career professionals, the answer is increasingly ‘no.’

Reinvention, not just climbing the ladder, has become the new goal for so many of us.

Reinventing oneself is a challenging - though exciting and fulfilling - journey. It requires not only navigating your internal landscape but also adapting to new external environments, creating fresh networks, and embracing a beginner's mindset.

Here are some steps to consider when starting this journey.

Phase I – Moving "Across" from where you are today

1. Create a new vision and purpose for your life

In his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", Stephen Covey emphasizes the importance of beginning with the end in mind. Career reinvention will likely involve upskilling, but unless you have a clear vision of your goal, it’s challenging to start. Initially, your vision may be more directional than certain, and that’s okay. As the journey progresses, the details will emerge.

2. Find the courage to act and the resilience to withstand setbacks

If you feel stuck in the comfort zone of your current job but know you want more, courage is essential. Too many people sit on beautiful visions for their lives, paralyzed by the fear of taking action.

Common fears include:

• Fear of failure,
• Discomfort in embracing a new identity,
• Temporarily giving up comfort and luxury,
• The overwhelming amount of work and learning that lies ahead.

Other real concerns include societal pressure to maintain a clear work identity, questions from family and friends about your “mid-life crisis,” financial uncertainty during the transition, and more.

So, the question arises:

• Is it easier to stay in the job you know so well? Absolutely, 200%.

Is it more fulfilling to reinvent yourself and pursue what makes you jump out of bed each morning, working for 14 hours straight and barely feeling like you’ve started?

I believe it is.

3. Start building new support networks

Once you’ve created your vision and committed to taking action, it’s time to build new networks, support structures, and engage with communities.

Herminia Ibarra, in her HBR article, says, "Change always starts with separation. Even in some of the ultimate forms of identity change — brainwashing, de-indoctrinating terrorists, or rehabilitating substance abusers — the standard operating practice is to separate subjects from everybody who knew them previously, and to deprive them of a grounding in their old identities. This separation dynamic explains why young adults change when they go away to college."

A community of like-minded individuals on the same journey is critical. They’ll understand your vision, believe in what you believe, and help you through the inevitable dark moments. True reinvention is filled with challenges, but with the right support, you can overcome them.

With a new vision, the right mindset, and a supportive network, the real work begins.

Phase II – The messy "In-between"

4. Take ownership of your career and success

• What will your new identity look like? Who will you become? What will you stand for?
• What can you bring from your "old" self into your "new" self? Consider skills, experience, passions, and credibility.
• What gaps need to be filled to ensure the new version of you is just as successful as your previous self?
• How will you make a living, and whom will you serve?
• Who will guide and support you along the way? This could be a role model, mentor, coach, therapist, friend, or partner.
• Are your loved ones on board with your reinvention? The journey can be long and filled with internal struggles; the last thing you need is interpersonal conflict.
• Do you have the financial resources to support yourself during this "in-between" phase? If possible, keep your current job while preparing for the transition.

A planned transition is the smartest one. Do the groundwork while still employed, and once you’re ready—with new skills and a solid plan - leap. Even then, plan for a considerable amount of time and effort to complete the transition entirely.

Phase III – Moving "Beyond" what you believed was possible

5. Embrace a growth mindset

This phase will likely take you far beyond what you originally thought possible. The journey may be long or short depending on how far your new self is from your old self.

Most people underestimate the immense effort required. You’ll need new education, certifications, skills, and networks, just to name a few pieces of the puzzle. Along the way, you may experiment and make mistakes, sometimes realizing a wrong direction.

This is where mindset becomes crucial. Instead of beating yourself up for wrong choices or missteps, embrace them as stepping stones toward your new identity and part of your progress.

It takes time to reinvent ourselves. In my experience and through my work with clients, it’s a lengthy journey. Depending on your starting point, it can take several months, but more often, it takes years for a true reinvention.

Is It Worth It?

Is the effort, discomfort, emotional rollercoaster, financial strain, temporary societal rejection (yes, it happens), and loss of status worth the transition?

The answer is personal.

Is it worth going through temporary stress, pain, and sacrifice to live a life of more meaning, fulfillment, purpose, and impact?

I believe it is.

My personal regret is not realizing it sooner.

6. Increase empathy toward yourself and others

Finally, be kind to yourself. Allow space to pause during the process. Self-compassion, self-assurance, and self-empathy are crucial to your success. Indulge in some self-care and focus on your overall well-being. Be patient, and recognize that growth takes time.

My personal journey of career reinvention

In 2021, I embarked on a journey to reinvent myself and redefine my work identity. My "Across" phase involved developing a new vision: creating a portfolio career. I aim to complete my transition by 2025 when I finalize my "Beyond" phase.

In my reinvented version of me, I am living my purpose of helping others unlock their extraordinary paths. My focus is empowering individuals and organizations to thrive, not just survive, by embracing human-centrered leadership and prioritizing well-being.

Today, my portfolio career consists of being a leadership and transitions coach, speaker, facilitator, and founder of my leadership development company. I am also preparing to launch my Beyond retreats—a transformative experience that combines personal growth and well-being.

Am I finished? Almost—at least in terms of this transition. Phase 2.0, my retirement transition plan, will kick off in 2–3 years. This will be yet another journey of full self-reinvention.

What do you think? Is the effort worth achieving a life of greater fulfillment and impact?

If you're at the crossroads of reinvention, whether you're just beginning or already on your path, let's connect. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to unlock the next step in your transformation.

?? DM to start a conversation.

Reference Links:

FT Article - https://www.ft.com/content/403b1118-6dd8-4d8d-bd2c-a0923fc50c97

HBR Article - https://shorturl.at/UhA6z

My Portfolio Career article - https://shorturl.at/ZCrvq