Transforming Your Midlife Career: Three Innovators Leading the Way

As many of us contemplate our next life chapter, the question arises: how do we actually begin the process of planning, preparing, and rewiring our minds for this new journey? These organizations are stepping up to guide midcareer professionals through these pivotal transitions.

1. The Midcareer Internship

Cogenterate, a national nonprofit dedicated to bridging generational divides in the workforce, offers what founder and co-CEO Marc Freedman calls “midlife internships” or gap years for adults. Through its Encore Fellowships, the organization assists individuals transitioning from full-time roles into their next phase by pairing them with nonprofits for a half-year, full-time project, or a full-year, part-time project. Essentially, it’s like a paid internship. Freedman notes, “For those navigating their next steps, an Encore Fellowship provides an opportunity to apply their expertise in a new context, especially in the realm of social impact.”

Vijay Dhar: A Case Study in Purpose-Driven Work

Vijay Dhar, who began his career studying semiconductors in India, spent decades working for major companies, including Intel. At 66, he retired from his full-time role and pursued an Encore Fellowship. This experience led to the launch of Li-Bridge, a collaboration between profit and nonprofit sectors focusing on the domestic supply chain for lithium-based batteries. Now, at 70, Dhar is a full-time employee at Li-Bridge, contributing to what he describes as “mission-oriented innovation.” He collaborates with the Federal Consortium for Advanced Batteries (FCAB) and other industry leaders to help implement the national blueprint for lithium batteries by 2030. Dhar reflects, “The synergy between Encore Fellows, who bring extensive experience, and purpose-driven young professionals can forge effective paths forward. However, it requires a lot of dedication and coordination.”

2. The Path to Purpose

Modern Elder Academy, based in Baja, Mexico, has attracted over 3,700 participants to its classes, workshops, and retreats. While people of various ages attend, the majority are men in their 50s and 60s—ranging from CEOs and investment bankers to firefighters and small business owners. Founder and CEO Chip Conley explains that their programs, especially those centered on purpose and retirement, are popular among men navigating midlife transitions, which often involve not just career changes but also personal challenges like divorce, empty nests, or health issues. Conley observes, “These men are keen on cultivating their life wisdom and experience, something that men often lack the emotional support or social networks to do during significant life transitions.”

Bob Craig: From Corporate Life to Social Justice

After stepping down as CIO of a major Ohio law firm, Bob Craig feared losing his sense of identity. Seeking direction, he attended the “Leading from Your Essence” workshop at Modern Elder Academy. The experience was transformative, freeing him to explore who he truly is and what the future holds. “I’ve delved into meditation and even psychedelics,” Craig, now 63, shares. “While I’m uncertain of where this journey will lead, I’m drawn to the nonprofit sector and social justice work. Most importantly, I’ve found a community of curious, growth-minded individuals.”

3. Innovate and Make an Impact

The Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative (ALI) is among the most esteemed post-career programs available. Although it doesn’t grant a degree, this intensive one-year program is designed to help seasoned professionals tackle some of society’s most pressing issues. Similar programs are offered by Stanford, Notre Dame, and newly by the University of Chicago and Boston College. At Harvard, participants employ a framework known as “Person, Problem, Pathway” to innovate with impact.

Jonathan Drapkin: Embracing Lifelong Learning

Jonathan Drapkin, a 67-year-old former executive, is fully immersed in ALI’s core curriculum, auditing various graduate courses, and engaging with the 45 other participants. “The biggest challenge,” he notes, “is the constant exposure to new ideas and perspectives, which forces me to continually reassess what’s next for me.” On the flip side, Drapkin finds the most rewarding aspect to be the conversations with fellow participants, the career coaching provided by the program, and the friendships he’s forged during this phase of his life. His current focus is on helping high school students from low- to moderate-income backgrounds develop the life skills they need to reach their full potential.

Turning Transitions into New Beginnings

At Burke Recruiting Inc., we understand that career transitions can be daunting, but they also offer incredible opportunities for growth and reinvention. Whether you’re considering a midcareer change or are at the cusp of retirement, our team is here to help you navigate your next steps with confidence. Visit Burke Recruiting Inc. to learn more about how we can assist you in finding your next professional adventure.