Feeling Like You’re Starting Over
Switching careers at this stage feels a lot like trying to crack a nut with a spoon. Exciting? Sure. Overwhelming? Absolutely. Some days I feel like I’m moving forward; other days, it’s enough just to show up.
The Challenge Is Real
Making a career change later in life—or after a long break—comes with its own hurdles. Fear of the wrong move, learning new skills, and keeping pace with younger professionals can be exhausting. And yet, here I am, trying anyway.
Steps I’m Taking
I don’t have it all figured out, but these steps are helping me gain traction:
- Researching roles and industries that fit my strengths. I’m mapping where my skills meet opportunities, even if it takes time to find the right fit.
- Updating my resume and online presence. Tiny tweaks each week make a difference and help me feel more confident.
- Reaching out to mentors and contacts. Honest conversations bring clarity, encouragement, and sometimes a new perspective.
- Focusing on technical training. I’m building skills for remote roles—learning tools, software, and processes that will make me competitive.
- Starting small while seeking the right remote job. Temporary work, contract gigs, or volunteer projects keep momentum going and help me test interests without the pressure of perfection.
Lessons I’m Learning
Progress isn’t a straight line. Some days feel like tiny victories; other days, survival itself counts. Balancing training, job searching, and life feels messy—but each step forward, no matter how small, is proof that change is possible. Success isn’t speed—it’s persistence, curiosity, and the courage to keep trying.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re navigating a career change at this stage, know you’re not alone. Every small action—taking a course, sending an email, exploring a new path—adds up. Even when progress feels slow or uncertain, each step moves you closer to a role that fits your skills, life, and future. Eventually, the nut does crack.
Dear Resilient Reader,
What’s one small step you’ve taken recently toward a new path, skill, or goal? I’d love to hear about it in the comments—or feel free to just reflect silently. Every effort matters.
