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
As I have mentioned on this thread I am a fan of Rachel Schofield's work and her new book The Career Change Guide will be helpful to order. I think finding no purpose is bigger than just your job so it may be worth looking at what else is going on here for you?
I am about to put Rachel's notes in a comment here for everyone.
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 would do this myself on Instagram - which is where most of my creatives are that I need now. And indeed have met many CEOs through this whom I didn't know before. Letters still work I think but not so much for print media who rely entirely on email so via assistants or representatives. We use email for all lour podcast approaches and we are offered many good contacts as well. Linkedin can be useful too for more business orientated.
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.
Hi Diane, keep writing is always my advice to writers. Identify the places you want your work to appear but bear in mind traditional print media already have a list of beauty writers they use so perhaps look wider than that as they will be hard to break into - they also need to use staff for budget reasons. Perhaps work with PRs on their brands - writing about beauty there or look for online outlets and offer work to them - it wont be easy but do keep doing your blog and sharing that and working on what you feel your reader wants and what is useful for them. And perhaps work out what your USP is compared to all the other beauty writers out there. I think some one like Laura Kennedy is good to follow on social media as her beauty work is great and very much about her, she has a USP so what is yourss? Good luck
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 Essjay, good question! I fear you are not focussed clearly on what you want to do - it feels as if you are indeed aiming to do too much and haven't broken it down or sorted a timeline that can be loosely followed. You will also need 'restorative' space between all this when you can do nothing and your mind can wander. Personally I have found keeping a diary has focussed me on what next. It becomes clear when you write things down and look back on them exactly what you enjoy and there is where your next step probably lays. Also I note a lot of anticipating what you may feel - this may be a waste of energy, I would focus on the now more. And perhaps frame your language about yourself more positively - it hasn't been a 'lost' career you have been focussing on parenting and things have happened out of your control. More positivity may be helpful for you - have a look at therapist Donna Lancasters work as it helps women focus on what they enjoy emotionally. Check out Women Returners website too for practical help and also Rachel Schofields work as I mention in another answer.
Thank you for your feedback. You have picked up on quite a few things. Your advice is also congruent with my thoughts and it can be so helpful to hear another person rephrase your own concerns! Have a lovely week.
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!!
Hi Wendy, Thank you for sharing your story, you sound like a fantastic mum. I am so sorry for your loss. If you wanted any support around grief I am sure you know of the work of Julia Samuel MBE whose books are incredibly helpful.
On writing: Cathy Rentzenbrink"s book "write it all down' is amazing for budding writers. She is a best selling author. Tanya Shadrick also runs courses online too. Both are very good on Instgram where they give tutorials and so does the writer Clover Stroud. Follow Farrah Storr on here too. The popular novelist Amanda Prowse who cam on our Podcast Postcards From Midlife last year didn't start until she was 45, she is now extremely wealthy and happy as a novelist so perhaps listen to that interview.
I would say however it is quite hard to make a generous living out of writing at first so brace yourself. I would start a newsletter here perhaps and certainly keep writing, it is the only way to start is by starting with writing. I hope that helps. I am sure everyone on this thread will support you too!
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?
Ok this feels very personal for me - I recognise all those feelings and feel for you too, you are doing your best as a mum and an employee and it is hard to balance both, but there is no 'right' way of doing this. Some things that helped me when I was your age with 3 children and a full time role was to look at the non-negotiables. You cannot be at work or home all the time so identify during your work day and your 'mum; days exactly makes you happy and gives you joy. For me it was bed time so I asked my bosses about an earlier leave time and showed them how I would make up that time so i could do bed time. It can be big or small but think about what you can change to lessen your worry of not being at home or at work enough (this feels proactive too). There may be small changes you can ask for or achieve which you dream of but have not actively sort to make. I also started to look at the story I was telling myself in my mind, my thoughts were not facts. They were thoughts and I could ignore them if I chose too. I knew my children/babies were happy with their care at home without me so I focussed on thinking more positively about the situation - it may be society is telling you you should feel guilty but you do not have to feel guilt so ignore that thought. Take a step back and go through what your achievements (not failures) have been. Pick work projects to focus on and do well in - delegate, drop the others, don't take on too much focus on the stuff you can do well in. There is no balance - work & home just is. Go into it with more positivity. You know you can be the mum/employee you want to be but focus on where you are getting it right in your mind. Also make sure at home you are 'officially' supported. My partner was doing much less than me because we had not agreed or defined the roles - we wrote it down in the end so it was shared as equally as it was realistic to do. Be mindful that when you are home you turn the phone off. You switch off and that you have time between work and home to do that as well. I found a walk round the block before coming into the house helped. And I made time for some things that I needed - exercise, reading without guilt and it made me more patient as a person, a calmer mum. I was present when I was in the room. Also you will never feel as if you are getting it right so accept that any expectations and plans are not likely to be met because this is a messy, constantly changing time and trying to be everything to everyone is not possible. Do not compare yourself to others either, that way madness lies. Nothing I read, no books or features gave me the advice i needed on this because you have to find the peace within around it. Relaxing and not panicking helps, realising that it takes a village to raise a child is a good mantra and that it does all turn out well in the end because if you are happy, they are happy.
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?
Motivation is hard as a freelancer and I have had to learn it in the last 3 years working on the podcast and on a book. I find writing a plan for the week helps and sticking to it and also keeping a daily journal - notes of thoughts. I find a lot of inspiration on Instagram with experts like Mel Robbins, Phillippa Perry (her agony aunt pages in The Observer often tackle stagnation of life and we had her on the podcast talking about it specifically: Postcards From Midlife), Ada Calhoun's book about midlife is filled with ideas too. Identifying a role you may like and working to that or adapting the role you have to work better for you in agreement with those you work for is a good start, the Website Women Returners often has advice too on this.
Thank you Lorraine for these great tips. I used to write a list for the week in my previous job, so not sure why I haven’t continued but will restart! It helps with motivation to cross things off…
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
We hear this a lot among our private Facebook community for our midlife podcast: it can knock your confidence if the exact role you want is not available or your CV isn't getting you through the door. Perhaps you are selling your skills and not your personality? Maybe the balance is out? There are some personality tests online you could do and make more of that on your CV. Are you looking in the right places for your job - it could be worth widening the search. Have a look - you may be doing this - into different groups on LinkedIn. And my colleague trish write this on the women returners site which may help: https://womenreturners.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Features_-Hot-Topic-_-Midlife-Career-Reboot-Trish-Halpin-v2_pdf_spread_1.pdf
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!
Salute to my favourite agony aunt ever!
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
Hi Ana,
As I have mentioned on this thread I am a fan of Rachel Schofield's work and her new book The Career Change Guide will be helpful to order. I think finding no purpose is bigger than just your job so it may be worth looking at what else is going on here for you?
I am about to put Rachel's notes in a comment here for everyone.
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 would do this myself on Instagram - which is where most of my creatives are that I need now. And indeed have met many CEOs through this whom I didn't know before. Letters still work I think but not so much for print media who rely entirely on email so via assistants or representatives. We use email for all lour podcast approaches and we are offered many good contacts as well. Linkedin can be useful too for more business orientated.
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.
Hi Diane, keep writing is always my advice to writers. Identify the places you want your work to appear but bear in mind traditional print media already have a list of beauty writers they use so perhaps look wider than that as they will be hard to break into - they also need to use staff for budget reasons. Perhaps work with PRs on their brands - writing about beauty there or look for online outlets and offer work to them - it wont be easy but do keep doing your blog and sharing that and working on what you feel your reader wants and what is useful for them. And perhaps work out what your USP is compared to all the other beauty writers out there. I think some one like Laura Kennedy is good to follow on social media as her beauty work is great and very much about her, she has a USP so what is yourss? Good luck
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 Essjay, good question! I fear you are not focussed clearly on what you want to do - it feels as if you are indeed aiming to do too much and haven't broken it down or sorted a timeline that can be loosely followed. You will also need 'restorative' space between all this when you can do nothing and your mind can wander. Personally I have found keeping a diary has focussed me on what next. It becomes clear when you write things down and look back on them exactly what you enjoy and there is where your next step probably lays. Also I note a lot of anticipating what you may feel - this may be a waste of energy, I would focus on the now more. And perhaps frame your language about yourself more positively - it hasn't been a 'lost' career you have been focussing on parenting and things have happened out of your control. More positivity may be helpful for you - have a look at therapist Donna Lancasters work as it helps women focus on what they enjoy emotionally. Check out Women Returners website too for practical help and also Rachel Schofields work as I mention in another answer.
Thank you for your feedback. You have picked up on quite a few things. Your advice is also congruent with my thoughts and it can be so helpful to hear another person rephrase your own concerns! Have a lovely week.
check out www.theworkhappyproject.co.uk - Kath Tiddy really helped me work all of the above out! She's brilliant.
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
Hi Wendy, Thank you for sharing your story, you sound like a fantastic mum. I am so sorry for your loss. If you wanted any support around grief I am sure you know of the work of Julia Samuel MBE whose books are incredibly helpful.
On writing: Cathy Rentzenbrink"s book "write it all down' is amazing for budding writers. She is a best selling author. Tanya Shadrick also runs courses online too. Both are very good on Instgram where they give tutorials and so does the writer Clover Stroud. Follow Farrah Storr on here too. The popular novelist Amanda Prowse who cam on our Podcast Postcards From Midlife last year didn't start until she was 45, she is now extremely wealthy and happy as a novelist so perhaps listen to that interview.
I would say however it is quite hard to make a generous living out of writing at first so brace yourself. I would start a newsletter here perhaps and certainly keep writing, it is the only way to start is by starting with writing. I hope that helps. I am sure everyone on this thread will support you too!
Thank you Lorraine, so many wonderful ideas for me to explore! Can’t wait to get stuck in! 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?
Ok this feels very personal for me - I recognise all those feelings and feel for you too, you are doing your best as a mum and an employee and it is hard to balance both, but there is no 'right' way of doing this. Some things that helped me when I was your age with 3 children and a full time role was to look at the non-negotiables. You cannot be at work or home all the time so identify during your work day and your 'mum; days exactly makes you happy and gives you joy. For me it was bed time so I asked my bosses about an earlier leave time and showed them how I would make up that time so i could do bed time. It can be big or small but think about what you can change to lessen your worry of not being at home or at work enough (this feels proactive too). There may be small changes you can ask for or achieve which you dream of but have not actively sort to make. I also started to look at the story I was telling myself in my mind, my thoughts were not facts. They were thoughts and I could ignore them if I chose too. I knew my children/babies were happy with their care at home without me so I focussed on thinking more positively about the situation - it may be society is telling you you should feel guilty but you do not have to feel guilt so ignore that thought. Take a step back and go through what your achievements (not failures) have been. Pick work projects to focus on and do well in - delegate, drop the others, don't take on too much focus on the stuff you can do well in. There is no balance - work & home just is. Go into it with more positivity. You know you can be the mum/employee you want to be but focus on where you are getting it right in your mind. Also make sure at home you are 'officially' supported. My partner was doing much less than me because we had not agreed or defined the roles - we wrote it down in the end so it was shared as equally as it was realistic to do. Be mindful that when you are home you turn the phone off. You switch off and that you have time between work and home to do that as well. I found a walk round the block before coming into the house helped. And I made time for some things that I needed - exercise, reading without guilt and it made me more patient as a person, a calmer mum. I was present when I was in the room. Also you will never feel as if you are getting it right so accept that any expectations and plans are not likely to be met because this is a messy, constantly changing time and trying to be everything to everyone is not possible. Do not compare yourself to others either, that way madness lies. Nothing I read, no books or features gave me the advice i needed on this because you have to find the peace within around it. Relaxing and not panicking helps, realising that it takes a village to raise a child is a good mantra and that it does all turn out well in the end because if you are happy, they are happy.
Thank you so much Lorraine. Every single word resonated with me - no one has articulated this so perfectly and clearly before. ❤️
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?
Motivation is hard as a freelancer and I have had to learn it in the last 3 years working on the podcast and on a book. I find writing a plan for the week helps and sticking to it and also keeping a daily journal - notes of thoughts. I find a lot of inspiration on Instagram with experts like Mel Robbins, Phillippa Perry (her agony aunt pages in The Observer often tackle stagnation of life and we had her on the podcast talking about it specifically: Postcards From Midlife), Ada Calhoun's book about midlife is filled with ideas too. Identifying a role you may like and working to that or adapting the role you have to work better for you in agreement with those you work for is a good start, the Website Women Returners often has advice too on this.
Thank you Lorraine for these great tips. I used to write a list for the week in my previous job, so not sure why I haven’t continued but will restart! It helps with motivation to cross things off…
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
We hear this a lot among our private Facebook community for our midlife podcast: it can knock your confidence if the exact role you want is not available or your CV isn't getting you through the door. Perhaps you are selling your skills and not your personality? Maybe the balance is out? There are some personality tests online you could do and make more of that on your CV. Are you looking in the right places for your job - it could be worth widening the search. Have a look - you may be doing this - into different groups on LinkedIn. And my colleague trish write this on the women returners site which may help: https://womenreturners.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Features_-Hot-Topic-_-Midlife-Career-Reboot-Trish-Halpin-v2_pdf_spread_1.pdf