Do you need any gentle job guidance? I have had a few messages this week asking for advice so let's do it here. Ask away and I'll put your Q&As here. I'm ready!!
For some reason the Substack wont allow me to answer all the questions but those I have have advice that may work for you all. And I asked rachel to send som tips ahead of her career change book coming out: This is from her. Good luck everyone.
From Rachel Schofield career coach:
I'd always recommend the "Squiggly Careers" podcast by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis who cover all kinds of career conundrums. You can search under particular topics related to career development like feedback, networking, becoming a manager, difficult colleagues etc
Stanford Decision Engineer and Coach Michelle Florendo has a great podcast on how to make big decisions - Ask a Decision Engineer. Good for the people saying should I or shouldn't I?!
Im 52 and in a job I mostly quite like (although a bit bored) , love the company and people. A great job has come up in another company which I’m considering but am terrified to apply. It will be demanding, some aspects I’ll need to learn and I’ll be starting again. Is the grass greener or at this stage in life should I stay where I’m mostly quite content with people I love? I feel I have another adventure in me but I have self confidence doubts and suffer from perimenopause brain fog. Any thoughts very welcome!!
I am almost 54, always enjoyed working, and now I find no purpose in my new role, I want to change, but I don’t know what to aim for, and I don’t know how to move, I might not have to move forward but backwards,.... but I still need an increase in my salary to cover all the expenses for my kids studying away from home. Thank-you so much for all your work, I am a big fan of yours
Gosh, this popped into my email at just the right time, Thankyou. I’m being offered a bigger more global role. It’s easy to be flattered, but what is your advice to weigh up the added responsibility and stress with an already busy workload?
Hi Lorraine, i am wanting to change career / industry but not sure where to start or what I really want to do. Are there any books you’d recommend to get started? Thank you
When I was building my consultancy business, you were Editor at Elle and building your app and we traded messages regarding several innovative designers and their approaches via Twitter, which was more of a tool in 2010. How do freelancers approach people in Senior positions now, with strong ideas and without being intrusive or inappropriate? How would you approach someone you do not know who you would like to work with/for? Hand written note?
I only just saw your Insta post but it really resonated. At mid 50s I so want to get into beauty writing. I did a small amount years ago but have no current experience except my social media and blog ( which I've written for 15 years). I know the beauty world well but no idea where to begin. It's hard trying to revive your dream career at this age but I'd love to. Appreciate any tips.
Am I a little late to the party? Throwing my question into the ring in case I’m not!
My question may echo a few others here: as someone looking to finally go for it as a writer. I’ve written copy for brands for years and writing has always been “my thing” but I’ve never shared ME / my voice. I’d love to write in my name (rather than as a ghost for a brand).
My question is whether it helps or hinders that I would love to write in a specific sector as someone new to editorial writing. Good or bad thing? Im trained in trauma-informed yoga, breathwork etc and passionate advocate for counter-cultural rest! My personal challenges (specifically anxiety) have lead me to study these subjects deeply.
Does all of that make my chances even slimmer? ie specialising as a wellness writer?
Im planning to shift my existing blog/newsletter over here this month so Substack will be my outlet for now!! (Making myself accountable by posting it here!!) x
Apologies for the length! After a number of years caring for my 3 children (3 in 4 years) I am keen to get back to some form of work and currently exploring different options. I am 54 & way back worked in luxury goods & cosmetic marketing. Whilst in the throes of toddler care, I started a children’s language learning accessories brand based on 2 bilingual dogs, my strength being the more creative & storytelling side. I realized that my weakness was a lack of business acumen & should have found a business partner, sadly I let it drop. We moved from France to North London for a couple of years and then back to France just before Covid. I had also started an upcycling artwork project which has been selected by a few gallery competitions and a radio interview. Unfortunately Brexit has complicated matters for potential sales, at least in the UK. I am now considering several options - reopening the doggie brand that can grow organically, pursuing my fledgling career as an artist and I am currently on a short foundation course in therapeutic skills to evaluate whether I would like to embark on a counselling degree! Parenting 3 teenagers is an intense & complex time; the need for intellectual fulfillment and empty nest a few years away, I’d like to make up some of my “lost” career time as well. Am going down to many different paths? What can I do to help me decide once and for all?
Hi Lorraine, I read your book last year and laughed from cover to cover - you nailed the raising a teenage daughter commentary so perfectly!
I am in desperate need of some career advice, I gave up work 16 years ago to raise my family of 3 wonderful kids and have enjoyed throwing myself into the various roles that stay at home mum encompasses, including all the voluntary committee roles, fundraising and kids club leader roles that often come hand in hand being technically unemployed.
As the kids grew up, I started my own successful dog walking business, which was going great until tragedy struck in late 2019 when my husband was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. We battled hard, but unfortunately the cancer spread and my amazing husband died in December 2021. I now find myself a single mum to 3 kids aged 10, 14 and 16, having left my career behind 16 years ago and now it feels like there is no way back to a professional life. While my husband was ill I indulged one of my passions and began writing a blog. Writing has saved me in so many ways and I’d love to make it my career. Do you have any advice for how I even begin to think about a career in writing? At 45, am I too late? Life has dealt us such a tragic blow but I’m still an optimist - surely there is a future and fulfilling career out there for me!
Thanks so much for this fab opportunity to get your advice!!
I am a late bloomer - got married at 35, first (and maybe only) kid at 38. Found a career I love at 39. I am struggling to find the right work life balance. When I am with my daughter I have serious work FOMO. When I am at work, I feel guilty she’s with the childminder. Plus I work full time four days a week so feel the enormous pressure to cram as much as I can into my working days. I don’t want to miss out on my daughter’s childhood but also don’t want to stagnate at work. What should I do?
Hello Lorraine, I’m 48 and having worked for many years in-house (in a job I enjoyed but with no career progression), I’ve now been freelance for a few years. While the flexibility is great and I’m happy to be more on hand for my son, I do find motivation a bit of an issue. Would you have any tips on avoiding stagnation, especially as I might want to go back into a full-time senior position at some point?
Hi I have recently resigned from my job as an EA to an extremely difficult non communicative person after virtually being told that I was doing an adequate job although no complaints whilst actually doing the role! It has knocked my confidence although I have been doing this as a job for over 20 years. I am now applying for new jobs and although I get told my CV is great I am not getting any follow up re applications - just not sure why!! Any advice e welcome, thanks
For some reason the Substack wont allow me to answer all the questions but those I have have advice that may work for you all. And I asked rachel to send som tips ahead of her career change book coming out: This is from her. Good luck everyone.
From Rachel Schofield career coach:
I'd always recommend the "Squiggly Careers" podcast by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis who cover all kinds of career conundrums. You can search under particular topics related to career development like feedback, networking, becoming a manager, difficult colleagues etc
https://www.amazingif.com/listen/
Stanford Decision Engineer and Coach Michelle Florendo has a great podcast on how to make big decisions - Ask a Decision Engineer. Good for the people saying should I or shouldn't I?!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-a-decision-engineer/id1463077926
Worklife with Adam Grant is another good one to go digging into particular work topics
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/worklife-with-adam-grant/id1346314086
HBR has a great podcast called "Women at Work" which is also helpful on specific challenges
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/women-at-work/id1336174427
maternity leave or career breaks, then Jessica Chivers is a great coach working in that space, with her podcast The Comeback Coach.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/comeback-coach/id1547105158
Thank you
Lorraine!!
Salute!
Im 52 and in a job I mostly quite like (although a bit bored) , love the company and people. A great job has come up in another company which I’m considering but am terrified to apply. It will be demanding, some aspects I’ll need to learn and I’ll be starting again. Is the grass greener or at this stage in life should I stay where I’m mostly quite content with people I love? I feel I have another adventure in me but I have self confidence doubts and suffer from perimenopause brain fog. Any thoughts very welcome!!
I am almost 54, always enjoyed working, and now I find no purpose in my new role, I want to change, but I don’t know what to aim for, and I don’t know how to move, I might not have to move forward but backwards,.... but I still need an increase in my salary to cover all the expenses for my kids studying away from home. Thank-you so much for all your work, I am a big fan of yours
Gosh, this popped into my email at just the right time, Thankyou. I’m being offered a bigger more global role. It’s easy to be flattered, but what is your advice to weigh up the added responsibility and stress with an already busy workload?
Hi Lorraine, i am wanting to change career / industry but not sure where to start or what I really want to do. Are there any books you’d recommend to get started? Thank you
When I was building my consultancy business, you were Editor at Elle and building your app and we traded messages regarding several innovative designers and their approaches via Twitter, which was more of a tool in 2010. How do freelancers approach people in Senior positions now, with strong ideas and without being intrusive or inappropriate? How would you approach someone you do not know who you would like to work with/for? Hand written note?
I just thought to ask something else. Under what circumstances did you meet. or you were referred to, great talent?
I only just saw your Insta post but it really resonated. At mid 50s I so want to get into beauty writing. I did a small amount years ago but have no current experience except my social media and blog ( which I've written for 15 years). I know the beauty world well but no idea where to begin. It's hard trying to revive your dream career at this age but I'd love to. Appreciate any tips.
Am I a little late to the party? Throwing my question into the ring in case I’m not!
My question may echo a few others here: as someone looking to finally go for it as a writer. I’ve written copy for brands for years and writing has always been “my thing” but I’ve never shared ME / my voice. I’d love to write in my name (rather than as a ghost for a brand).
My question is whether it helps or hinders that I would love to write in a specific sector as someone new to editorial writing. Good or bad thing? Im trained in trauma-informed yoga, breathwork etc and passionate advocate for counter-cultural rest! My personal challenges (specifically anxiety) have lead me to study these subjects deeply.
Does all of that make my chances even slimmer? ie specialising as a wellness writer?
Im planning to shift my existing blog/newsletter over here this month so Substack will be my outlet for now!! (Making myself accountable by posting it here!!) x
Apologies for the length! After a number of years caring for my 3 children (3 in 4 years) I am keen to get back to some form of work and currently exploring different options. I am 54 & way back worked in luxury goods & cosmetic marketing. Whilst in the throes of toddler care, I started a children’s language learning accessories brand based on 2 bilingual dogs, my strength being the more creative & storytelling side. I realized that my weakness was a lack of business acumen & should have found a business partner, sadly I let it drop. We moved from France to North London for a couple of years and then back to France just before Covid. I had also started an upcycling artwork project which has been selected by a few gallery competitions and a radio interview. Unfortunately Brexit has complicated matters for potential sales, at least in the UK. I am now considering several options - reopening the doggie brand that can grow organically, pursuing my fledgling career as an artist and I am currently on a short foundation course in therapeutic skills to evaluate whether I would like to embark on a counselling degree! Parenting 3 teenagers is an intense & complex time; the need for intellectual fulfillment and empty nest a few years away, I’d like to make up some of my “lost” career time as well. Am going down to many different paths? What can I do to help me decide once and for all?
Hi Lorraine, I read your book last year and laughed from cover to cover - you nailed the raising a teenage daughter commentary so perfectly!
I am in desperate need of some career advice, I gave up work 16 years ago to raise my family of 3 wonderful kids and have enjoyed throwing myself into the various roles that stay at home mum encompasses, including all the voluntary committee roles, fundraising and kids club leader roles that often come hand in hand being technically unemployed.
As the kids grew up, I started my own successful dog walking business, which was going great until tragedy struck in late 2019 when my husband was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. We battled hard, but unfortunately the cancer spread and my amazing husband died in December 2021. I now find myself a single mum to 3 kids aged 10, 14 and 16, having left my career behind 16 years ago and now it feels like there is no way back to a professional life. While my husband was ill I indulged one of my passions and began writing a blog. Writing has saved me in so many ways and I’d love to make it my career. Do you have any advice for how I even begin to think about a career in writing? At 45, am I too late? Life has dealt us such a tragic blow but I’m still an optimist - surely there is a future and fulfilling career out there for me!
Thanks so much for this fab opportunity to get your advice!!
Wendy x
I am a late bloomer - got married at 35, first (and maybe only) kid at 38. Found a career I love at 39. I am struggling to find the right work life balance. When I am with my daughter I have serious work FOMO. When I am at work, I feel guilty she’s with the childminder. Plus I work full time four days a week so feel the enormous pressure to cram as much as I can into my working days. I don’t want to miss out on my daughter’s childhood but also don’t want to stagnate at work. What should I do?
Hello Lorraine, I’m 48 and having worked for many years in-house (in a job I enjoyed but with no career progression), I’ve now been freelance for a few years. While the flexibility is great and I’m happy to be more on hand for my son, I do find motivation a bit of an issue. Would you have any tips on avoiding stagnation, especially as I might want to go back into a full-time senior position at some point?
Hi I have recently resigned from my job as an EA to an extremely difficult non communicative person after virtually being told that I was doing an adequate job although no complaints whilst actually doing the role! It has knocked my confidence although I have been doing this as a job for over 20 years. I am now applying for new jobs and although I get told my CV is great I am not getting any follow up re applications - just not sure why!! Any advice e welcome, thanks