Shifting The Paradigm: Redefining Career Success To Become a 60s-Pivoter

I often think life is like a good novel, with passing years and adventures creating the new chapters. However, every now and then the narrative takes unexpected twists. I am now realising – or perhaps accepting - that I really have passed the 60th year marker and some!?Initially I ignored it, but after a while started wondering, what does this mean for me, and for so many others like me, particularly those whose lives have been, to a large extent, defined by their careers??

I think this article is as much about giving myself a bit of a pep-talk, as well as hopefully, inspiring one or two readers in similar situations, to plough forward undeterred to join us '60s-pivoters'.

I’ve had a very full and interesting career journey – swivelling and pivoting on and off across the years, enjoying various adventures in the realm of work.?And yet, underneath the seeming confidence and fun, hitting my early 60s was quite a wake-up call. For the first time I found myself facing the ‘age bar’ – trying to continue working in some countries where 60 is more or less your sell-by date, a paradigm that cannot be shifted, solidly frozen in the minds of policy makers and nations who are happy to abandon all those skills, talent and that enormous wealth of experience.?

So we are left to work it out for ourselves. To forge a pathway forward. To begin carving out a new niche for ourselves, in which we can continue to contribute to our world and to the lives of those we serve. At first it feels fragile, uncertain, and unclear. But gradually, the fog lifts. An inner strength, a renewed resolve kicks in, and a commitment to succeed, to create something new, is determined and again the sun begins to rise.?

I know I'm no different from many who've reached this tender ‘early 60s’ age. I speak to many women who feel somewhat crushed by the realisation that retirement is looming, while every part of them wants, or needs, to remain working and contributing. So, we stand like deers in the headlights wondering what happened. However, an alternative would be to turn it in our favour. We can embrace the fact that we've just reached an exciting twist in our own personal narrative, a beautiful chance to swivel the compass and embark on a brand new career path – one of our own making.

Without doubt we live in societies where age is often viewed as a hindrance, many would raise an eyebrow at the idea of a career change at 60. "Isn't it time for retirement?" they might ask, eyeing your suspiciously like you've just announced your intention to become a professional skydiver or run for the presidency of Mars.

But guess what? When it comes down to it, age really is just a number and you, my friend, are the author and the protagonist of your own story. You've got a lifetime of wisdom and experience to tap into, a golden ticket to a whole new adventure. So why not make these your personal swinging 60s?

Unleashing the Inner Change

We've all heard of the 'mid-life crisis', right? And isn’t it the case that today the World Health Organisation now consider 60 as the new 'middle age' However, I don’t hear many people talking about the 'sixties pivot' - I guess society just hasn't caught up yet. It's time to turn a few notions on their head and get into the groove of fun and excitement again. Look in the mirror and instead of seeing those few laughter lines in the negative, recognise that they reflect your profound knowledge and experience that's been gained through hard graft. And bear in mind also that those lines are accompanied by a depth of wisdom that is rarely found in your 30s or even 40s.

With age comes insight, and a realisation that this is a time for you to find something you truly love, which is both exhilarating and terrifying. Suddenly, you're standing on a precipice of endless possibilities. You're gripped with the urge to jump - to take that leap of faith and change the direction of your career compass.

It's so easy to dismiss these feelings and write them off as 'just a phase' or 'the result of a little too much red wine'. But the voice inside, the one yearning to grasp this opportunity for change, is real. It could be the blueprint of your inner dreams that have been simmering for decades, perhaps obscured by the practicalities of life. But now opportunity is waiting with open arms.

Exploring the Opportunity Spectrum

But what opportunities, you ask? Well, I think they're probably as vast as the cosmos. Some might argue that opportunities dwindle with age, but they forget that age also brings a few advantages - a wealth of experience and skills that can be translated into so many fields of endeavour.

One of the most rewarding things about exploring new career paths in your 60s is the opportunity to tap into passions that might have been left behind. Those ideas and dreams that were passed over because you needed to do the ‘right thing' – the practical thing. Perhaps you loved art in your younger years but abandon the easel for a 9-to-5 job. Well, guess what? Now is the perfect time to pick up those materials again, and this time, you could even get paid for it!

Similarly, there's a rising demand for mentors and consultants across a range of industries. With your years of professional experience, you're well-equipped to guide others who are navigating their careers. If you enjoy supporting and helping people, this could be your chance to transform it into a fulfilling profession.

Post pandemic we have seen an enormous expansion of the digital world and especially with the advent of artificial intelligence, new opportunities abound. And what’s more the tech is far more accessible today than it’s ever been in the past. Indeed, with this digital world at our fingertips (literally) the barriers to starting your own business have never been lower. If you've got a product or a service that you're passionate about, why not get going,?get a website, get yourself an online store, get creative? After all, if teenagers can do it, so can we!

Making the Leap

While it can definitely be exhilarating changing your path in your 60s is not without its challenges. But as anyone who's watched a superhero movie knows, there's always the odd dragon or two to slay.

There will be times when it’s daunting to step out of your comfort zone, to swap the possibility of a quiet retirement and familiar routines for an uncertain path. The thought of learning new skills or returning to college can feel overwhelming. I know for myself I wonder about financial security, social perception, or the sheer energy needed to embark on a new journey. But remember, there will always be moments of doubt. We keep moving forward because we know that ultimately the reward will outweigh the risk. The fulfilment of living your passion, of redefining your life on your terms, is invaluable.

Start this new journey by getting a few things in place. Find out what resources will help ease the transition. This could mean career coaching, a bit of financial planning, or networking with people in fields you're interested in. You'll be surprised to find just how many resources are available, and how many people are willing to help.

As for learning new skills, it's not as scary as it seems. I’m about to pay to train in a completely new field. I know it will compliment work I have been doing or been involved in throughout my career, but it is still a whole new range of skills and knowledge. But you know what, our brains are so capable of learning at any age - it doesn’t have to take longer just because you’re a little older – that is just a redundant notion and the result of negative input! You can do it, and I can do it - where there’s a will, there’s a way. Time to show those bright-eyed, bushy-tailed millennials or Gen-Z folk that us 60s Pivoters mean business.?

Remember to approach this adventure with a sense of curiosity and fun. You're not just changing careers, or retiring, you're changing your life. You’ll take risks. You’ll embrace the missteps. You’ll cry and laugh in the face of absurdity. Because, at the end of the day, this is your grand adventure, your tale of daring, courage, and profound change.

A Toast to the Golden Years

So, here's to embracing the twist in the plot, to saying 'why not' instead of 'why'. Here's to the adventurers, the dreamers, the fearless explorers of new career paths. Here's to the 60s Pivoters, and to the golden years that are filled with excitement, learning, growth, and most importantly, joy.

Remember, you are not defined by your age, but by your courage to redefine your narrative.?

As the legendary C.S. Lewis said,?

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

So, pick up your pen and start writing the newest chapter of your life. Here's to changing career direction and becoming a 60s Pivoter!

? #BoldCareerPivots ???#ReinventingLifePost60 ???#CareerTransition60s ??#RedefiningSuccess.???#AgeIsJustANumber