Midlife Career Change – What’s Holding You Back?
- Heather Thompson
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
If you’re considering a midlife career change in Ireland, you’re far from alone. More people in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s are questioning the work they do — not because they’ve failed, but because they’ve evolved.
But let’s be honest — even when the desire for change is strong, the blockers can feel stronger. You might hear yourself thinking:
"I’m too old to start over."
"I’ve invested too much in this career."
"No one’s hiring at my age."
These thoughts are common — and the most powerful thing you can do is start separating fact from fiction.
Fact vs Belief: Get Clear on What’s Actually True
Facts are things you can prove.
Beliefs are interpretations, often shaped by fear, assumptions, or past experiences.
If you're telling yourself you're 'too old,' ask yourself: What evidence do I have to support this belief? More often than not, you’ll discover that this isn't a fact — it's a belief rooted in fear or self-doubt, rather than reality.
It's important to acknowledge that there are specific professions where age limits might apply — for example, certain roles in the armed forces, where there are clear cut-off points for entry. In those cases, yes, age may be a factor, and this would be considered a factual limitation.
However, for the vast majority of careers, there is no upper age limit. In fact, experience and a mature perspective can be invaluable assets. Many employers value the depth of knowledge and stability that comes with age. So, when faced with the belief that you're 'too old,' examine whether it’s a fear-driven assumption or whether it truly applies to your situation. Often, you'll find that your belief is more limiting than the actual facts.
The Real Blockers to Midlife Career Change
After identifying whether your blockers are facts or beliefs, it’s helpful to understand the common barriers that many people face when changing careers in midlife.
From my own work as a career coach, as well as insights from others in the field, there are common career change blockers that show up consistently for those wanting to career change:
Source: Schofield, R. (2023) The Career Change Guide: Five Steps to Finding Your Dream Job. 1st edn. London: Penguin Random House UK, p. 19.
But here’s the good news: these blockers are solvable. Not overnight, but step by step.
Once you've established whether your career change blockers are based on facts or internalised beliefs, you can begin to break them down.
Solutions are the antidote to facts, while a fresh perspective is the answer to beliefs.
For example, if you see money as a blocker, ask yourself: Is this a fact or just a belief? It’s possible that a career change could lead to higher earnings. However, if the change does involve a pay cut, could you create a financial plan to manage this? Where can you cut costs? Could a bridge job help maintain financial stability while you make the transition?
After you've identified and addressed your blockers, it's time to take action. The 5 Cs of Career Change provide a practical framework that can help you navigate the journey with clarity and confidence.
The 5 Cs of Career Change
Navigating a midlife career change can feel overwhelming. That's why it can be helpful to start to break down what it is we need to work on, to successfully career change in midlife.
The 5 Cs of Career Change are designed to guide you through the complex process of changing careers, creating a strong foundation that helps you move from uncertainty into action, and continues to support you throughout your entire career change process.
Clarity – Define what you actually want now (not what you used to want).
Many people struggle with career change because they're not clear on what they truly want. This step helps you to reconnect with your current passions, values, and goals, so you can make choices that align with who you are today — not who you were years ago.
Confidence – Rebuild your belief in your value and transferable skills.
Midlife career changers often doubt their skills or feel like they're starting from scratch. Confidence-building helps you recognise how much you’ve already learned and how your experience can be transferred to a new career or role.
Courage – Take action before you feel "ready".
Fear of the unknown can be a huge barrier. The truth is, you’ll rarely feel 100% ready. The courage to take action, even when you're uncertain, is the key to creating momentum and making progress toward the change you desire.
Curiosity – Stay open to new possibilities you may not have considered.
Career change often means stepping into uncharted territory. Curiosity encourages you to explore new industries, roles, or ways of working that you might never have considered. This mindset opens doors and reveals opportunities you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Commitment – Set goals, milestones, and follow through.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, and consistency is key. By committing to specific, measurable goals and regularly assessing your progress, you'll ensure that you stay on track and keep moving toward your new career.
These five pillars help you break down a seemingly overwhelming transition into manageable, clear steps. By focusing on these principles, you’ll be empowered to take control of your career change and move forward with confidence.
Career Change Coaching – A Framework That Works
My Career Crossroads Program is designed for professionals like you — smart, experienced, and ready for more meaningful work.
You’ll get personalised coaching, a clear strategy, and the accountability to move forward with confidence. No fluff. Just a practical path to a career you actually want.
Changing careers in midlife isn’t the end of your career story, or a step backwards or downwards. It’s a powerful new chapter — and it’s yours to write.
Need help taking the next step in your career journey? Book a no-pressure Discovery call chat: https://calendly.com/successcoachheather/discovery-call
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